Roll Forming vs. Press Brake Which Metal Forming Method Is Right for Your Production?

When considering roll forming vs press brake, you need a clear answer: the correct choice for your production depends on volume, part complexity, tolerance demands, material type, and total length—not on a universal winner.

Roll forming processes a continuous coil through successive roller stations; press brake forming bends individual sheet blanks one line at a time. This article provides a criteria-based framework and a breakeven way of thinking for your evaluation. Annual volume exceeding 50,000 units, combined with parts longer than 1.5 meters, signals the shift to roll forming—only when your product lifecycle surpasses two years. The distinct production process for each method determines your final decision.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • Choose roll forming for high volumes over 10,000 parts per year and long parts over 1.5 meters.

  • Choose press braking for low volumes of 100 to 500 parts and complex shapes with multiple bends.

  • Roll forming has high tooling costs but low cost per part at scale.

  • Press braking has low tooling costs and fast setup for custom jobs.

  • Use the breakeven framework to compare your annual volume and part length before deciding.

 

Quick Answer: Roll Forming or Press Braking?

 

You need a fast decision snapshot before diving into the full comparison. The choice between roll forming vs press brake comes down to matching your production profile to the right process. Use the criteria below to self-classify your operation.

 

Choose Roll Forming When

 

Roll forming suits your operation under these conditions:

  • Your annual volume exceeds 10,000 parts with steady, predictable demand.

  • Your part features a continuous, uniform cross-section along its entire length.

  • Your profiles run long—typically beyond what a press brake can practically handle.

  • You need inline punching, notching, or cutting to eliminate downstream operations.

  • Your product design remains stable across a two-year or longer lifecycle.

High volumes justify the tooling investment because you amortize cost across thousands of units. The continuous nature of roll forming means your labor cost per part drops significantly at scale. You also gain tighter tolerance consistency across the entire production run.

 

Choose Press Braking When

 

Press braking fits your operation under these conditions:

  • Your batch sizes range from 100 to 500 units per job.

  • Your parts require multiple bend angles, radii, or complex geometries.

  • Your design changes frequently, requiring quick reprogramming.

  • You produce prototypes or custom fabrication runs.

  • Your part length stays within the practical limits of the machine throat.

Consider custom flashing fabrication as an example. A job shop produces 100 to 500 units per run with custom angles. Setup takes minutes, not hours. The press brake handles this work economically because tooling costs stay low—typically $300 to $1,000 compared to $5,000 to $30,000 for roll forming tooling.

Press brakes also excel when your parts need boxes, U-shapes, brackets, or enclosures. These non-linear shapes demand the flexibility that only a press brake provides. You reprogram the CNC controller and run the next job.

 

Roll forming and press braking each serve distinct production scenarios. Your batch size, part geometry, and design stability determine which process delivers better economics for your metal parts manufacturing operation. The table below summarizes the key decision factors.

 

Factor

Roll Forming

Press Braking

Annual Volume

Over 10,000 parts

100–500 parts per job

Part Geometry

Uniform cross-sections

Multiple bends, complex shapes

Setup Cost

$5,000–$30,000

$300–$1,000

Flexibility

Fixed profile tooling

Easy reprogramming

Ideal Parts

Rails, channels, frames

Cabinets, brackets, prototypes

 

This snapshot gives you a starting point. The sections ahead explain the mechanics, economics, and trade-offs behind each method so you can run your own numbers.

 

What Is Press Brake Forming?

 

press brake forming machine

 

How Press Brake Bending Works

 

Press brake forming operates as an intermittent, sheet-fed process. You start with a flat metal blank. The machine presses this blank between a punch and a V-die along a single straight line. You create one bend at a time. Then you reposition the part for the next bend. The process repeats until you complete all required bends.

This sequential nature distinguishes press braking from roll forming. You handle the part between each stroke. Springback occurs after every bend. You compensate by over-bending slightly. Modern CNC controllers store bend sequences with these compensations. You recall programs quickly for repeat jobs. Setup requires only standard tooling. You adjust the punch and die set for different angles and material thicknesses.

The intermittent cycle defines the economics of press braking. Each stroke takes seconds. But handling time between bends adds labor minutes per part. This trade-off matters as you scale production.

 

Strengths and Limits of Press Brake Forming

 

Press brake forming offers clear advantages for certain production scenarios. Tooling costs stay low. A typical setup runs $300 to $1,000. You gain high customization. You reprogram the CNC controller to change bend sequences. This suits custom fabrication and prototypes. A press brake handles thick materials effectively. You can bend plates up to several millimeters without issue. The ideal use case is low-to-medium volume production with shorter components.

But press braking has disadvantages you must consider. Cycle time is slower due to part handling. Labor cost per part rises with complexity. Manufacturing cost studies reveal the scale of this effect.

 

Batch Size

Labor Cost / Part (Manual)

Labor Cost / Part (Automated)

5

$4.96

$7.41

10

$3.50

$3.91

25

$2.63

$1.81

100

$2.19

$0.76

 

Manual bending costs $2.19 per part at 100 units. Automated bending drops to $0.76. For a 100-blank batch, the quality-adjusted cost per accepted part is $2.33 for manual and $0.77 for automated.

labor cost per part by batch size

Additional disadvantages include limited part length. A press brake has practical length limitations; beyond a certain point, handling becomes problematic. Complex bend sequences also challenge the operation. You cannot form multi-plane shapes in a single pass. You need separate positioning for each bend.

For metal parts manufacturing, this process remains essential for job shops. You produce custom brackets and cabinets with fast changeover. For flexible low-volume bending, a CNC press brake offers the fastest turnaround. The process excels where volume stays low and design variations run high. You gain maximum flexibility with minimal capital commitment.

 

What Is Roll Forming?

Roll Forming method

How Roll Forming Works

 

Roll forming is a continuous metal forming technique. You feed a flat metal coil into a series of matched roller stations. Each station bends the material by a small increment. The strip passes through progressive forming passes until it reaches the final cross-section. This gradual approach absorbs springback step by step. You avoid the sharp strain that a single press stroke creates.

The coil moves continuously through the line. You do not handle individual blanks between operations. Inline punching, notching, and cutting happen while the strip moves. The line produces finished profiles without stopping. This flow separates roll forming from any batch-based process.For high-volume production, roll forming is incredibly fast. Once the line is set up and running, it produces a continuous stream of finished profiles at linear speeds often reaching hundreds of feet per minute.

 

Strengths and Limits of Roll Forming

 

The advantages of roll forming center on speed and consistency. Most roll forming lines operate at 100 feet per minute, or roughly 30 meters per minute. Speed is adjustable based on production needs. Tube mill applications reach 1,000 feet per minute. Steel stud lines run at 500 feet per minute. You gain tight tolerances and consistent quality across the entire run. Part consistency holds because the tooling never changes mid-run. You can form long lengths and complex metal profiles in a single pass. These advantages make roll forming ideal for medium to large runs.

The disadvantages involve capital and flexibility. Initial tooling investment runs high. Design lead time is longer than press brake setup. You cannot easily change cross-sections for small runs. Re-tooling downtime hurts frequently changing designs. For metal parts manufacturing, roll forming rewards stable, high volumes. If your annual volume justifies the tooling, the amortized cost per part drops sharply. If not, the capital risk outweighs the speed benefit.

 

Roll Forming vs Press Brake: Comparison Matrix

 

A side-by-side comparison reveals the key differences between roll forming vs press brake across critical production factors. The matrix below covers volume, speed, complexity, length, tolerances, material thickness, cost per part, and lead time.

 

Factor

Roll Forming

Press Brake Forming

Production volume

Above 10,000 parts per year

100-500 units per batch

Production speed

Continuous, above 30 m/min

Stroke-limited, batch-based

Part complexity

Uniform cross-sections, single pass

Variable cross-sections

Part length

Unlimited practical length

Limited by handling constraints

Tolerances

Highly consistent at scale

CNC-dependent

Material thickness

Varies by machine

Adaptable to thicker material

Cost per part

Low at large scale production

Higher per part

Tooling lead time

Weeks to months

Minutes to hours

 

Volume, Speed, and Production Mode

 

Production volume defines the economic boundary between these methods. Roll forming operates as a continuous coil-fed process. The line runs steadily, forming profiles at speeds above 30 meters per minute. High volumes justify the initial tooling cost. This high volume production delivers low cost per unit when annual quantity justifies the investment.

Press braking works differently. You handle each blank through multiple strokes. Labor time per part stays higher due to handling between bends. For low batches, the lower tooling cost makes press braking the economical choice.

The production mode affects your workflow. Roll forming integrates inline punching, notching, and cutting. You eliminate secondary operations. The intermittent method usually requires upstream cutting. You add handling steps between processes.

 

Complexity, Length, Tolerances, and Material

 

Part geometry determines which method produces your design efficiently. The continuous process handles long, uniform profiles with complex cross-sections in a single pass. You achieve multiple bends and sharp corners without stopping. The profile remains consistent across every unit.

Press braking suits parts with variable cross-sections. You create boxes, enclosures, and brackets with different bend angles on each face. Length creates a limitation. Parts beyond a practical length become difficult to position accurately.

Tolerances and material thickness differ across methods. The continuous process delivers strict tolerances at scale. Fixed tooling ensures precision across thousands of units. A press brake adapts to thicker materials readily.

The complexity comparison reveals clear strengths for each method. Consider parts with multiple bends and varied radii.

 

Complexity Factor

Continuous Process

Intermittent Process

Non-right-angle bends

Handles efficiently in continuous process

Requires separate tools for each angle

Multiple bend radii

Single-tool setup for efficient production

Each radius requires a tool change

Production continuity

Continuous process avoids tool changes

Frequent tool changes cause delays

Sharp corners

Maintained through sequential forming steps

Air bending produces generous radii

 

The continuous process handles multiple non-right-angle bends efficiently. The single-tool setup enables multiple radii without interruption. Sharp corners remain crisp through the forming sequence. The intermittent process struggles with these factors. Each additional radius requires a tool change. Air bending produces generous radii that limit sharp corner capability.

The advantages of the continuous approach include consistency and quality at high volume production. The disadvantages of the intermittent approach include slower throughput per unit. For your metal parts manufacturing operation, this choice depends on your volume and complexity needs. In the manufacturing sector, custom metal profiles require matching method to requirements. The right decision reduces cost and lead time for your project.

The breakeven rule remains straightforward. Choose the continuous process for high-volume, long-length, dedicated profiles. Choose the intermittent process for low-to-medium runs with variable designs.

 

Cost, Tooling, and Lead Time

 

Tooling Investment and Setup Time

 

Roll forming requires dedicated roller sets machined for your specific cross-section. This tooling carries a high upfront cost and a long design lead time. You commit capital before you produce a single part. Press braking takes the opposite approach. You use standard punches and V-dies, so initial tooling cost stays minimal. Changeover happens fast through CNC programs. You load a program and run the next job within minutes.

The financial risk profile differs sharply. Roll forming ties your capital to one profile. Press brake forming keeps your options open for varied work. For a custom job shop, this flexibility matters more than raw speed. For a dedicated product line, the roller set becomes a fixed asset you amortize across production.

 

Cost Per Part and Material Utilization

 

Roll forming dilutes tooling cost at high volumes and lowers labor per unit. The line runs continuously, so you spread the fixed cost across thousands of meters. This makes roll forming cost-effective at high volumes. Press braking keeps per-part labor high, but it avoids capital risk at low volume. You pay for labor instead of tooling.

Material utilization favors roll forming. The process enables cut-to-length with minimal waste. You can integrate inline punching, notching, and embossing. Press braking usually needs upstream laser cutting and downstream deburring. Those secondary steps add handling and cost.

The payback math supports the investment case for high volumes. A machine costing $80,000 running at 15 meters per minute produces roughly 7,200 meters per eight-hour shift. At a selling price of $5 per meter, daily revenue reaches $36,000. After material and operating costs at 50% of revenue, monthly profit reaches $360,000 across 20 working days. Break-even arrives in 2–4 months.

Real-world payback periods vary by market. In developing countries, the payback period usually ranges from one to three years. A double layer roofing sheet line often achieves payback within 14–20 months. One project reached full payback in 19 months. Another case reduced the estimate from 24 months to 17 months. Managed efficiently, typical payback ranges from 12 to 24 months.

Weigh these advantages and disadvantages against your own volume forecast. The right choice depends on your batch size, budget, and finish requirements.

 

Real-World Example: Shelf Panel Production

 

The Scenario and the Trade-Offs

 

You manufacture shelf panels for storage systems. Each panel uses thin cold rolled steel sheet. Your annual volume is either low or high. This volume difference drives your process decision.

At low volumes, press brake forming offers a low-risk entry. Tooling costs stay under $1,000. You purchase pre-cut blanks from a laser cutting service. Each blank moves through multiple bend stations. Total cycle time per panel runs several minutes. Labor cost per unit remains high.

At high volumes, the economics change. Continuous roll forming amortizes the tooling investment across more units. You gain production speed and material efficiency. The scrap rate drops because the process cuts to length inline.

 

The Decision and the Outcome

 

For the high-volume scenario, you select a fully automated roll forming line. This roll forming line automates the complete work flow: unwinding, leveling with servo feeding and punching, cold rolling and forming, cutting and flanging, and robotic arm unloading. The line is configured with appropriate parameters for the panel dimensions and production requirements.

 

Metric

Efficiency Gain

Overall production efficiency

Up to 40% improvement

Production speed

50% faster than press braking

Labor costs

70% lower due to automation

 

The automated line reduces operator count significantly. The inline punching station eliminates a separate laser cutting operation. Material waste drops because the machine cuts each panel to exact length from the coil.

Compare this to the low-volume press brake job shop. That shop uses standard V-dies with a CNC backgauge. Each panel needs several separate bends. Total stroke and handling time per part is substantial. The finish quality depends on operator skill. Panel dimensions drift across the batch.

For your metal parts manufacturing operation, the volume determines the correct choice. Below 10,000 panels per year, the bending process wins on total cost. Above that threshold, the roll forming machine delivers better economics and consistent quality for your profiles.

 

How to Decide: A Breakeven Framework

 

Step 1—Calculate Annual Volume and Total Length

 

Start your evaluation by estimating annual volume and total linear length. Multiply your annual part count by the length of each part. This figure reveals your true production scale. For example, a shop producing a moderate number of short parts runs a modest total length, while a shop producing a high number of longer parts runs a high total length. The second operation crosses the threshold where roll forming tooling cost becomes diluted across enough units.

Identify your breakeven point. Below roughly 10,000 parts annually, press braking usually wins on total cost. Above that volume, roll forming labor savings dominate. The amortized tooling cost per part drops as volume rises. You pay once for the roller set and then run for years.

 

Step 2—Check Length, Cross-Section, and Secondary Operations

 

Examine your part length and cross-section next. Parts beyond a certain length (greater than typical press brake capabilities) make press braking impractical. The press brake throat depth and handling requirements limit you. Roll forming becomes the only reasonable option at those lengths. Your cross-section must also stay uniform along the entire part. Variable cross-sections favor the press brake.

Assess your secondary operations last. Continuous hole patterns, notches, or embossing add cost if you produce them separately. An inline punching roll forming line eliminates that separate punching operation. You form and punch in one continuous pass. This integration reduces handling, labor, and work-in-process inventory.

Your final choice depends on project needs, budget, and desired finish. Run your own numbers before you commit to tooling. A forming specialist can review your profiles and production needs against these criteria.

 

 

No universal winner exists in the roll forming vs press brake decision. The right method aligns with your batch size, cross-section design, part length, tolerance needs, and capital budget. Choose roll forming for high-volume, long-length, dedicated profiles with inline punching and cutting. Choose press braking for low-to-medium runs that demand agile customization and complex bend sequences. Before you commit to tooling, run your own numbers through the breakeven framework. Then consult a forming specialist or request a production assessment. A careful review of your part will confirm the right manufacturing path.

 

FAQ

 

What annual volume justifies roll forming tooling?

 

You need roughly 10,000 parts per year or more. Below that threshold, the amortized tooling cost per part stays too high. Above it, labor savings and continuous output dominate. Run your own breakeven linear footage before you commit capital.

 

Can a press brake form parts longer than practical limits?

 

No, not practically. Throat depth and handling limits make long parts difficult to position accurately. Parts beyond practical lengths push you toward roll forming. At those lengths, the continuous process becomes the only reasonable option.

 

Which method holds tighter tolerances at scale?

 

Roll forming delivers more consistent tolerances across a long production run. Fixed roller stations never change mid-run. A press brake depends on CNC accuracy and operator skill. Dimension drift can appear across a batch when handling varies.

 

Does roll forming eliminate secondary operations?

 

Yes, often. An inline punching roll forming line handles hole patterns, notches, and embossing in one continuous pass. You skip a separate punching station. Press braking usually needs upstream laser cutting and downstream deburring instead.

 

Which process suits prototypes and custom runs?

 

Press braking wins here. Standard punches and V-dies keep tooling cost low, and CNC programs change over in minutes. Roll forming requires dedicated roller sets with long design lead times. That commitment makes sense only for stable, high-volume profiles.

1,3-BAC——Alicyclic diamine compounds used for epoxy resins and polyurethanes

Product Information

Chemical Name1,3-Cyclohexanedi(methylamine

Alias/Abbreviation/Short Name/Old Name: 1,3-BAC, HXDA, 1,3-Bis(aminoethyl)cyclohexane

Application fields: epoxy resin, polyurethane, polyamide

 

1,3-BAC is an important alicyclic diamine organic compound. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless, transparent, low-viscosity liquid with a distinct ammonia odor. It is corrosive, flammable when exposed to open flames, and has a pungent smell. Soluble in water, Ethanol, etherand various organic solvents.

 

Due to the characteristics of the product structure, 1,3-BAC having excellent yellowing resistance, low viscosity, rapid curing speed, and excellent chemical corrosion resistance, it is widely used in the formulation of epoxy resin curing agents, the synthesis of polyurethane isocyanates, and the preparation of specialty polyamides.Compared to other curing agent raw materials, this product features rapid curing speed, requires a lower addition amount, and exhibits outstanding resistance to yellowing. Its low solidification point ensures excellent curing performance even in low-temperature and humid environments.

 

With the decline in the cost of m-phenylenediamine raw materials and the increasing stringency of environmental regulations, 1,3-cyclohexanediamine is gradually emerging as an important alternative to traditional aromatic amines.

 

Physical Properties

Structural formula:

IMG_256

Molecular weight: 142.2

Chemical formula: C8H18N2

CAS NO.: 2579-20-6

EINECS NO.r:219-941-5
Appearance
25): Colorless, transparent liquid
Color (APHA): 20 Max

Viscosity (mPa·s/20): 9.1

Densityg/cm³,25): 0.940~0.950

Purity (%): 99.0

Active Hydrogen Equivalent (g/eq): 35.5

Melting Point (): < -70

Boiling Point (): 220

Flash Point (): 113

Structural Features

The 1,3-cyclohexanediamine molecule contains two primary amine groups, which are chemically highly reactive and can undergo reactions with acids, epoxy groups, isocyanate groups, and other functional groups. Due to the presence of the cyclohexane ring, 1,3-cyclohexanediamine exists in two isomeric forms: cis and trans. Industrial products typically consist of a mixture of these two isomers. The trans isomer is thermodynamically more stable, favoring the formation of polymers with high crystallinity and excellent thermal resistance; whereas the cis isomer promotes the formation of an amorphous structure, enhancing the material's transparency. By adjusting the cis-trans ratio during the synthesis process, it is possible to tailor the final properties of the material.

 

13-BAC Features:

Cures quickly at room temperature;

Excellent weather resistance;

Low viscosity, easy to handle;

Clear and transparent, with a well-defined appearance of the cured material;

The cured material exhibits excellent mechanical properties.

 

Preparation method

At present, the industrial production of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanamine is primarily achieved through the catalytic hydrogenation of m-xylylenediamine (MXDA). This process typically uses m-phenylenediamine as the feed stock and is carried out under high temperature and pressure conditions in the presence of a solvent (such as water or alcohols) and a supported noble-metal catalyst (e.g., ruthenium, palladium, or rhodium). The benzene ring is saturated to form a cyclohexane ring through hydrogenation. During the reaction, by carefully controlling the type of catalyst, reaction temperature, pressure, and reaction time, the ratio of cis and trans isomers in the product can be adjusted. After the reaction, the crude product is separated from the catalyst and then purified by distillation to yield high-purity 1,3-cyclohexanediamine..

 

Application fields

Epoxy resin curing agent

13-BAC is primarily used as an epoxy curing agent or for the preparation of modified epoxy curing agents. Compared to aromatic amine curing agents, it not only has lower viscosity and better handling properties but also yields cured products with outstanding resistance to ultraviolet light (anti-yellowing), as well as excellent weather resistance, temperature resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance. Moreover, it cures rapidly and can be used for curing at either room temperature or low temperatures. It is widely applied in high-end outdoor floor coatings, stone adhesives, electronic potting compounds, composite materials (such as automotive parts and wind turbine blades), and in the fields of jewelry adhesives and crystal adhesives where appearance and color quality are of paramount importance.

 

Make an epoxy curing agent

Mixing ratio:
Epoxy resin YLE-128 (epoxy equivalent weight 190): 100
Hardener
1.3-BAC dosage: 1720

Initial formula (mass ratio)

Epoxy resin

YLE-128

EEW

100g

190

Hardener

1.3-BAC

Active hydrogen quivalent

19g

35.6

@23 , 50% curing performance
Touch-dry
Semi-dry
Completely dry
@5
, 80% curing performance
Touch-dry
Semi-dry
Completely dry



1.45h
4.5h
>24h

13.5h
>24h
>24h

 

Note:

1. The data listed above are typical values only and do not constitute the products technical specifications.

2、The information provided above describes only the products performance and does not constitute a guarantee of such performance. Since the formulation and process conditions of end products may vary, we recommend testing the product performance and applicability described above to confirm whether they can achieve your intended results.

 

As an epoxy curing agent, 1,3-BAC can be used in CFRP. Compared to traditional RTM processes, the high-cycle RTM process (such as HP-RTM) requires shorter cycle times for resin injection, curing, and demolding, and does not require post-curing.

 

1,3-BAC having a low viscosity ensures more thorough fiber impregnation and extends the working time. Compared to other amine-based curing agents, It can significantly shorten the curing time and eliminates the need for post-curing, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the RTM process. Meanwhile, the cured product exhibits a higher glass transition temperature (Tg). This makes it suitable for mass production of large CFRP components.

 

Polyurethane raw materials

13-Cyclohexyl dimethylamine is a key raw material for the synthesis of alicyclic isocyanatehexamethylene diisocyanate (H6XDI). H6XDI does not contain a benzene ring structure and boasts excellent light stability and hydrolysis resistance. It is an important raw material for preparing high-end polyurethane coatings, elastomers, and adhesives, and is particularly well-suited for applications with extremely high requirements for aging resistance, such as automotive paints and outdoor facilities..

 

Polyamide monomer

As a hydrogenated derivative monomer of MXD6 (m-xylylene diamine-adipic acid nylon), 1,3-cyclohexanediamine can be used to synthesize novel cycloaliphatic polyamides. These materials combine the excellent barrier properties and thermal stability of aromatic nylons with the hydrolysis resistance and flexibility of cycloaliphatic materials, making them promising candidates for applications in areas such as food packaging and automotive fuel lines..

 

Packaging & warehousing & transportation

Net weight: 190 kg per drum; packaged in iron drums.

During transportation, this product must not be mixed with acids or oxidizing agents. Store in a cool, dry environment, keeping it tightly sealed and protecting it from rain, direct sunlight, and high temperatures. Keep it away from oxidizing agents and acidic substances.

 

Precautions

1,3-Cyclohexadiamine is a toxic chemical. Acute toxicity studies indicate that the oral LD50 in rats is approximately 880 mg/kg, and the dermal LD50 is about 100 mg/kg. This substance is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and contact can cause severe burns. When handling this substance, wear protective clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact, immediately wipe off the substance. And Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and seek medical attention..If the eyes come into contact with it, first rinse thoroughly with plenty of water, then seek medical attention immediately.

 

For information on the safe use of this product, please refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

1,3-BAC (HXDA) A High-Performance Cycloaliphatic Diamine for Advanced Epoxy Resin Applications

Product: 1,3-Cyclohexanebis(methylamine)
CAS No.: 2579-20-6
Code: 1,3-BAC / HXDA

 

1. Product Information

Item

Information

Product Name

1,3-Cyclohexanebis(methylamine)

CAS No.

2579-20-6

Formula

C8H18N2

Molecular Weight

142.24 g/mol

Category

Alicyclic Diamine Compound

 

2. Product Description

1,3-BAC is an important alicyclic diamine compound containing two primary amino groups. It provides excellent reactivity, low viscosity and good processing performance. Due to its non-aromatic molecular structure, it improves weather resistance, anti-yellowing performance and long-term stability of polymer materials.

 

3. Key Advantages

· Low viscosity and excellent processability

· Fast curing performance

· Excellent anti-yellowing and weather resistance

· Good chemical resistance and durability

· Suitable for high-performance polymer applications

 

4. Technical Data

Item

Information

Appearance

Colorless transparent liquid

Purity

≥99.0%

Viscosity

9.1 mPa·s at 20℃

Density

0.940-0.950 g/cm³ at 25℃

Freezing Point

< -70℃

Boiling Point

Approx. 220℃

Flash Point

Approx. 113℃

 

5. Applications

Epoxy Resin Curing Agent: coatings, adhesives, electronic encapsulation and composite materials.
Polyurethane Industry: raw material for alicyclic isocyanates and advanced polyurethane systems.
Specialty Polymers: used in development of high-performance cycloaliphatic polymers.

 

6. Packaging, Storage & Safety

Packaging: 190kg iron drum.
Storage: Keep sealed in a cool and dry place. Avoid heat, sunlight, acids and oxidizing agents.
Safety: Corrosive chemical. Use appropriate protective equipment and refer to MSDS.

1,3-BDX A High-Performance Modified Amine Epoxy Curing Agent for Industrial Coatings and Adhesive Applications

Product Code: 1,3-BDX

CAS No.: 135470-04-1

Product Category: Epoxy Curing Agent

 

1. Product Information

Item

Information

Chemical Name

1,3-Benzenedimethanamine Reaction Products with Epichlorohydrin

Product Code

1,3-BDX

CAS No.

135470-04-1

Category

Modified amine epoxy curing agent

Main Applications

Epoxy coatings, floor coatings, industrial protective coatings, adhesives

 

2. Product Description

1,3-BDX is a modified amine epoxy curing agent derived from MXDA. It is designed for epoxy curing systems that require good color stability, moderate viscosity, fast curing performance, wet surface adhesion and excellent chemical resistance.

In epoxy resin systems, 1,3-BDX can be used directly as a curing agent or combined with other amine curing agents to improve processability, adjust curing speed and enhance corrosion resistance and water resistance of cured products. It is suitable for floor coatings, industrial protective coatings and adhesive systems requiring adhesion and durability.

 

3. Structure Features and Key Advantages

3.1 Structure and Reactivity

1,3-BDX is based on an MXDA-derived modified amine system. It retains amine reactivity toward epoxy resin while improving compatibility and application stability. Compared with conventional low-molecular amine curing agents, it offers a balanced profile of processability, wet surface adhesion, later-stage curing speed and resistance properties.

3.2 Key Advantages

· Good color stability for appearance-sensitive coatings and adhesives.

· Moderate viscosity for easier mixing with epoxy resin and formulation adjustment.

· Fast curing performance to improve application efficiency and shorten curing time.

· Good wet surface adhesion for demanding application conditions.

· Excellent corrosion and water resistance for long-term durability.

· Flexible formulation use: suitable for direct use or blending with other curing agents as an accelerator or performance modifier.

 

4. Technical Data

Item

Typical Value

Appearance

Clear liquid

Color, Gardner

≤5

Viscosity, cps @25°C

7000-14000

Total Amine, mg KOH/g

650-680

MXDA Content, %

24-30

Note: The above values are typical data for product identification and formulation reference only. They should not be considered as a performance guarantee. End users should conduct their own tests based on specific resin systems, formulations and application conditions.

 

5. Applications

5.1 Epoxy Floor Coatings

1,3-BDX can be used in epoxy floor coating systems to support processability, curing speed, wear resistance, water resistance and chemical resistance.

5.2 Industrial Protective Coatings

It is suitable for industrial equipment, concrete substrates and metal protection, helping improve adhesion, corrosion resistance and long-term durability.

5.3 Adhesive Systems

It can be used in industrial adhesive or structural adhesive systems requiring adhesion, water resistance and chemical resistance.

5.4 Blended Curing Systems

1,3-BDX can be blended with other amine curing agents as a curing accelerator or performance modifier to balance pot life, curing speed and final properties.

 

6. Packaging, Storage and Safety

Item

Information

Packaging

Drums; IBC tanks

Storage Temperature

5-30°C

Storage Conditions

Keep sealed in a cool and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight.

Avoid Contact

Strong oxidants and acids

Storage Life

12 months from the date of manufacture in the original packing under ambient temperatures

Safety

Refer to MSDS for detailed handling, transportation and safety information

 

7. Sales Keywords

1,3-BDX supplier; epoxy curing agent supplier; MXDA modified curing agent; floor coating hardener; industrial coating curing agent; epoxy adhesive hardener

Application of 1,3-Cyclohexanedimethanamine (1,3-BAC) in Jewelry Adhesives

Epoxy resin for jewelry generally refers to highly transparent epoxy resin materials used for decorative purposes.

 

It is widely used in a variety of items, including personal accessories such as earrings, hair clips, necklaces, bracelets, hat badges, brooches, apparel, key rings, buttons, shoe ornaments, belt buckles, and bag charms. It is also applied in daily necessities like door and cabinet handles, hardware fittings, as well as picture frames, signage, and other decorative items.

 

Epoxy resins for jewelry are typically categorized into flexible resin, rigid resin, doming resin, and casting/polishing resin. The main components usually include epoxy resin, amine curing agents, and various additives. These resins are characterized by high transparency, flexibility or high hardness, and excellent yellowing resistance.

 

1,3-BAC (1,3-Cyclohexanedimethanamine) is an aliphatic amine and serves as a key raw material for epoxy curing agents, widely used around the world. When used as a raw material for jewelry epoxy curing agents, 1,3-BAC offers typical advantages such as low viscosity, high hardness, high transparency, yellowing resistance, and fast curing speed. This endows the epoxy jewelry resin with a more ideal appearance and outstanding performance.

 

Typical Physical and Chemical Data of 1,3-BAC:

Product Name: 1,3-Cyclohexanedimethanamine

Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid

Color (APHA): 20 Max

Viscosity (cps/20): 9.1

Density: 0.940 - 0.950

Freezing Point (): < -70

Active Hydrogen Equivalent: 35.6

 

Features:

Fast curing speed at room temperature

Excellent weather resistance

Low viscosity and easy handling

Crystal clear with excellent appearance of cured products

Cured products possess excellent mechanical properties

Common Amine Curing Agents and Application Conditions

DETA (Diethylenetriamine)

 

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid
Chemical formula: C₄H₁₃N₃
Molecular weight: 103.166
CAS No.: 111-40-0
Melting point: -40 °C
Boiling point: 206 °C
Density: 0.96 g/cm³
Amine value (mg KOH/g): 1300–1400
Viscosity (25 °C) mPa·s: 5–20
Mixing ratio:

YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : DETA (Diethylenetriamine) = 100 g : 10–11 g (by weight)

YLE-220 (E-44) epoxy resin : DETA (Diethylenetriamine) = 100 g : 10 g (by weight)
Curing conditions: 25 °C / 3–6 hours or 60 °C / 1–2 hours

 

TETA (Triethylenetetramine)

 

Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid
Chemical formula: C₆H₁₈N₄
Molecular weight: 146.234
CAS No.: 112-24-3
Melting point: 12 °C
Boiling point: 266–267 °C
Density: 0.982 g/cm³
Flash point: 135 °C (CC)
Amine value (mg KOH/g): 1100–1200
Viscosity (25 °C) mPa·s: 5–30
Mixing ratio:

YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : TETA (triethylenetetramine) = 100 g : 13–14 g (by weight)

YLE-220 (E-44) epoxy resin : TETA (triethylenetetramine) = 100 g : 11–13 g (by weight)
Curing conditions: 25 °C / 3–6 hours or 60 °C / 1–2 hours

 

Polyether amine curing agent

Chemical name: Polyether amine; Polyether polyamine; Polyetheramine (PEA);
Aliases: Polypropylene glycol bis(2-aminopropyl ether); 2-(Aminooxy)propan-1-amine
CAS No.: 9046-10-0

 

Polyether amine curing agent D-230

Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : D-230 = 100 g : 30 g
Curing conditions: 25 °C / 36 hours or 60 °C / 3 hours or 80 °C / 1 hour
Cured product characteristics: Colorless and transparent, high hardness, high toughness, not easily brittle. Suitable for handicrafts, nameplates, and potting applications with special requirements.

 

Polyether amine curing agent D-400

Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : D-400 = 100 g : 50 g
Characteristics: Good toughness after curing, low viscosity, high mechanical performance of the cured product, and resistance to high-low temperature thermal shock (-35 °C to 120 °C).

 

Polyether amine curing agent D-2000

Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : D-2000 = 40 g : 100 g
Curing conditions: 80 °C / 6–10 hours
Characteristics: D-2000 is colorless and transparent. The cured product exhibits excellent elasticity, high peel strength, colorless transparency, high toughness, not easily brittle, and strong adhesion. Suitable for potting applications with special requirements, and resistance to high-low temperature thermal shock (-40 °C to 130 °C). When combined with liquid epoxy resin, D-2000 is used for colorless and transparent applications in composites, wind power, handicrafts, and nameplates.

TYPE

D-230

D-400

T403

D-2000

D-5000

Appearance

Colorless transparent liquid

Colorless transparent liquid

Colorless transparent liquid

Colorless transparent liquid

Colorless transparent liquid

Viscosity (MPa·s / 25℃)

3~10

10~50

500~200

260~280

300~600

Density (25℃, g/cm³)

0.92~0.98

0.92~0.98

0.92~0.98

0.92~0.98

0.92~0.98

Active Hydrogen Equivalent

58

100

85

500

1250

Film Drying Time (25℃)

36 hours

72 hours

24 hours

100 hours

500 hours

Recommended Mixing Ratio (with E51)

10g : 3g

10g : 5g

10g : 4.5g

10g : 25g

10g : 65g

Pot Life (Min / 25℃)

≥3 hours

≥6 hours

≥4 hours

≥24 hours

≥48 hours

Curing Conditions

80°C / 6~10 hrs

80°C / 6~10 hrs

80°C / 6~10 hrs

80°C / 6~10 hrs

80°C / 6~10 hrs

Cured Hardness (Shore)

90D

65D

85D

D20

--

 

 

1,3-BAC (1,3-Bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane) 

CAS No.: 2579-20-6

13-BAC is primarily used as an epoxy curing agent or for the preparation of modified epoxy curing agents. Compared to aromatic amine curing agents, it not only has lower viscosity and better handling properties but also yields cured products with outstanding resistance to ultraviolet light (anti-yellowing), as well as excellent weather resistance, temperature resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance. Moreover, it cures rapidly and can be used for curing at either room temperature or low temperatures. It is widely applied in high-end outdoor floor coatings, stone adhesives, electronic potting compounds, composite materials (such as automotive parts and wind turbine blades), and in the fields of jewelry adhesives and crystal adhesives where appearance and color quality are of paramount importance.
Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : 1,3-BAC = 100 g : 18–20 g
Curing conditions: 25 °C / 6–12 hours

 

MXDA (m-Xylylenediamine) 

CAS No.: 1477-55-0
Characteristics: m-Xylylenediamine is a high-performance and widely used epoxy resin curing agent, and also an important fine chemical intermediate. It can be used in the synthesis of polyurethanes, a range of epoxy resins, rubber additives, photosensitive plastics, pesticides, fiber finishing agents, rust inhibitors, chelating agents, lubricants, paper processing agents, and electronic chemicals. In nylon products such as MXD6 (a polycondensate of MXDA and adipic acid), and in the synthesis of functional epoxy resins, MXDA is widely utilized due to its unique structure, which imparts various excellent physical and chemical properties.
Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : MXDA = 100 g : 18–20 g
Curing conditions: 50–60 °C / 3 hours + 120–150 °C / 2 hours

 

DETDA (Diethyltoluenediamine) 

CAS No.: 68479-98-1
Characteristics: DETDA is equivalent to Ethancure 100 and Lonza DETDA 80. It is a highly effective chain extender for polyurethane elastomers, and can also be used as a curing agent for polyurethanes and epoxy resins, as an antioxidant for epoxy resins, and in industrial oils and lubricants. Additionally, it serves as an intermediate for organic synthesis.
Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : DETDA = 100 g : 25 g
Curing conditions: 100 °C / 4 hours + 150 °C / 1 hour

 

PACM: 4,4'-Diaminodicyclohexylmethane

CAS No.: 1761-71-3
PACM curing agent (hydrogenated MDA) has performance equivalent to Air Products' Amicure PACM and BASF's DC (i.e., Baxxodur EC330). It is used as an epoxy resin curing agent and as a curing agent for epoxy composite materials. It is also applied as a chain extender and additive in polyaspartic esters, polyamides (PA), polyurethanes (PU), and polyurea spray elastomers (SPUA). Application fields include high-grade composites, filament winding, lamination, casting, RIM, pultrusion, etc.
Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : PACM = 100 g : 25–30 g
Curing conditions: 25 °C / 24 hours or 60 °C / 3 hours

 

DDS: 4,4'-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone

CAS No.: 80-08-0
4,4'-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone is an epoxy resin curing agent with excellent high-temperature resistance. It is used in high-temperature-resistant prepregs, high-temperature-resistant molded products (automotive molds, rail transit, aerospace, etc.), and high-temperature-resistant laminates.
Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : DDS = 100 g : 25–35 g
Curing conditions: 130 °C / 2 h + 200 °C / 2 h

 

DDM: 4,4'-Diaminodiphenylmethane

CAS No.: 101-77-9
Liquid DDM product is a mixture containing approximately 60% 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane and 40% polyphenyl polymethylene polyamine, appearing as a light yellow viscous liquid at room temperature. DDM is an important chemical intermediate. In addition to being primarily used in the production of MDI and HMDI, it is also extensively used in the preparation of polyimide (PI) insulating varnishes, polyesterimide (PEI) insulating varnishes, bismaleimide resins, and other electrical insulation materials. It can also be used as a curing agent for epoxy resins and as a chain extender for polyurethane elastomers.
Mixing ratio: YLE-128 (E-51) epoxy resin : liquid DDM = 100 g : 30–35 g (flexible)
Curing conditions: 80 °C / 3–4 hours

DACH – An Important Alicyclic Diamine Compound

1,2-Diaminocyclohexane (1,2-DACH), with the chemical formula C₆H₁₄N₂, is an important alicyclic diamine compound. At ambient temperature, it appears as a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with an ammonia-like odor. As the hydrogenation product of o-phenylenediamine, it exists in two geometric isomeric forms, cis and trans. Owing to the chair conformation of the cyclohexane ring, the trans isomer further comprises a pair of enantiomers. 1,2-Diaminocyclohexane exhibits excellent chemical stability and reactivity, and is widely used in epoxy resin curing agents, pharmaceutical intermediates (e.g., in the synthesis of oxaliplatin), agrochemicals, dyes, and the preparation of high-performance polymers. With the advancement of the domestic production of adiponitrile, the supply of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane as a by-product has become increasingly abundant, further broadening its application prospects.

 

General Information

Item

Details

Chemical name

1,2-Diaminocyclohexane

CAS No.

694-83-7

Synonyms

1,2-Diaminocyclohexane, 1,2-DACH

Applications

Chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals

 

 

Physical Properties

At ambient temperature, 1,2-diaminocyclohexane is a clear, colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid with a faint ammonia-like odor. Its relative density is approximately 0.931 g/cm³, with a melting point range of 41–45 °C, a boiling point of 188–192 °C, and a flash point of 76 °C. The compound is sensitive to air; prolonged exposure may lead to oxidation and yellowing of the product. It is readily soluble in water and also soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol.

 

 

Chemical Properties

The molecule of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane contains two primary amino groups, conferring typical aliphatic amine chemical properties, including basicity and nucleophilicity. Due to the adjacent positioning of the two amino groups (at the 1,2-positions), it exhibits unique coordination capability, forming stable chelates with various metal ions. The compound displays stereoisomerism, existing predominantly in cis and trans configurations. In the cis isomer, the two amino groups are oriented on the same side of the cyclohexane ring plane; in the trans isomer, they are on opposite sides. The trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, being chiral, exists as a pair of enantiomers, (1R,2R) and (1S,2S), among which (1R,2R)-(-)-1,2-DACH is of significant value in pharmaceutical synthesis.

 

 

Preparation Methods

  • Hydrogenation of o-Phenylenediamine

The industrial production of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane is primarily achieved via the catalytic hydrogenation of o-phenylenediamine. The reaction is typically carried out in an autoclave or a trickle-bed reactor using metal catalysts such as ruthenium (Ru) or nickel (Ni). During the process, the benzene ring of o-phenylenediamine is saturated to yield 1,2-diaminocyclohexane. The ratio of cis to trans isomers in the product can be controlled by adjusting reaction conditions, including temperature, pressure, and catalyst type.

 

  • Co-production Process

In the hydrogenation of adiponitrile to produce hexamethylenediamine, certain amounts of specialty amines such as 1,2-diaminocyclohexane and cyclohexylimine are generated as by-products. With the commissioning of domestic adiponitrile production facilities, this co-production route has become an important source of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, contributing to cost reduction and improved resource utilization.

 

Applications

  • Epoxy Resin Curing

1,2-Diaminocyclohexane is a novel and highly efficient curing agent for epoxy resins. It features low dosage requirements, cost-effectiveness, and rapid curing speed. Epoxy resins cured with 1,2-diaminocyclohexane exhibit excellent chemical resistance, heat resistance, and mechanical properties, and are widely used in wind power structural adhesives, electronic encapsulation materials, and high-performance coatings.

 

  • Pharmaceutical Synthesis

In the pharmaceutical field, 1,2-diaminocyclohexane serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs. In particular, (1R,2R)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane is a critical ligand precursor for the anticancer drug oxaliplatin. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of other biologically active heterocyclic compounds.

 

  • Other Applications

1,2-Diaminocyclohexane is also utilized in the synthesis of various agrochemicals and dyes. In the agrochemical sector, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of carbamate herbicides and other heterocyclic fungicides. In the dye industry, it is used in the preparation of specific azo dyes and functional auxiliaries. As a monomer or chain extender, 1,2-diaminocyclohexane can also be used in the preparation of high-performance polymers such as polyamides and polyurethanes, with its alicyclic structure imparting excellent weatherability and anti-yellowing properties to the resulting polymers.

Epoxy Resin Modifier Styrenated Phenol MSP-250

Nonylphenol has long been used in epoxy resin systems as a functional aid to promote dilution. However, in recent years, with increasing health awareness and stricter environmental regulations, the use of nonylphenol has become increasingly restricted.

Nanjing Youlai's Styrenated Phenol MSP-250 serves as an epoxy resin modifier. In addition to its ideal chemical properties, it meets the demands of environmental regulations.

 

Typical Data

  • Product Name: Styrenated Phenol
  • Grade: MSP-250
  • Appearance: Liquid
  • Color (APHA): <200
  • Viscosity (cps/25°C): 300~800
  • Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g): 230~260

 

Performance Features

As an epoxy resin modifier, MSP-250 is a clear, low-viscosity liquid. When added to the curing agent component, it accelerates the curing speed and improves the water resistance, anti-whitening properties, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, hardness, and leveling performance of the cured product.

MSP-250 exhibits color stability under both long-term and high-temperature conditions. Comparison of color performance between MSP-250 and Nonylphenol when mixed with curing agents:

 

Within 1 week at room temperature: No significant difference observed.

Within 3 days at 60°C: MSP-250 demonstrates superior color stability compared to Nonylphenol.

Within 1 week at 60°C: MSP-250 demonstrates superior color stability compared to Nonylphenol.

 

Application Area

  • Epoxy Coatings & Heavy-duty Anti-corrosion Coatings: Acts as a plasticizer, diluent, and accelerator.
  • Craft & Jewelry Adhesives: Offers excellent transparency, abrasion resistance, and adhesion.
  • Electronics & Electrical: Suitable for potting, varnishes, industrial adhesives, and LED encapsulation.
  • Automotive Sealants: Improves bonding for doors and headliners, providing waterproofing and rust prevention for internal and external panels.

Civil Engineering & Construction: Applicable for crack sealing, crack injection, carbon fiber reinforcement, and steel reinforcement.

High-Temperature Resistant Tetrafunctional Liquid Epoxy Resin YLSE-721

Why is YLSE-721 our star product? What makes it so “hardcore”?

 

YLSE-721 is a high-performance, amino-based tetrafunctional liquid epoxy resin — an “industrial-grade bonding master” designed specifically for high-strength and high heat-resistant applications.

Its name reveals the secret: “tetrafunctional” means each molecule contains four reactive sites, like a “multi-armed warrior” that can form a denser and stronger cross-linked network with curing agents. This is the key reason why its strength far exceeds that of ordinary difunctional epoxy resins. Meanwhile, its liquid form provides excellent flowability, making it ideal for potting, coating, or filling complex structures, ensuring easy and efficient application.

What truly impresses users are its “three highs”: high temperature resistance, fast curing, and superior mechanical strength.

  • Heat resistance: Continuous service temperature up to 150°C, and short-term endurance above 180°C, far outperforming standard epoxies (typically ≤120°C). Perfect for engine surroundings, motor coils, and PCB protection under high-temperature conditions. 🔧

  • Curing speed: Fully cures within 30–60 minutes at 60–80°C, which is 2–3 times faster than conventional epoxy systems — a real time-saver for urgent projects.

  • Mechanical properties: Tensile strength exceeds 50 MPa, flexural strength surpasses 80 MPa, with excellent impact resistance and dimensional stability. It resists cracking even under severe vibration or thermal cycling.

In addition, YLSE-721 offers outstanding electrical insulation, oil resistance, water resistance, and chemical durability — truly earning its reputation as the “Iron Man of the industrial world.”

 

Product Information

Chemical Name: N,N,N',N'-Tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane

CAS No.: 28768-32-3

Structural Formula

 

 

Main Applications

  • High-temperature resistant composites such as carbon fiber and glass fiber;

  • Potting of electronic components (e.g. power modules, LED drivers);

  • Impregnation and insulation protection for motors and transformer coils;

  • Precision mold manufacturing, including bonding of metals, ceramics, and composites;

  • Bonding and sealing of aerospace structural components;

  • Wear-resistant repair and anti-corrosion coatings for heavy-duty mechanical parts.

 

Usage Instructions

YLSE-721 can be formulated with amine-type, anhydride-type, or imidazole-type curing agents and coupling agents to prepare adhesives, casting compounds, or composite systems for applications requiring excellent heat resistance.
Common curing agents include 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (4,4'-DDS), 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM), methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (METHPA), methyl nadic anhydride (MNA), and 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (2,4EMI).

If the resin appears too viscous during use, it can be heated to an appropriate temperature to reduce viscosity before mixing.
To improve toughness, additives such as liquid polysulfide rubber or liquid nitrile rubber can be incorporated.

 

Typical Cured Properties

DDS DDM METHPA MNA Test Method
Glass Transition Temperature (°C) 250-260 220-230 200-210 235-240
Tensile Strength (MPa) 75 50 50 45
Tensile Modulus (GPa) 3.5 3.3 3.2 3.6
Flexural Strength (MPa) 130 120 100 97
Flexural Modulus (GPa) 3.3 3.4 4.0 3.8
Elongation at Break (%) 2.8 1.6 1.9 1.1
Impact Strength (kJ/m²) 15 10 9 8
Resin-to-Hardener Ratio (by weight) 100:52 100:42 100:42 100:150
Curing Schedule 100℃*2h+130℃*2h+160℃*2h+180℃*2h+200℃*2h

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Incorrect curing agent combination: YLSE-721 must be used with specific anhydride or aromatic amine curing agents. Using general-purpose epoxy hardeners may result in incomplete curing, soft texture, or drastically reduced heat resistance ⚠️.
❌ Neglecting surface preparation: The substrate must be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and sanded; otherwise, adhesion failure or “false bonding” may occur.
❌ Overheating during curing: Although the resin has high thermal resistance, curing should be kept within the recommended temperature range (usually 60–120°C). Excessive temperature may cause bubbling or discoloration.

 

Precautions

Due to its high functionality and epoxy value, YLSE-721 releases a large amount of heat during curing, so precautions should be taken to prevent runaway polymerization.
If the viscosity is too high for convenient use, preheat the resin to 100–120°C for about one hour to lower viscosity.
⚠️ When heating, keep the container lid open to prevent polymerization explosion.
This epoxy resin is alkali-resistant but not resistant to strong acids.

High-Temperature-Resistant Trifunctional Liquid Epoxy Resin YLSE-0500 / YLSE-0510

Product Description

YLSE-0500 / YLSE-0510 is a high-temperature-resistant trifunctional epoxy resin based on p-aminophenol. The molecular structure contains multiple epoxy groups and aromatic rings, enabling the cured system to form a high crosslink density and aromatic density during curing. As a result, the cured material exhibits excellent heat resistance, high mechanical strength, low curing shrinkage, and good resistance to radiation, water, and chemicals.


In addition, its low viscosity makes it easy to process and suitable for solvent-free operations. It is used in electrical insulation castings requiring high thermal resistance, as well as composite manufacturing processes such as carbon fiber and glass fiber filament winding, pultrusion, lamination, and prepreg production. The glass transition temperature (Tg) can exceed 200 °C.

 

Product Name

4-(2,3-Epoxypropoxy)-N,N-di(2,3-epoxypropyl)aniline

CAS No.: 5026-74-4

 

Structural Formula

 

Technical Specifications

 

YLSE-0500

YLSE-0510

Appearance

Brown liquid

Yellow liquid

EEW, g/eq

100-115

93-106

Viscosity, cps@25°C

1500-6000

500-1000

Volatiles, %

Max. 1.5

Max.1.0

 

Main Applications

  1. High-temperature structural adhesives

  2. Carbon fiber and glass fiber composites for pultrusion and filament winding

  3. Electrical insulation materials

  4. High-temperature epoxy casting systems used in vacuum casting (RTM, VARTM) and Automatic Pressure Gelation (APG)

  5. Potting and sealing of miniature motor components

  6. High-temperature epoxy diluent

 

Properties of Neat Resin Castings

Comparison of Casting Performance between YLSE-0500 and YLSE-0510

Using DDS (4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone) as the curing agent, selected performance properties of castings made from YLSE-0500 and YLSE-0510 epoxy resins were tested.

Casting preparation procedure:
• Heat DDS to 200 °C (melting point 176 °C) until melted.
• Preheat the epoxy resin to 100 °C.
• Slowly add DDS into the epoxy resin while stirring until uniform.
• Defoam under vacuum for 15 minutes.
• Pour into molds and heat-cure.

 

The performance indicators of the resulting castings are shown in the table below:

Brand type

YLSE-0500

YLSE-0510

Curing agent name

DDS

Curing agent addition amount phr

49

Curing condition

0.5h/80°C+1h/100°C+1.5h/120°C+2h/180°C

Tg(DMA method) °C

245-250

260-270

Bending performance at 25°C

Strength Mpa

132

136

Modulus  Gpa

3.5

3.4

Tensile properties at 25°C

Strength Mpa

64

70

Modulus  Gpa

3.8

3.6

Elongation at break  %

2.3

2.8

 

Casting Properties of YLSE-0500 with Methyl Tetrahydrophthalic Anhydride (MTHPA)

YLSE-0500 epoxy resin is commonly used together with aromatic amine curing agents (such as diaminodiphenyl sulfone and diaminodiphenylmethane) and anhydride curing agents (such as methyl nadic anhydride, methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, and methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride).

 

The casting properties of YLSE-0500 cured with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) at 25 °C are shown in the table below:

Tensile strength Mpa

Bending strength Mpa

Impact strength Kj/m2

Elongation at break  %

Tg(DSC) 

20-30

90-100

8-10

1.5-2.5

190-200

Mixing ratio(Phr): YLSE-0500/MTHPA=100/150

Curing conditions: 80℃/2h+100℃/2h+130℃/2h+180℃/3h

 

Precautions

Due to its high functionality and high epoxy value, the curing process generates a large amount of heat, so attention must be paid to preventing runaway polymerization. If the viscosity becomes too high and causes difficulty in use, the resin may be heated to 100–120 °C for 1 hour to reduce the viscosity. During heating, please open the container lid to prevent any risk of runaway polymerization.

 

Equivalent Grades

Similar domestic and international product grades include MY-0500, MY-0510, AFG-90, AFG-90H, etc.