Learning Center
Using EPO Dynaweight in Cold Weather: Storage, Mixing and Cure Considerations
Oct
As temperatures begin to drop, epoxy balancing compounds can behave differently than they do in a warm shop. Cold material can become stiffer and more difficult to mix, while working, set and cure times may become longer.
For the EPO Dynaweight family, proper storage and material temperature become especially important during the winter months.
Start With Proper Storage
EPO Dynaweight, BAL I, BAL VI and BAL XV should be stored between 70°F and 85°F and protected from freezing. Keeping the material within its recommended storage range helps maintain normal handling characteristics and makes it easier to obtain a complete, uniform mix.
This becomes particularly important when material has been stored in an unheated warehouse, service vehicle, loading area or other cold location.
A container may eventually reach room temperature after being brought indoors, but the epoxy inside can remain cold longer than the surrounding air. For that reason, the temperature of the material itself should be considered before mixing.
Cold Temperatures Affect Working and Cure Times
Temperature has a direct effect on epoxy reaction speed. The Dynaweight technical data states that warmer conditions shorten working time, while cooler conditions extend working time and cure time.
The published working and set times for the Dynaweight family are therefore guidance based on normal room-temperature conditions:
| Product | Typical Working Time | Approximate Set Time |
|---|---|---|
| EPO Dynaweight | 2–2½ hours | Approximately 12 hours |
| BAL VI | 2–2½ hours | Approximately 12 hours |
| BAL I | 45–60 minutes | Approximately 90 minutes |
| BAL XV | 15–20 minutes | Approximately 25–30 minutes |
Actual results can vary with material temperature, ambient temperature, the amount being mixed and the conditions of the application. Full chemical cure for the Dynaweight family is approximately 7 days unless an application has been specifically qualified for earlier service.
This is important during winter because a product that normally sets within a certain period at room temperature may require additional time when the material, part or surrounding environment is colder.
Keep the Material Warm — Not Just the Room
One common mistake is assuming that because the shop is warm, the epoxy is warm.
If Dynaweight has spent the night in a cold truck, warehouse or shipping area, the material inside the container may still be considerably colder than the room in which it is being used.
Whenever possible, bring the material into a properly heated area early enough for it to stabilize within its recommended 70°F–85°F storage range before mixing.
The Dynaweight technical data lists a normal application range of 50°F–90°F unless otherwise approved by Dynamis technical personnel.
Cold Material Can Be Harder to Mix
The Dynaweight family is different from most Dynamis epoxy systems because these products are hand mixed.
Equal parts of Part A and Part B are kneaded together until the material reaches a completely uniform color with no streaks or unmixed pockets. The endpoint is uniform color — not a fixed mixing time.
Cold material may become firmer and more difficult to knead thoroughly. That creates another reason to condition the product to the proper temperature before beginning.
If Part B has become stiff because of cold storage, the Dynaweight SOP includes controlled warming guidance using very short warming intervals of no more than 15 seconds at a time until workable. Mixed material should not be microwaved or overheated. Heating also accelerates the epoxy reaction, so warming should be done cautiously.
Do Not Compensate by Changing the Mix Ratio
Cold weather does not change the required mix ratio.
EPO Dynaweight, BAL I, BAL VI and BAL XV are mixed using equal parts Part A and Part B by volume unless specific product or project instructions state otherwise. Matching Part A and Part B from the same Dynaweight formulation should always be used.
Adding extra hardener, solvent, water or another material in an attempt to speed the cure can create an improper mix and should not be done.
Choosing Among the Dynaweight Products
The Dynaweight family offers several working-time options:
EPO Dynaweight provides a longer working period for standard precision-balancing applications.
BAL VI also provides approximately 2–2½ hours of working time.
BAL I provides a shorter 45–60 minute working period.
BAL XV is the fastest-setting option, with approximately 15–20 minutes of working time under normal room-temperature conditions.
These different formulations allow customers to choose a product appropriate for their production and balancing process. However, selecting a faster-setting formulation should not be used as a substitute for proper material storage and temperature control.
A Few Winter Rules to Remember
During colder months, the most important practices are simple:
- Store Dynaweight products at 70°F–85°F and protect them from freezing.
- Allow cold material sufficient time to reach an appropriate temperature before mixing.
- Remember that colder conditions can increase working, set and cure times.
- Hand mix equal portions of Part A and Part B until the color is completely uniform.
- Do not change the mix ratio in an attempt to compensate for temperature.
- Allow adequate set and cure time before returning a balanced component to service.
For unusual temperatures, critical rotating equipment or applications outside the normal operating procedure, contact Dynamis Epoxy, LLC at 800-828-8929 or 941-488-3999 before proceeding.