Finding the right quantity of resin to use in an epoxy project might be difficult if you don’t have an epoxy calculator. Using this calculator, you will be able to establish the precise amount of resin that will be required for your project, as well as get a rough idea of how much it will cost.
To help you determine how much epoxy resin you’ll need for your next project, we’ll discuss epoxy resin, go through the various types of epoxy resin, and demonstrate how to use an epoxy calculator.
Epoxy calculator: What is epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin is well-known for having strong adhesive properties, making it a versatile substance used across various sectors. When combined with the hardener in a 2:1 ratio, epoxy resin transforms from a liquid glue into a solid. Coating, laminating and infusing various materials with it yield strength, durability, and waterproofing, although the process usually takes a few days.
It forms strong bindings with various substrates, including metals, plastics, porcelain, ceramics, hardwood, and rubber. However, you must ensure that the surface is adequately cleaned since epoxy does not appreciate working on oily surfaces.
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Epoxy calculator: Types of epoxy resin
When looking for a suitable epoxy resin, it is essential to remember that two different types are primarily available.
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Heat-cured epoxies
Heat-cured epoxy resins have various industrial uses, but they are seldom used in construction due to their high curing temperature requirements. Even epoxy resins that cure at the lowest possible temperature must be subjected to temperatures that are greater than 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of its incredible durability, heat-cured epoxy resin is utilised in many options, from electrical parts and medical equipment to infrared observatories and ballistic warning systems.
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Two-part epoxies
Two-part epoxies have a separate container for each of the two halves of the chemical process. The combination of the hardener and the resin (often referred to as the “steel”) takes up to 24 hours to cure and harden from a viscous liquid to a paste and then a completely cured and hardened solid.
Two-part epoxies, like their heat-cured equivalents, find widespread industrial applications. In construction, they are used for various purposes, such as anchoring ornamental mouldings in place, affixing countertops to substrates, and connecting concrete components to one another and elements constructed of other materials (such as concrete, stone, or metal).
Epoxy calculator: General guidelines for epoxy coverage
You may use a standard formula to determine the appropriate amount of epoxy. Twelve square feet may be coated with a 1/8-inch layer using one gallon of epoxy coating (one-gallon resin plus one half-gallon hardener). However, this is not guaranteed, and you should always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure.
Always keep additional resin at reserve than you think you’ll need. Epoxy is expensive, so if you run out, you’ll have to scrape the initial pour and redo the entire thing. There will be an increase in both time and money spent if you do this.
Epoxy calculator: How to use it?
Finding out how much epoxy you’ll need to cover your surface is easy with the help of the epoxy calculator. The following options are included in all epoxy calculators:
- To begin, you will need to choose the desired thickness of the epoxy resin coating that you will apply. Enter the desired amount in the “Quantity of Epoxy Coating” field.
- The next step is to choose the layout and proportions of the surface you will be working on.
- Choose whether your surface is shaped like a rectangle or a circle
- In the “Length” field, enter the surface length, for example, 34 inches.
- Enter the breadth of the surface you are working on, for example, 25 inches.
- If you choose a circular surface form, you will need to know the diameter of the surface.
- After you have entered all of the information listed above, you will be given the amount of epoxy resin required for your surface, considering the size and shape of the project.
Epoxy calculator: Is it absolutely accurate?
If you’re trying to estimate how much epoxy you’ll need, an epoxy calculator is an excellent place to start, but remember that many unknowns might affect the final number. The quantity of resin required will increase if you have a porous surface that needs sealing. More epoxy will be required if you plan on letting it overrun rather than restricting the adhesive. To compensate for the epoxy that inevitably remains on the stir stick, in the cup’s bottom corners, and unintentional drips, it is recommended that an additional 5-10% be added to most epoxy applications.
Epoxy calculator: Choosing an epoxy resin
Before settling on a particular epoxy resin, the following considerations need to be given due diligence.
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Measuring strength
Keep a close eye on compressive strength if you’re anxious about the epoxy’s ability to withstand direct compressive pressure or the force exerted when crushed equally on both ends. This is determined by applying a certain amount of pressure in grams per square inch from above and below the epoxy and recording the resulting deformation. Pay more attention to the flexural strength of the bonded materials if you are primarily worried about the ability of the materials to bend without breaking. The tensile strength of the bonded materials should be your first consideration if you want to ensure that they will not be torn apart.
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Curing times
The time needed for curing varies across different types of two-part epoxies. The time it takes the glue to set is referred to as its “pot life” or “work time.” As a rule, shorter pot life is acceptable for shorter tasks. Tasks that need more accuracy and where modifications may be necessary benefit from a longer allotted time in the workshop since this provides more buffer for fixing any errors that may arise. The curing time for epoxies increases with their strength.
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Viscosity
The ease with which a substance may be moved about is referred to as the material’s viscosity. Molasses has a low viscosity in comparison to water’s high viscosity. If you are worried that the glue may leak while it is curing, you should go for one with a high viscosity, which means it is not very flowing.
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Water resistance
While fully cured, epoxies are typically watertight; however, certain formulations have been engineered so that they can harden even when in contact with water. Select an adhesive that is made specifically for the job if you are going to be fixing a hole in a tank or a connection between pipes that is leaking.
FAQs
Is epoxy resistant to scratches?
It is not easily damaged by corrosive substances, stains, fractures, or scratches. In addition, it is an excellent option for locations that use heavy machinery because, in addition to everything else, it is extremely durable.
How much epoxy should be bought?
A simple estimate of volume is all that is required to establish the quantity of epoxy that will be required. After you have determined the extent of the pour, its depth, and its average breadth, you can easily convert this information to litres by doing a simple multiplication.