3M AC-130-2: Structural Bonding Surface Pretreatment for Aluminum Composites

Continuing in our series on 3M products, today we are looking at AC-130-2, a structural bonding surface pre-treatment. Common procedures, such as sulfuric acid-sodium dichromate etching and phosphoric acid anodizing (PAA), use hazardous ingredients and can be challenging to perform in the field. 3M now offers a high-performance surface pretreatment that delivers results comparable to PAA in less time.

This invaluable compound should be a staple for all your structural repair and maintenance teams (sheet metal and corrosion shops), and it is available on GSA Advantage for easy, quick government procurement. 

About 3M AC-130-2

3M Surface Pre-Treatment AC-130-2 is a high-performance, water-based sol-gel system designed to improve adhesive bonding and structural bonding for aluminum composites, aluminum alloys, steel, titanium, and composite surfaces. 

This two-part, ready-to-use sol-gel system is an advanced 3M surface pre-treatment and surface pre-treatment AC that creates a chemically active interface between the substrate, primer, and adhesive layer, enhancing adhesive bonding of metal while delivering environmental and surface preparation process efficiency benefits over traditional surface treatment process methods, including phosphoric acid anodizing PAA and acid sodium dichromate etchings AC-130-2.

As a non-chromated pre-treatment, treatment AC-130-2 eliminates chromates from surface treatment, reducing hazardous materials, hazardous waste, waste handling, and environmental exposure associated with legacy phosphoric acid anodizing and sulfuric acid sodium dichromate systems. Yet testing has shown that 3M AC-130-2 delivers high-performance, non-chromated adhesion durability equal to or better than many conventional methods, including high-temperature and high-humidity performance in water-based solution environments.

The solution gelation sol-gel chemistry is designed to support metal-to-composite and metal-to-metal adhesive bonding, making it ideal for steel, titanium, and composites in modern mixed-material aircraft designs. It’s compatible with a wide range of adhesive systems, including overview, structural primers, and epoxy-based adhesives used in 3M aerospace manufacturing, repair, and overhaul environments, supporting surface preparation for adhesion and adhesive bonding.

AC-130-2 integrates into existing maintenance workflows and is compatible with existing application techniques, including brush spray or dip application and dip application. It cures at ambient temperature, with no scrubbing or rinsing required or heat-cure equipment needed, and can reduce overall process times, labor time, and time and water usage by up to 35%. This makes pre-treatment AC-130 ideal for routine maintenance, field repairs and time-critical AOG situations where speed, repeatability, and reduced process flow time are key AC-130-2.

Used by aircraft engineers, ground crews, and MRO teams across the aviation industry, 3M AC 130 provides consistent, high-strength, moisture-resistant adhesion to maintain the long-term structural integrity of bonded aircraft components and metallic substances prepared for bonding. 

Available in 50 mL, 100 mL, 500 mL, and 1 L kit sizes to support localized repairs to larger structural bonding operations, including aluminum alloys, steel, and titanium applications. The 100 mL kit is available through GSA Advantage under BMS5-162 for government and defense maintenance organizations using 3M AC-130-2.

Surface Pre-Treatment Process (AC-130-2)

A high-performance surface preparation for adhesive bonding of titanium, steel, and aluminum alloys is 3M Surface Pre-Treatment AC-130-2. Concerns about the cost and environmental impact of other traditional techniques may be addressed using AC-130-2. 3M AC-130-2, which is water-based and non-chromated, can help reduce the amount of waste and harmful materials typically generated by the bonding surface preparation process. Even in the field, it is quicker and simpler to use. 

  • It is faster than the Phosphoric Acid Containment System (PACS), Phosphoric Acid Non-Tank Anodizing (PANTA), and grit-blast methods. 
  • Removes chromates from the surface treatment process, potentially reducing harmful contaminants.
  • Simple to use: The two-part system can be used in field repairs and in a variety of ways. Rinsing or heat curing is not necessary.

Thorough deoxidation and metal surface preparation are necessary for successful bonding. After applying 3M AC-130-2 by brush, spray, or immersion, it can be dried at room temperature. If substrate bondline corrosion protection is needed, surfaces may then be primed before bonding.

Performance on Metal and Composite Surfaces

The sol-gel system is built with a specific purpose, enhancing adhesion across:

  • Aluminum alloys
  • Steel
  • Titanium
  • Composite surfaces

Basically, it improves adhesion across all common substrates used on all aircraft, aircraft systems, and components. 

It is also optimized for non-similar-surface adhesions, such as metal-to-composite and hybrid assemblies. Some of the key benefits of the sol-gel system are:

  • Improved moisture resistance
  • Durable bonding interface
  • Consistent surface chemistry

3M Aerospace Surface Pre-Treatment Solutions

3M has a suite of surface preparation and pre-treatment products, and AC-130-2 is a water-based solution gelatin that delivers when you need it most. Instead of caustic PAA or sulfuric acid, 3M offers a much more environmentally sound solution that is non-chromate in nature and composition. These products have come a long way in the last decade or two, largely replacing the extremely dangerous products that were standard not so long ago. 

AC-130-2 is made as a high-performance, water-based solution that enables all metallic substances to adhere better to each other. 

We always recommend that you follow the 3M AC-130-2 SDS and the AC-130-2 TDS for safety and proper application methods. 

Government Procurement through Greenwood Aerospace

Getting what you need, when you need it, is the age-old challenge with all military flight ops and maintenance. Getting just the right amount so your team has what they need but isn’t throwing out expired materials is a delicate balance, but we are here for you! Whether you need a handful for a small TDY package or a bulk order for stationary operations (phase, depot, etc.), Greenwood Aerospace has what you need.

And if we don’t have the quantity you want listed, reach out! We can probably get it for you. Contact us at gsasales@greenwood.aero or call 580-865-6000 / 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289), and we will get you what you need!

Further Reading

Make sure to check our other articles on similar topics!