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If two 24in x 6in x 1in thick plates of 6061-T6 aluminum are temporarily bonded together with 3M Super Trim Adhesive (MSDS), would this be a nightmare to separate?

The plate is rated for a max temperature of 572°F (300°C) so I was hoping that a heat gun and thin putty knife would make separating easy without affecting the temper much. But the adhesive information only states "heat resistant." Is this asking for trouble?

Edit: Why I don't want to use clamps - the sandwich is too large to be mill-drilled all at once, so it must be repositioned. The holes must be at (close as possible) right angles to each other, so the pieces cannot shift while moved and re-indexed.

rdtsc
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Two flat metal plates can be stuck together just by a thin layer of grease.

Then work to be drilled needs clamping anyway.

Solar Mike
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Yes, it would be a nightmare to separate. That adhesive is designed for high strength, temperature resistant applications. That max temp is the point at which it looses it's rated strength. It may still be a ginormous pain to get apart even at significantly higher temperatures.

If a spray-on solution is a must, try a weaker option like 3M™ Repositionable 75 Spray Adhesive which is meant to be removed after application.

If a high-strength adhesive is essential, use hot-melt glue which you can melt to release after you're done machining or cyanoacrylate glue which you can remove with acetone (though it may take a while to soak).

My final thought for you is to tack in some bolts, rivets, or welds and then remove them when you're done.

Best of luck!

Emily Conn
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