FarmTek CA-4000 Instant Adhesive User Manual

1. Product Overview

The FarmTek CA-4000 Instant Adhesive is a high-performance, single-compound, solvent-free adhesive designed for rapid curing at room temperature. It forms extremely durable bonds, making it ideal for applications requiring high stress, high flexibility, impact resistance, and tolerance to thermal expansion and shock loading.

This adhesive is particularly effective for bonding dissimilar materials across a wide range of surfaces. It is also specifically recommended for use with HydroCycle NFT hydroponic channels, joiners, and end caps.

A white plastic bottle of FarmTek CA-4000 Instant Adhesive with a pointed nozzle. The label indicates it contains Ethyl Cyanoacrylate and includes warnings.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: This product is an eye and skin irritant. It is intended for industrial use only. Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for complete safety information before use.

2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Always wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, to prevent eye contact.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or butyl rubber) to prevent skin contact.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area to avoid inhalation of vapors.

2.2 First Aid

• Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water. If skin bonding occurs, do not pull apart. Soak in warm soapy water or use a solvent like acetone (nail polish remover) to gently peel apart. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek medical attention.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical attention.

3. Setup and Preparation

3.1 Surface Preparation

For optimal bonding, surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from oil, grease, dust, and other contaminants. Lightly abrading smooth surfaces can improve adhesion.

3.2 Environmental Conditions

Ensure the work area is well-ventilated. The adhesive cures at room temperature, but extreme temperatures or humidity can affect cure speed. Optimal performance is achieved in a controlled environment.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Application

1. Ensure the nozzle is clear. If clogged, carefully clear it without squeezing the bottle.
2. Apply a small, thin, and even coat of CA-4000 to one of the surfaces to be bonded. A little goes a long way; excessive adhesive can slow down the cure time and reduce bond strength.
3. The recommended gap fill for this adhesive is 0.010 inches.
4. Bring the two surfaces together immediately and hold firmly for the fixture time.

4.2 Curing

• Fixture Cure Speed: Less than 18 seconds. This is the time required for the bond to hold without external pressure.
• Full Cure Speed: Approximately 8 hours. The adhesive will reach its maximum strength after this period.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Storage

Store the CA-4000 Instant Adhesive in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the bottle tightly capped when not in use to prevent premature curing due to moisture in the air.

5.2 Nozzle Care

After each use, wipe the tip of the nozzle with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess adhesive before recapping. This helps prevent clogging and ensures the adhesive is ready for future use.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Poor Bond Strength

• Issue: Bond is weak or fails prematurely.
• Possible Causes: Insufficient surface preparation (dirty, oily, or wet surfaces), too much adhesive applied, incorrect material compatibility, or insufficient clamping time.
• Solution: Ensure surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive. Verify material compatibility. Hold parts firmly for the recommended fixture time.

6.2 Slow Cure Time

• Issue: Adhesive takes longer than expected to cure.
• Possible Causes: Low humidity, low temperature, excessive adhesive application, or acidic surfaces.
• Solution: Ensure adequate humidity in the environment. Work at room temperature. Apply a thin layer of adhesive. For acidic surfaces, consider using a cyanoacrylate accelerator (activator) if compatible.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information or technical support regarding your FarmTek CA-4000 Instant Adhesive, please contact FarmTek directly.

FarmTek Contact Information:
Phone: 1-800-327-6835
Website: www.FarmTek.com