I finally saw what happens when you skip the bonding step on composite repairs

Worked a job last month on a Gulfstream that had a radome repair done about 2 years back by a different shop. The thing delaminated in a spot about 3 inches wide. When we pulled it apart, you could see where they didn't prep the surface right before bonding. No scuffing, no cleaning with the right solvent. Just slapped new material on top of old. The difference between that repair and the one we did is night and day. Has anyone else run into quick composite fixes that failed down the road?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_mason5d ago

That bond line was basically just hoping for the best.

olivere304d ago

Ah man I gotta disagree a bit. Sometimes that bond line is all you got and it works out fine if the wood is clean and dry. Plenty of repairs Ive seen hold up for years with nothing fancy.

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