Alternatives to Metal Casting: Try Metal Repair Compound

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of metal repair compounds as alternatives to traditional metal casting methods. Participants explore the effectiveness, application, and limitations of these compounds, particularly in small batch work and repair scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why metal repair compounds are not used instead of casting for small batch work, suggesting potential hype in the claimed properties of these products.
  • One participant compares a specific metal repair compound to JB Weld, noting that it may not be as easy to work with as advertised and highlighting challenges such as air pockets and difficulty in drilling or tapping.
  • Another participant asserts that the metal repair compound differs from JB Weld in viscosity and emphasizes the importance of checking its hardness and abrasion resistance before use.
  • Concerns are raised about the suitability of these compounds for high-stress applications, with one participant expressing doubt about their effectiveness in critical repairs, such as on pump shafts.
  • Several participants share personal experiences with JB Weld, noting both successes and failures, including issues with adhesion and crumbling under tool use.
  • One participant mentions the utility of epoxy putty for quick repairs, emphasizing the importance of proper surface preparation for effective adhesion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness and reliability of metal repair compounds, with no consensus reached on their overall suitability compared to traditional methods. Disagreement exists regarding their performance in high-stress applications and the ease of use compared to JB Weld.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for careful surface preparation and the potential variability in product performance based on application conditions. There are also mentions of marketing claims that may not align with practical experiences.

wolram
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If this stuff is so good why not use it instead of casting ?

http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/10408794/Metal_Repair_Compound.html

For small batch work, it seems ideal, i have seen other products that claim
to be equal to this, ie one that repairs stainless steel, even shafts, there
must be some (hype) in the claimed properties of these products ?
 
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It would appear to be essentially the same as JB Weld, without the mixing requirement. If so, then it's not nearly as easy to work with as they'd have you believe. Patching something with JB involves a lot of effort to make sure there aren't air pockets or other gaps. I've also found that, contrary to the advertising, it's not prone to accept drilling, tapping, filing etc. without crumbling.
 
Its not the same as JB Weld, different viscosity. Sure there's marketing hype, and the MSDS has plenty of haz warnings, and you really should check out its hardness/abrasion resistance before buying too far into the hype.

JB Weld has worked well for me, drilled and tapped before but it was an encapsulated patch so it kept the material completely in compression during those operations. Great stuff, not many other ways to patch stuff, its like duct tape that lasts longer... :smile:
 
I imagine Lab Weld could be used for supeficial repairs, but in high stress or fatigue susceptible applications, I doubt it would be satisfactory.

I can't imagine repair a pump shaft for example.

It all comes down the service environment.
 
Cliff_J said:
JB Weld has worked well for me
Me too, in many applications. It's possible that I didn't mix the bad batches as well as I should have, or got too much skin oil in them while kneading. Besides the crumbling under tool use, I've had some that absolutely refused to stick to the material that I was trying to repair (and it wasn't anything exotic).
 
Probably good enough for quick and dirty patching/repairs, usually temporary. Keeps you going 'til new part arrives.
Personally I like the epoxy putty, various brands. Just cut what you need off, knead it and shape it. I've used it for holes in panels mostly. Recently used it to repair a valve and the worn end of a pump impeller. Both seem to be doing well.
Danger: Hint, clean the surface really well. Then slightly roughen and clean again. Leave no oil, rust or emery behind.
 
Thanks for the tip, Kleinjahr. I do tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to cleaning stuff. :redface:
 

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