3M™ Scotch-Weld™ DP190 Epoxy Structural Adhesive

3M Scotch-Weld DP190 Epoxy Adhesive: flexible two-part structural adhesive

The 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 epoxy adhesive is a two-part structural adhesive designed for assemblies subjected to high mechanical stress.

Its flexible formulation allows it to absorb vibrations and shocks, where a classic rigid glue would crack.

It adheres to metals, plastics, and composites, with particularly high shear and peel strength.

A reliable choice for demanding industrial applications, available at Dagobert Industrie.

What is 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 epoxy adhesive?

The 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 is a two-part epoxy-based structural adhesive, designed for durable assemblies on hard-to-bond materials. Its unique feature: high flexibility after polymerization, which distinguishes it from classic rigid epoxies.

It comes in a dual-component cartridge, mixed automatically via a static nozzle. The mixing ratio is 2:1 (resin/hardener). No weighing, no manual dosage.

Composition and epoxy-amine two-part technology

Component A is an epoxy resin, component B is an amine-type hardener. The reaction between the two creates a cross-linked network that provides both mechanical strength and flexibility.

Unlike a standard epoxy such as 3M Scotch-Weld DP100 (high modulus, rigid joint), the DP190 absorbs mechanical stress and vibrations thanks to its lower modulus of elasticity. This is a decisive advantage for assemblies subjected to repeated shocks.

Its strengths in summary:

• Adhesion to metals, composites, plastics, and wood
• Resistance to common fuels, oils, and solvents
• Service temperature up to approximately 80 °C continuous
• Translucent joint after curing
• Compatible with poorly prepared surfaces

Product	Type	Flexibility	Chemical resistance	Typical usage
3M DP190	Epoxy-amine	High	Good	Vibrating assemblies, composites
3M DP100	Epoxy	Low	Good	Rigid assemblies, metals
3M DP460	High-perf. epoxy	Low	Very good	Load-bearing structures, high stress
Loctite EA 3430	Epoxy-amine	Medium	Good	General repairs

Technical specifications and performance of the DP190

The 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 is a two-part epoxy adhesive with a 1:1 mixing ratio. It combines resin and hardener to form an adhesive joint that is both strong and flexible.

Its flexibility is its main strength. Unlike classic rigid epoxies, the DP190 absorbs vibrations and mechanical stress without cracking, making it ideal for assemblies subjected to movement or thermal expansion.

It bonds effectively to a wide range of materials:

• Metals (steel, aluminum, stainless steel)
• Rigid plastics (ABS, PC, PVC)
• Composites and laminates
• Wood and certain elastomers

The working time is approximately 40 minutes at room temperature. Full strength is reached after 24 hours of curing at 23 °C.

Product	Base	Flexibility	Working time	Typical usage
3M DP190	Epoxy	High	~40 min	Flexible structural assembly
3M DP100 Plus	Epoxy	Low (rigid)	~4 min	High-strength rapid bonding
3M DP460	Epoxy	Low (rigid)	~60 min	High-performance structural
Loctite EA 9466	Epoxy	Medium	~90 min	Versatile industrial assembly

The DP190 therefore clearly stands out from rigid epoxies: where a 3M DP460 prioritizes maximum hardness, the DP190 focuses on shock and fatigue resistance, a decisive asset on production lines or in industrial maintenance.

What materials can be bonded with 3M Scotch-Weld DP190?

The 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 is a two-part epoxy adhesive formulated to adhere to a wide range of substrates, including surfaces that are difficult to bond.

It is particularly well-suited for multi-material assemblies, where materials have different expansion coefficients. Its flexibility once polymerized absorbs mechanical stress and vibrations.

Here are the compatible materials:

• Metals: steel, aluminum, brass, copper (with prior degreasing)
• Plastics: ABS, polycarbonate, rigid PVC, nylon
• Composites: fiberglass, carbon fiber, sandwich materials
• Wood and porous materials: solid wood, plywood, MDF
• Ceramic and glass (clean and dry surface)

Typical industrial applications

The DP190 is used in sectors where shock and vibration resistance is critical.

Concrete examples of use:

• Bonding of body panels and trim onto metal chassis
• Assembly of electronic plastic housings onto metal supports
• Fixing composite parts in the nautical and railway industry
• Structural repair on equipment subjected to thermal cycles
• Bonding of gaskets and profiles on rigid structures

For rigid metal-to-metal assemblies without flexibility, an adhesive like 3M Scotch-Weld DP460 (high-strength epoxy, high hardness) will be more suitable. The DP190 remains the right choice whenever the assembly must tolerate movement or dynamic stress.

Comparison: 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 vs. other two-part epoxy adhesives

The 3M Scotch-Weld range includes several two-part epoxies. Each meets specific needs: rigidity, flexibility, shock resistance, or extreme temperatures.

The DP190 stands out for its exceptional flexibility once polymerized. It is the preferred option when the joint must absorb vibrations or dynamic deformations.

Comparison table for DP190, DP410, DP490, and DP760

Product	Type	Flexibility	Mechanical strength	Working time	Typical applications
DP190	Flexible epoxy	Very high	Medium	~20 min	Flexible joints, vibrations, mixed assemblies
DP410	Semi-flexible epoxy	Moderate	High	~20 min	Light structural assemblies, plastics
DP490	Rigid high-performance epoxy	Low	Very high	~90 min	Metal structures, heavy loads
DP760	Ultra-flexible epoxy	Maximum	Low	~45 min	Sealing joints, highly flexible substrates

The DP410 is better suited for rigid assemblies on plastics or composites. The DP490 is reserved for structures subjected to high static loads.

The DP760 offers maximum flexibility, but at the expense of mechanical strength. The DP190 represents the best compromise between flexibility and structural hold for mixed industrial applications.

Compared to other two-part epoxies on the market (Loctite EA 9466, Araldite 2021), the DP190 stands out for its compatibility with 3M dispensing guns and its consistency of mixture, a concrete advantage in production.

How to correctly apply DP190 epoxy adhesive?

Surface preparation and application conditions

Proper preparation is the key to a long-lasting bond. Before any application, degrease the surfaces with a suitable solvent (acetone, IPA) and remove any traces of rust, paint, or dust.

For metals and smooth plastics, light mechanical sanding improves adhesion. Then wipe the surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth.

The DP190 is applied using a dual-component cartridge gun. First, mount a mixing nozzle: it ensures automatic resin/hardener dosing (2:1 volume ratio).

Purge the first few centimeters of product before applying it to the part. This action ensures a homogeneous mixture right from the start.

Ideal application conditions are between 15 °C and 25 °C. Below 10 °C, polymerization slows down significantly and viscosity increases.

Here are the key steps to follow:

• Degrease and abrade surfaces
• Mount a new mixing nozzle
• Purge the first few centimeters
• Apply a regular bead on one of the two surfaces
• Assemble and hold in position during the initial setting time (about 20 to 25 min at 23 °C)
• Let it harden completely for 24 hours before mechanical load

Never reuse a mixing nozzle that has already been used. Keep the cap on the cartridge between uses to avoid hardening at the tip of the nozzle.

FAQ - 3M Scotch-Weld DP190

1. What is the difference between transparent DP190 and gray DP190?

The formulation is identical: same flexibility, same mechanical strength. The transparent version is ideal when the joint needs to be discreet on clear or translucent materials. The gray version is more suitable for industrial assemblies where aesthetics are secondary.

2. Which materials does the 3M DP190 adhere to really well?

The DP190 bonds effectively to metals (steel, aluminum, stainless steel), rigid plastics (ABS, polycarbonate, acrylic), and composites. It also works on wood and certain elastomers. For low surface energy plastics like PP or PE, a primer is essential.

3. How long should I wait before putting the joint under stress?

The open time is about 4 minutes at 23 °C. Handling strength is reached in 20 to 30 minutes. Final strength is obtained after 24 hours of complete curing at room temperature.

4. Does the DP190 support vibrations and shocks?

Yes, that is precisely its strong point. Its flexible epoxy formula allows it to absorb dynamic stress without cracking. It is particularly suitable for assemblies subjected to continuous vibrations or repeated shocks, where a classic rigid epoxy would crack.

5. Can it be used outdoors or in humid environments?

The DP190 offers good moisture resistance and weather protection once polymerized. It also supports moderate exposure to fuels and oils. For prolonged immersion or very aggressive environments, a high-performance structural epoxy like 3M DP460 will be more suitable.

6. Is the DP190 cartridge compatible with standard 3M guns?

The DP190 comes in a 50 ml two-part cartridge with a 1:1 ratio. It is compatible with the 3M EPX manual gun and equivalent pneumatic guns. A static mixing nozzle adapted to the 1:1 ratio must be used to ensure a homogeneous mix of the two components.