Notes on Using Epoxy Resins for High Power Rocketry

Measurement

It is critical that the two-part epoxy systems be added in the specified volumetric amounts. The dual-port syringe kits commonly sold are a very convenient and accurate method of disbursement of those 1:1 ratio epoxy systems commonly sold at hardware stores.

When using very small amounts, we tend to use gram scales to ensure a similar amount is mixed. Equal volume, however, does not necessarily mean equal weight, so be aware the limitations of weighing the parts.

Metered pumps are the best overall method for epoxy mixing. West Systems supplies pumps made for their specific kits, and are highly recommended. They don’t use the usual 1:1 mix, so having their pumps is perfect. The minimum for any one use would be one full pump of each part, but usually that is the minimum you would want anyhow. Little cups for dentistry make good single-use mixing cups. Use your imagination and re-purpose things to use for mixing your epoxy.

Large bore syringes are also excellent for measuring, but it would be better to have one syringe per part of the epoxy, rather than to measure each part with the same syringe. While syringes can be cleaned with acetone to remove mixed epoxy, this only works before the epoxy cures, and can ruin a syringe.

Epoxy Systems Required for High Power Rocketry

We hope to have properly scared you with respect to the health and safety of raw epoxy materials. It is not healthy to breathe the fumes, no matter what. Having said that, we have found a few, commonly-available epoxy “systems” that we believe in, and use regularly, and are happy to recommend to you.

At One Way Rocketry, we believe at a minimum, every High Power Rocketry Engineer should have on hand a good supply of the following epoxy types:

• 5 Minute Epoxy
• 30-60 Minute “Extra Time” Epoxy
• High Temperature Epoxy

More optionally, we recommend:

• Epoxy Putty
• 2-Part Structural Foam
• Cyanoacrylate