Overview
Loctite 401 is a low-viscosity, fast-curing cyanoacrylate instant adhesive designed for bonding difficult or porous materials. It delivers uniform stress distribution and high shear strength, making it ideal for industrial assembly applications involving metals, plastics, elastomers, wood, paper, leather, and fabric. As one of the recommended international brand products in our auxiliary agent range, this instant adhesive is supplied with supply chain resource support for manufacturers sourcing a surface-insensitive cyanoacrylate.
Typical Properties of Loctite 401
- Specific Gravity @ 25°C: 1.1
- Flash Point: see SDS
- Viscosity, Cone & Plate, 25°C, Shear Rate 3,000 s-1: 70 to 110 mPa·s (cP)
- Viscosity, Brookfield-LVF, 25°C, Spindle 1 at 30 rpm: 100 to 120 mPa·s (cP)
Applications
This adhesive is widely used in electronics assembly, automotive manufacturing, medical device production, and general industrial bonding. Its surface-insensitive formula means it bonds effectively even on slightly oily or acidic surfaces, reducing the need for surface preparation and speeding up production lines.
Directions for Use
- Bond areas should be clean and free from grease. Clean all surfaces with a Loctite cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
- To improve bonding on low energy plastic surfaces, Loctite Primer may be applied to the bond area. Avoid applying excess Primer. Allow the Primer to dry.
- Loctite Activator may be used if necessary. Apply it to one bond surface (do not apply activator to the primed surface where Primer is also used). Allow the Activator to dry.
- Apply adhesive to one of the bond surfaces (do not apply the adhesive to the activated surface). Do not use items like tissue or a brush to spread the adhesive. Assemble the parts within a few seconds, as the short fixture time leaves little opportunity for adjustment.
- Loctite Activator can be used to cure fillets of product outside the bond area. Spray or drop the activator on the excess product.
- Bonds should be held fixed or clamped until the adhesive has fixtured.
- Allow the product to develop full strength before subjecting it to any service loads, typically 24 to 72 hours after assembly, depending on bond gap, materials, and ambient conditions.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store this adhesive in a cool, dry place between 2°C and 8°C (35°F to 46°F). Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use, and avoid exposure to moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Shelf life is 12 months from date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions. Do not freeze, and keep out of reach of children. For best results, use within 4-6 weeks after opening. If the nozzle becomes clogged, replace the tip rather than attempting to unclog it with sharp objects, since this may damage the bottle and cause spills. Always keep the cap on tightly after each use.
Where to Source This Product
Thousands Chemicals connects manufacturers with Loctite 401 and related auxiliary agent products through our digital B2B marketplace. Shear strength for structural and instant adhesives is commonly evaluated using test methods published by organizations such as ASTM International. Our team can help confirm packaging, lead times, and technical documentation for your target application and order volume.
FAQ
How long does Loctite 401 take to cure?
Fixture time is 5-90 seconds depending on substrate and humidity. Full cure takes up to 24 hours.
What materials can Loctite 401 bond?
Metals, plastics, rubber, elastomers, wood, paper, leather, and fabric. It is especially suited for porous and difficult-to-bond surfaces.
Does this adhesive require an activator?
No activator is required for most substrates. For inert plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene, Loctite 7452 activator is recommended.
What is the temperature resistance of Loctite 401?
It maintains bond strength from -55°C to +80°C (-67°F to +176°F).
What is the difference between Loctite 401 and Loctite 406?
Loctite 406 is specifically formulated for rubber and plastics with higher bonding speed on those surfaces. This grade is a general-purpose formula suited for a wider range of materials.
Get a Quote for Loctite 401
Contact our team for a quote, technical data sheet, or SDS for this adhesive. We support bulk supply and global shipping for manufacturers sourcing surface-insensitive instant adhesives.
