FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

I reviewed the product literature but I’m still not sure if the product I’ve selected will work in my application?

Easy! Simply call us and we will direct you to one of our chemists in our Technical Service Department. You can discuss your application with them and they can recommend the correct product to order.

Can I get a sample of the product I am interested in?
Of course, we can send a sample of the product at no charge but we ask that you cover the cost of shipping. Simply provide your UPS account, FedEx account, or credit card information to cover the shipping.
Will you accept my order even if it is only for a small amount?

Absolutely! Our minimum order requirement is only $25.00.

How do I place my order?

You may order by telephone (609) 395-1966, fax (609) 395-9006 or email . You may also purchase our adhesive, UV light sources, fiber optic or gelatin products off our website (click on the highlighted product name to the left to purchase). Use whichever method is convenient for you.

How can I obtain a Safety Data Sheet and/or a Certificate of Compliance?

You can immediately get an SDS from our website or you can request one when placing your order. For a Certificate of Compliance, simply request this at the time you place your order.

How do I pay for my order?

We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express credit cards. Our customers in the United States and Canada can apply for an open Net 30 account with us. Be sure to request our Credit Application when you place your order.

When will you ship my order?

Most orders ship within 24 hours. While FedEx is our preferred carrier, we will ship your order with any carrier you request. We can add the freight charges to your invoice or should you have an account with the carrier, we will advise them to bill your account directly.

What if there’s a problem with my order?

While we strive for 100% accuracy in service, should you find that you received a product that was not correct, simply call us and we will make arrangements to have the product returned to us and promptly replaced with the correct item. For any other issue, contact our Customer Service Department.

Adhesive Frequently Asked Questions

What happens as the adhesive ages?

As the adhesive ages, it increase in viscosity a bit but still fully cures and it has its full bond strength.

What is the estimated shrinkage of the adhesive?

1.5% Linear 4% Volumetric

Is it possible to dilute the adhesives?

Our adhesives can be thinned by adding a reagent grade acetone. The least amount possible should be added and we recommend less than 15% dilution.

Are there Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)’s in the adhesives?

There are no VOC’s or solvents in our adhesives. Outgassing is sensitizers and stabilizers used in their manufacture.

What is the thermal conductivity of the adhesives?

0.17 Watts/Meter/Degrees C) . They become an inert plastic when fully
cured and act as an insulator.

Can the liquid adhesives be used in a vacuum?

If it is before curing, the vacuum will draw off the UV sensitizers and stabilizers from the liquid adhesive. It can cause the adhesives not to cure and cause bond failure.

How is the Shore D measured for the adhesives?

Shore D was measured with thickness ~ 6 mm. The film was made with a very strong UV lamp with 365 nm maxima ranging from 250-390 nm for 45 – 60 s. The estimate power intensity at 320-390 nm 200 mW/cm2.

What happens to adhesives about their recommended temperature limit?

Adhesives will discolor and lose transmission

What is the thickness of the adhesive for the Transmission Curves on the TDS?

1 mil (.001 inch)

Fish Gelatin Frequently Asked Questions

What solvents will dissolve the Fish Glue or HiPure Gelatin?

Water is the only solvent for dissolving or softening them.

How fast will the Fish Glue or HiPure Gelatin dissolve in water?

The speed that the glue/gelatin dissolves or softens in water depends upon the water temperature and the amount of agitation. The warmer the water and more agitation the faster the coating or bond will dissolve.

Why does my glue/gelatin coating always seem sticky after drying?
If you’re testing dryness with your fingertip, the moisture on the end of your finger is making the coating feel tacky.  Instead, test the dryness of the coating with your knuckle.
Why is my glue/gelatin coating still jelly-like in the center even though it was heated at 70°C for 12 hours?
The coating is most likely too thick and being dried at too high a temperature.  The high temperature has dried the surface of the coating and is not allowing the moisture in the center to evaporate.  You may need to dry a thinner coating and then apply a second coat.  A lower temperature of 50°C will also benefit your drying process.  This is a water based adhesive and obtains full strength when the water either evaporates or disperses into a porous surface such as wood.  You can bond metal to wood but not metal to metal since the water is unable to evaporate or disperse.