Resins and compounds are used for shape fabrication or bond formation. They are supplied as pellets, liquid resins, bulk molding compounds, and other unfinished materials.

Types of Resins and Compounds

Elastomers and rubber materials are characterized by their high degree of flexibility and elasticity (high reversible elongation). They are based on a variety of different systems, including silicone, polyurethane, chloroprene, butyl, polybutadiene, neoprene, natural rubber or isoprene, and other synthetic rubber or compounds. 

Composite compounds are types of resins made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. One of these constituents is generally a strengthening phase, reinforcement fibers, toughening phase, or other specialty fillers that provide unique properties.

Thermoplastics are polymers that turn to liquid when heated and turn solid when cooled. They can be repeatedly remelted and remolded, allowing parts and scraps to be reprocessed. In most cases they are also very recyclable.

Thermosets or thermosetting plastics are polymer materials that have been irreversibly cured. They are generally stronger than thermoplastics due to polymer cross-linking and are better suited for high-temperature applications (below their decomposition points). They tend to be more brittle than thermoplastics and many cannot be recycled due to irreversibility. 

Product Categories

Adhesive Resins and Casting Resins - Adhesive resins are organic or inorganic compounds that are used to join components together. They require clean surfaces that are compatible with the adhesive. Casting resins are plastic or elastomer compounds that are used to cast parts, molds, or form a structure in place. Casting compounds usually consist of a two-part (A+B) system that is placed into open molds or forms.

Caulk and grout have a low viscosity that allows the pumping of the material into joints or cracks to seal or repair. Caulk typically consists of a flexible material. Grout is usually based on thin-set inorganic mortars.

Leveling resins and filling compounds are highly viscous materials that are applied with a trowel to provide thick glue lines with gap-sealing properties. Floor leveling resins, liquid shims, and chocking compounds are used to horizontally align and set machine tools, compressors, engines, pumps, and other machinery. Surface fillers, fairing compounds, mastics, and repair compounds are used to fill large cavities and provide a smooth surface.

Sealants and thread locker resins and compounds are also available. Sealants are liquid compounds that are used to fill gaps between seams, to contain fluids, prevent leaks, and prevent infiltration of unwanted materials. Higher viscosity sealants are used when larger gaps need to be filled. Thread locker resins and compounds are a type of adhesive that are subject to transverse axial loads against vibrational loosening. This type of compound can reduce production costs and improve reliability by eliminating lock washers and other expensive locking devices.

Thread locker resins and compounds preserve on-torque and distribute the load over the entire engagement length of the fastener, which effectively eliminates premature material fatigue and fastener failure. Other types of resins and compounds are also available.

Image credit:

Ellsworth Adhesives