Notes on Using Epoxy Resins for High Power Rocketry

High Temperature Epoxy

At One Way Rocketry, we always recommend having a high temperature epoxy for cementing motor mounts and retainers. Anything at the aft end of the ship should use a high-temperature epoxy, and probably a high-temperature paint.

While there are many options, a commonly available choice is J-B Weld® Original Cold-Weld™ Epoxy. It combines the holding power of epoxy with the durability of steel. With four to six hours of workable time, it boasts a strength rating of over 5000 psi, which is double the usual strength of clear, five minute epoxies. It will make an amazing epoxy joint anywhere you care to use it, even for the entire ship if you have the patience.

Most importantly, original “J-B Weld” can withstand temperatures up to 550ºF when fully cured. That pretty much covers all non-catastrophic HPR launches.