Araldite Structural Epoxy Adhesive: Review and Top Competitors in the US and Canada

In the world of structural bonding, epoxy adhesives stand out as a leading solution for high-strength, durable, and chemically resistant joints. Among these, Araldite® Structural Epoxies, manufactured by Huntsman Advanced Materials, are widely regarded as some of the most reliable and high-performance structural adhesives used in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to construction and electronics.

In this review, we will explore what makes Araldite epoxy adhesives a top-tier product and how they compare to leading competitors available in the US and Canadian markets.

What Is Araldite Structural Epoxy?

Araldite is a brand of two-component epoxy adhesives developed for structural bonding applications. These adhesives cure at room temperature or with heat, forming extremely tough bonds capable of withstanding mechanical stress, impact, moisture, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations.

Araldite is used in applications where long-term reliability and high-performance bonding are non-negotiable — such as bonding metals, composites, ceramics, plastics, and dissimilar materials.

Key Features of Araldite Epoxy Adhesives

• High shear and peel strength

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Superior fatigue and impact performance

• Bonds to a wide variety of substrates including metals, plastics, ceramics, composites

• Room temperature or heat-cured options

• Available in paste, liquid, or film formats

• Long pot life options for complex assemblies

Common grades include:

• Araldite 2011 – Multi-purpose, flexible

• Araldite 2014-2 – High strength, high temperature resistant

• Araldite 420 A/B – Aerospace and composite bonding

• Araldite AV 138M / Hardener HV 998 – Electrically insulating with thermal resistance

Best Use Cases for Araldite Epoxy

• Structural bonding in automotive and aerospace parts

• Wind turbine blade and composite panel bonding

• Electronics encapsulation and potting

• Industrial machinery assembly

• Concrete or metal-to-metal bonding in construction

In both US and Canada, Araldite products are frequently specified for engineered structures, OEM manufacturing, and repair and retrofit applications requiring dependable adhesion.

Araldite vs Competitors: The Structural Adhesive Landscape

In the North American market, Araldite competes with several other brands offering high-performance structural adhesives. Here’s how it stacks up:

1. 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesives

Overview: 3M is a major competitor in industrial adhesives with a wide range of epoxy adhesives under its Scotch-Weld brand. Known for their reliability and innovation, 3M’s products are widely used in aerospace, electronics, and transportation.

Popular Grades:

• DP420 – High strength, impact-resistant

• DP460 – High temperature, long work life

• DP100 – Fast cure, rigid bond

Strengths:

• User-friendly cartridges with static mixers

• Broad distributor network across US and Canada

• Versatile for both rigid and flexible joints

Weaknesses:

• Often more expensive than other alternatives

• Some formulations have limited chemical resistance

Comparison to Araldite:
Araldite offers more specialty formulations for high-temperature, low outgassing, and composite bonding, while 3M focuses on ease of use and standard industrial needs.

2. Loctite® Hysol / EA Epoxy Adhesives (Henkel)

Overview: Henkel’s Loctite line is another major player in structural bonding. The Loctite EA (formerly Hysol) series is well known for high-performance epoxy adhesives used in aerospace, defense, electronics, and industrial assembly.

Popular Grades:

• Loctite EA 9460 – Toughened epoxy with long open time

• Loctite EA 9309.3NA – Aerospace-grade

• Loctite EA 9394 – High strength, heat resistant

Strengths:

• Well-documented aerospace approvals (MIL-SPEC, Boeing, Airbus)

• Excellent toughness and thermal resistance

• High performance on metal and composite joints

Weaknesses:

• Shorter pot life on some grades

• Some products require elevated cure temperatures

Comparison to Araldite:
Loctite EA series is strong in the aerospace and electronics sector, competing closely with Araldite in aerospace-certified applications. Araldite has more low-temperature cure options and electrical-grade formulations.

3. Permabond® Structural Epoxies

Overview: Permabond offers industrial adhesives for automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Their 2-part epoxies offer good mechanical strength and environmental resistance.

Popular Grades:

• ET500 – General-purpose structural epoxy

• ET5401 – Fast cure, high peel strength

• ET5422 – Heat resistant epoxy

Strengths:

• Easy-to-use packaging

• Lower cost than premium aerospace adhesives

• Good flexibility in product range

Weaknesses:

• Less performance data available

• Not as commonly used in critical aerospace or defense sectors

Comparison to Araldite:
Permabond is better suited for cost-sensitive, light industrial use, while Araldite targets high-performance engineering applications.

4. SikaPower® and SikaForce® Epoxy Adhesives (Sika Corporation)

Overview: Sika is known for structural bonding adhesives in the automotive and transportation industries. Their SikaPower series includes crash-resistant, impact-modified epoxies for structural use.

Popular Grades:

• SikaPower-4720 – Crash durable, OEM-approved

• SikaForce-7720 – High elongation, flexible bond

Strengths:

• Excellent in dynamic stress and impact conditions

• OEM-approved for car manufacturers

• High peel and shear strength

Weaknesses:

• Limited availability in general distribution

• Targeted more toward OEM use than general industry

Comparison to Araldite:
SikaPower epoxies are engineered for automotive structural parts, whereas Araldite is more versatile across industries including composites, electronics, and aerospace.

Why Choose Araldite Over the Competition?

• Unmatched durability: Proven performance in demanding conditions like aerospace, composites, and electronics

• Global recognition: Trusted by engineers, architects, and manufacturers in over 70 countries

• Advanced customization: More options tailored for electrical, thermal, or mechanical performance

• Consistent performance: High batch-to-batch quality and extensive technical documentation

Where to Buy Araldite in the US and Canada

Araldite products are available through authorized distributors like:

• Ellsworth Adhesives

• Krayden

• Hisco

• Fastenal (for select SKUs)

Ensure you select the correct grade and cure schedule based on your application. Many suppliers offer technical data sheets, safety data sheets (SDS), and mixing guides to help with selection and use.

Final Verdict

Araldite remains one of the top epoxy adhesive brands globally, offering unmatched versatility, bond strength, and durability. While competitors like 3M, Loctite, and Sika provide excellent alternatives, Araldite excels in engineered applications where long-term performance and high mechanical demands are expected.

Whether you are bonding metal panels in a transportation system, assembling composite aerospace parts, or performing industrial maintenance, Araldite structural epoxy adhesives continue to be a benchmark product in North America.