Posted to News on 8th Apr 2021, 11:09
Optically clear epoxy is a work of art
Anthony Scala is an award-winning glass artist specialising in sculpture work. His early training in architectural model-making has evolved into a career working with cold glass to make precise, prismatic shapes which blend art and science into stunning geometric pieces, thanks in part to bonding expertise and products from Intertronics
In addition to creating original sculptures and teaching glasswork techniques at his studio, Anthony Scala also takes on repair and restoration commissions. These glass repairs may be on pieces ranging from straightforward sentimental value up to values in the tens of thousands of pounds.
Invariably, repairs are carried out within tight timelines and must be effected without sacrificing the quality of his work. To help achieve this, Anthony uses Opti-tec 5013 optically clear, fast-cure epoxy adhesive from Intertronics for restoration and repair jobs. In addition to Opti-tec 5013’s fast-curing nature, Intertronics points out that its good shear strength provides lasting repairs and is particularly helpful for wall-mounted pieces where the joint may be under constant stress.
The adhesive is supplied in 50g side-by-side cartridges to allow easy application directly from the cartridge using a mixing nozzle. Importantly, Opti-tec 5013 is said by Intertronics to very low shrinkage compared to other adhesives Anthony has tried, so it doesn’t add stress to the glass. Anthony says: “Opti-tec 5013 is a really good, general purpose clear optical epoxy for bonding glass to almost anything. If I’m teaching a class, I recommend that all students have Opti-tec 5013 in their toolbox.”
Intertronics summarises the key advantages offered by Opti-tec 5013 as:
It is optically clear
It has a viscosity of 5,000-10,000 cps
The material sets within minutes and cures within hours at room temperature
It reaches handling strength in just 30 minutes and a full cure can be achieved in 10 minutes at 65°Celsius.
High surface energy allows it to wet and wick between surfaces
It develops strong adhesion to most materials used in optics, including metals, ceramics, glass and most plastics
Good impact and thermal shock resistance is provided
Forms a hard material after curing and can be polished
Offers good resistance to yellowing
You can see Anthony Scala's work here.
