1. Product Overview
The 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive 08116 is a high-performance, two-part epoxy adhesive designed for bonding replacement automotive body panels. This product is formulated to provide excellent adhesion to a wide variety of plastic and metal substrates, including steel, aluminum, SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), and FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). It offers an extended work-time or can be rapidly cured with heat, making it versatile for various repair scenarios. The adhesive incorporates glass bead technology to prevent overclamping and ensure a consistent minimum bond line thickness.
Key Features:
- Professional Grade: Recommended by many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
- Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive: Provides extended work-time or can be rapidly cured with heat.
- Excellent Adhesion: Suitable for use on a wide variety of plastic and metal substrates.
- Multiple Uses: Bonds door skins, roof skins, quarter panels, box sides, and bumper covers.
- Glass Bead Technology: Protects against overclamping and maintains a minimum bond line thickness.
- Nozzles Included: Comes with two static mixing nozzles for easy application.
Figure 1: 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive 08116 cartridge with static mixing nozzles.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: This product is intended for industrial/occupational use only. It is not for consumer sale or use. Misuse of this product may result in injury, sickness, death, or property damage. Always consult your on-site safety professional, industrial hygienist, or other subject matter expert for product selection and use.
DANGER: Causes eye, skin, and digestive tract burns. May be harmful if swallowed. May be harmful if absorbed through skin. May be harmful if inhaled. May cause allergic skin reaction. Read carefully all other cautions on the side/back panel of the product before use.
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory protection, when handling and applying this adhesive. Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.
3. Setup
3.1 Required Tools and Materials:
- 3M Panel Bonding Adhesive 08116 cartridge
- Applicator gun (compatible with two-part cartridges)
- Static mixing nozzles (two included with product)
- Surface cleaner/degreaser
- Abrasive material (e.g., sandpaper, sanding disc) for surface preparation
- Clamps or other holding devices
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): safety glasses, gloves, respirator
3.2 Preparing the Cartridge:
- Remove the retaining cap from the adhesive cartridge.
- Insert the cartridge into a compatible two-part applicator gun.
- Dispense a small amount of adhesive (approximately 1-2 inches) onto a disposable surface to ensure both components are flowing evenly and mixed correctly. This step is crucial for proper curing.
- Attach a static mixing nozzle securely to the cartridge.
Figure 2: Close-up of the cartridge with mixing nozzle attached.
Video 1: Product Overview - Demonstrates cartridge preparation and nozzle attachment.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Surface Preparation:
Proper surface preparation is critical for optimal adhesion. Ensure all bonding surfaces are clean, dry, and free from oil, grease, wax, rust, paint, and other contaminants. Use an appropriate abrasive material to abrade the surfaces to be bonded, then clean thoroughly with a suitable surface cleaner/degreaser. Allow the cleaner to flash off completely before applying adhesive.
4.2 Adhesive Application:
- After preparing the cartridge and nozzle (as per Section 3.2), apply a continuous bead of adhesive to one of the prepared bonding surfaces. The glass bead technology ensures a consistent bond line thickness, typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
- Immediately join the two panels together.
- Secure the panels with clamps or other holding devices to maintain firm contact during the curing process.
Figure 3: Applying the adhesive to a panel.
Video 2: Panel Adhesive Application - Shows the process of applying panel adhesive to metal surfaces.
4.3 Cure Times:
- Handling/Work Time: Approximately 90 minutes. This is the time available to position and clamp the panels after adhesive application.
- Full Cure Time: 24 hours at room temperature. Cure time can be accelerated with heat.
Figure 4: Two-part epoxy adhesive provides extended work-time or can be rapidly cured with heat.
5. Maintenance
After use, leave the static mixing nozzle attached to the cartridge. The adhesive inside the nozzle will cure, sealing the cartridge and preventing the remaining adhesive from curing. When ready to use again, simply remove the old, cured nozzle and attach a new one. Store the cartridge in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
6. Troubleshooting
- Poor Adhesion: Ensure surfaces were properly prepared (cleaned, abraded, degreased). Verify that the adhesive components were thoroughly mixed by dispensing an initial bead before applying to the workpiece.
- Incomplete Cure: Check ambient temperature; lower temperatures will extend cure time. Ensure proper mixing of the two components. Applying heat can accelerate the cure.
- Uneven Bond Line: Confirm that the glass bead technology is functioning by ensuring the correct nozzle is used and panels are not excessively clamped, which could crush the beads.
7. Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches; 11.22 ounces
- Item Model Number: 08116
- Manufacturer: 3M
- Brand: 3M
- Specific Uses For Product: Repair
- Material Compatibility: Plastic, Steel, Aluminum, SMC, FRP
- Item Form: Liquid (Two-Part Epoxy)
- Special Feature: Glass Bead Technology, Corrosion Inhibiting
- Cure Time: 24 Hours (Full Cure)
- Handling/Work Time: 90 Minutes
8. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, technical support, or further product inquiries, please refer to the official 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division website or contact 3M customer service directly. Specific warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and product. Always ensure you are using the product in accordance with the latest manufacturer guidelines and safety data sheets.