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Aerospace Structural Bonding Systems for OEM Manufacturing

GracoRoberts supplies structural bonding systems for aerospace OEMs producing metal and composite airframe assemblies. Structural adhesives carry primary and secondary loads in fuselage, wing, and interior structures, replacing or supplementing mechanical fasteners to reduce weight and distribute stress across the bond line.

Our portfolio spans epoxy paste adhesives, film adhesives, and corrosion-inhibiting bond primers, many qualified to Boeing BMS, Airbus AIMS, and SAE AMS specifications. We supply production volumes with the documentation and out-life management that OEM bonding workflows require.

Structural Bonding System Types

Epoxy Paste Adhesives

Two-part paste adhesives for metal-to-metal and composite bonding where gap filling and room-temperature or elevated-cure flexibility are needed. Products include Loctite EA 9394 AERO, Loctite EA 9396 AERO, Resin Formulators RF 6100 A/B High Temperature Adhesive, and Resin Formulators RF 6110 A/B Epoxy Resin.

Structural Film Adhesives

Sheet-format epoxy films for large bonded areas and honeycomb sandwich panels, providing uniform bond-line thickness and high peel strength. Products include Solvay FM 73 epoxy film and 3M Scotch-Weld AF 163-2K.

Spec-Approved Epoxy Adhesives

Program-qualified epoxies for platform-specific bonding. Products include Epibond 420 and Magnobond 6398.

OEM Selection Considerations

When specifying a structural bonding system, OEM engineering and procurement teams evaluate:

  • Specification approval — Boeing BMS, Airbus AIMS, MIL, or SAE AMS qualification against the program approval list
  • Substrate compatibility — aluminum, titanium, and composite adherends, with the correct bond primer for durability
  • Cure schedule — room-temperature versus elevated-cure to fit production tooling and throughput
  • Service environment — operating temperature, humidity, and fluid exposure
  • Documentation — COA, COC, lot traceability, and out-life tracking

Surface preparation determines bond durability as much as adhesive selection. See our aerospace surface treatments and conversion coatings page for compatible bond primers and pretreatments. For lightweight core-fill and edge-stabilization materials, see lightweight structural materials.

GracoRoberts supplies qualified bonding materials with the documentation, inventory, and technical support required for OEM production. Talk to our team to confirm qualification status for your platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between paste and film adhesives in aerospace bonding?

Paste adhesives are two-part systems mixed and applied by hand or cartridge, suited to gap filling, repair, and complex geometry. Film adhesives are pre-formed sheets that deliver uniform bond-line thickness and high peel strength across large areas and honeycomb panels, favored in high-volume production.

Are these structural adhesives qualified to Boeing and Airbus specifications?

Many are. Loctite EA 9394 and EA 9396, Solvay FM 73, and Epibond 420 carry Boeing BMS, Airbus AIMS, or SAE AMS approvals. Confirm current qualification against the product data sheet and your program approval list.

Do structural bonded joints require a bond primer?

Yes, for durable metal bonding. Corrosion-inhibiting bond primers such as BR 127 are applied to prepared metal surfaces before adhesive cure to protect the bond line from environmental degradation over the airframe service life.

Do you provide lot traceability and out-life documentation?

Yes. COA and COC are available on request, with lot traceability and out-life tracking for frozen and refrigerated film adhesives. Contact us to discuss program documentation requirements.