Urethanes and Epoxies in Metal Cans? ISO of pumps for 1 gallon metal cans

[Dave Diefenderfer]

Perhaps someone has some incite, to why some suppliers use metal cans for some materials? I have used West Systems Epoxies, which all come in metal cans, and have sourced urethane foam for a variety of suppliers, some use metal, and some use plastic? I just received urethane foam for decoy bodies from US Composites and it is in metal cans. I have epoxy from them in plastic. So I had ordered some pumps thinking they would fit the plastic bottles!
Now I am searching for pumps to fit the metal cans, and am finding nothing. I can transfer the material to plastic bottles to fit my pumps, but wonder why they used metal cans?

So far, all I find is West System pumps, but I need 2 large pumps and they sell a kit for $17

 

[Mark W]

Epoxies are compatible with most containers. There are many reason why different containers are used - mostly dealing with economics. If a new product is introduced, and it is very similar to an existing product, it is much much easier using the same container as the similar product. Here at least, to copy over information on the similar product to the new product (pack specs, transportation codes, fire ratings, stocking numbers, etc) is much quicker and cheaper to do. This is one reason.

I would just call West and see what they say. Could be a reason for one container verses another but my guess is that it would have nothing to do with reactivity of the product with plastic verses metal. I would however make darn certain that both new containers and the pumps are thoroughly void of any old material residue. Depending upon the chemistry, the various epoxies could use a different catalyst system. Not all catalyst systems play well with each other.

Mark

 

[Dave Diefenderfer]

Well for simplicity I will transfer the material to some recycled IPA jugs. We go through Semiconductor grade 100% IPA at work, and the bottles are very nice, and clean! A couple are under my desk already. The pumps I have are new. I will grab a couple funnels this evening and try not to make a mess! I am not sure how well the urethane foam components will pump, I will preheat them in water baths in crockpots on low to ensure I get maximum expansion since my shop in the basement is in the upper 60s and not near the optimal 80 deg expansion temp. Pouring the components for small batches is somewhat frustrating. I hope the pumps will simplify things. I typically am making a 5 or 6oz total mix.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Dave,

Another, albeit more involved option, would be to make a dedicated pumping station. I am envisioning something similar to a ketchup dispenser at a fast food restaurant.

(A) The pump is fastened to a lid. (would not need to use the thread provided, just clamp the barrel of the pump).
(B) The container of epoxy, ketchup, syrup, etc. sits in a base which is slightly taller than the original container.
(C) The lid/pump assembly is lowered down onto the walls of the base unit.

One would most likely need to extend the intake tube to the appropriate length. Like I said, a bit more upfront build but would eliminate the need to match threads or transfer product to a different container. When the container is emptied, just lift the pump assembly and insert a fresh container.