Even adhesive metal can react to pressure immediately. It might feel fixed but it might not necessarily already be at full strength. If you move or load a repair, let it sit in the sun before exposing to water and the success rate goes way up.
Set time
The time at which adhesive has hardened to hold the parts in position is called handling time. Sometimes clamps can be removed or the object slid over a little, but try to avoid this as the bond has not fully set-up.
Cure time ranges from a few minutes (fast-set epoxies) to hours, depending on the product.
Full cure (full strength)
A full cure is when the adhesive has reached its maximum strength and chemical resistance. At this stage it is the safest to:
Place pressure or weight on the joint
Expose it to vibration
Use it outdoors (rain/temperature swings)
Sand, drill and paint around the bond.
Maximum strength of the metal adhesives will normally occur after 24 hours but in some cases may take 48 – 72 hours or longer. For Metal bonding adhesive, contact www.ct1.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive
What affects cure time?
Temperature: cold slows curing dramatically
Bond Line Thickness: Thicker blobs might take longer to cure
Coating Components: Including resin and curing agent
Surface Prep: Oily metals can prevent proper cure adhesion
Degree of Mixing: In case of two-part adhesive, the less efficient your mix, the weaker the bond will be.
A simple rule
Consider handling time as a period when the glue can grip; and “full cure” is an indication that it’s ready for some real-life action.
