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When discussing Polywater Sealants such as FST, PowerPatch, BonDuit, and AirRepair with customers there are five "cure times" to keep in mind :
- Mixing Time -- The short time it takes material to pass through the mixing nozzles (FST, BonDuit) or
be thoroughly hand-stirred in the cups (PowerPatch, AirRepair).
- Working Time -- After mixing, this is the time available for the sealant to be "worked," as in applied, spread, feathered, etc., and with any component parts (i.e., couplers, damming strips, etc.) to be placed in final position.
- Set Time -- Though the chemical reaction is incomplete, this is the point at which the sealant has cured (i.e., dried, gelled, hardened, etc.) enough to prevent further manipulation. Application of product must be completed before its set time. This is also when a seal can be left alone--allowing a worker to move on--but not necessarily put into service.
- Functional Cure Time -- Though still curing, this is the point at which a seal is strong enough for the intended application (i.e., moving or burying duct, repressurizing cables or transformers, etc.).
- Final Cure Time -- The chemical reaction is now complete and the seal has achieved its peak strength. This may occur well after the functional cure.
Offering an suitable cure time can do more harm than good. Example: quoting a less-meaningful 24-hour final cure time rather than, say, a more relevant 1-hour functional cure time could cost you a sale. Understanding the differences, and that each varies by product and is affected by factors such as temperature and intended application (i.e., a functional cure for 50 psi will take longer than for 10 psi.) makes you a better salesperson. Our literature and factory experts can help you with the details. |
