Framebuilders - Thermal Bonding epoxy construction

I was wondering if the Thermal bonding epoxy Method used by Raleigh USA is being done anymore.

I Understand it was a reliable technology.

So what exactly is involved in the process.......... basically lug construction using glue?

Correct, lugged frames of aluminum and steel thermally " glued " together. From what I understand from past recollection is that it is an Epoxy based thermal set.

I purchased a Raleigh Technium in 87, assembled with this technology. and it was explained to me by the LBS owner.

I have used Structural adhesives to bond Electric Motor frames and the technology has advanced and become common in industrial and commercial applications.

LOCTITE is a major mfg of industrial adhesives.

The problem with epoxy bonding is that nobody does it anymore. It's just not a popular choice. Back in the semi-old days of gluing carbon and even aluminum frames, bonding the tubes to thick aluminum lugs was the radical shiznitt for alternative builders. But, now carbon builders are doing it more monocque style.... oh wait a minute. I take that back. You can buy Deda or Columbus carbon tubes & lugs and glue them up yourself. Though, not sure about the thermal part. I don't think the new glues of today require you to heat them up.

It seems to me that the epoxies used in golf club shafting should suffice just fine for tube and lug bike construction, anybody tried it? What am I missing..........

anyone know where you can get the carbon lugged tubes sets?

Correct, lugged frames of aluminum and steel thermally " glued " together. From what I understand from past recollection is that it is an Epoxy based thermal set.

I purchased a Raleigh Technium in 87, assembled with this technology. and it was explained to me by the LBS owner.

I have used Structural adhesives to bond Electric Motor frames and the technology has advanced and become common in industrial and commercial applications.

LOCTITE is a major mfg of industrial adhesives.

Some of them (Techniums) come apart.

If you do this you definetly want to post cure with heat, but it doesn' thave to be too high, and sometimes can be reached in places like attics or the back of your car. The heat can be applied after the initial set-up, even weeks after, and the effect is the same.

Could be useful for bamboo.

Every carbon bike on the planet is bonded. Some epoxies cure at room temperature, some require heat.

What was the question again? :rolleyes:

Golf Clubs, good example, Mine always break at the shaft but never come off.

It seems that bonding may be a cost effective alternative. dependant on the cost of the adhesive vs traditional brazing supplies and equipment.

It may also allow more casual builders to construct without investments in equipment and the skill required to braze.

Concerns about weakening the tubing due to overheating may also be a benifit.

I will ask some engineering folks I know about this as I have time.

If this is a viable method, then I'm definately in. I use Dynacraft products for club making and an epoxy supply will last a long time and requires a very small amount.
http://www.dynacraftgolf.com/Dynacraft/catalog_presentation/by_product/from_catalog/10/EPOXY/