0.3 m² /lt @ 3mm thickness
Lab-metal is thermally conductive, but not electrically conductive. The filler in Lab-metal, aluminium powder, is atomized in the molten state when made. As the powder cools, an oxide coating forms on each particle, creating an electrical conductivity resistance. However, Lab-metal should not be regarded as an electrical insulator.
Lab-metal has been successfully feather-edged by classic auto restorers for many years. Feather-edging techniques include smoothing Lab-metal with an applicator that has been moistened with Alvin Products' Lab-solvent.
An end-user reports that he has been using Lab-metal and plating over the repair for more than 40 years. To electroplate Lab-metal, sand the fully hardened Lab-metal immediately prior to putting it into the copper plating bath.
When completely hardened, Lab-metal is not affected by petroleum-based oils or gasoline. Chemical solvents such as acetone and MEK will soften hardened Lab-metal.
Yes. Lab-metal will accept ground during coating. Powder coating of cast metal parts is a rapidly growing process due to environmental problems with solvent based coatings. The powder coating process normally requires the exposure of the metal part to temperatures in the range of 200ºC to 218ºC. Although these temperatures exceed Lab-metal's maximum recommended exposure temperature of 218ºC, because the time in the oven is normally less than 20 minutes, regular Lab-metal is being used very successfully in this process. Hi-Temp Lab-metal has also been proven in the powder coating process.
This will affect the adhesion and the physical properties of the product, and ‘outgassing’ is likely to occur.
No. Lab-metal is not intended to be used as an adhesive. Because it hardens by exposure to air, it will not dry when ‘sandwiched’ between two parts.
Lab-metal -- two years in the factory-sealed containers. Hi-Temp Lab-metal -- one year in the factory-sealed containers.
Please note: you may extend the shelf life by adding a small amount of Lab-solvent to the remaining contents of the container after each use. This will prevent the product from hardening in the can. (Remember, these are air-dry products).
Many of our products contain solvent and are therefore classified (for air freight) as 'flammable materials'. It is cost-prohibitive to ship our products by air because of the hazardous material surcharges imposed by the freight carriers.
We welcome specific application questions. However, while the answers are as informative as possible, based on our own testing and experience, the user is given no guarantees about the suitability of the product for his or her application. The user should always test the application to determine suitability of the product.