History of Bonstone - PART 1

From its very inception, Bonstone has been advancing adhesive technology to fulfill the needs of the stone industry. During the 1960’s, the cost and weight of traditional stone, as well as the use of complex precast concrete units, prohibited the use of stone in many significant architectural projects. At this time, our founder King Harte, while working with P. Schmidt and Co. started formulating epoxy adhesive systems for stone application. Through many trial and error methods often performed in a make shift lab in his garage, King started what is today some of Bonstone’s main stream epoxies for stone bonding. Through discussions with friend and quarryman Bill Biesanz of Biesanz Stone Co, the two started aggressive development and mixing of epoxies. Their goal was to have a stone adhesive to take the place of seeing individual pieces of limestone put in place on a wall. Some of the first commercial work was done in P. Schmidt’s plant and in the Biesanz plant. They branched out into larger developments with stone companies in Bedford and Bloomington IN.

In 1962, King Harte, founded Bonstone Inc. in Milwaukee, WI. He began product development of epoxies which would allow stone assemblies to vie for use in these areas which were becoming off limits to stone. King was uniquely suited to the problems being tackled. He owned a stone fabrication business and had attained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He cooperated in some of the first efforts to study the use of epoxies for stone assemblies, such as the research sub-committee of the Indiana Limestone Institute. His careful, patient approach to product development resulted in the development of successful epoxy adhesive products for the production of long lived stone assemblies.

Celebrating 50 Years!!

Bonstone Materials is celebrating our 50th Anniversary! WOW - the time has flown by! We want to thank all of our customers - we would not be here without YOU! Check back here (and Linked In, Our Website & Facebook) often for more info, sales and specials throughout this year.

How to properly use a epoxy cartridge system

Through our experiences we have developed the following recommendations for successful epoxy cartridge applications.

1. Remove the the tip(s) of the cartridge(s) to expose the epoxy. Position the mixing nozzle over the tip(s). Place the retaining nut over the mixing nozzle and screw and tighten the retaining nut until secure.






2. Clip the tip of the mixing nozzle to the desired thickness of bead if needed (just like caulking tubes). For knifegrade material you may need to clip the tip back most of the way back.






3. Dispense the first 25ml (or 3-4 inches) of the mixed product onto a spare piece of cardboard. After the first 3 or 4 inches, the product should be fully mixed when it exists the mixing nozzle. Check for thoroughly mixed color at this point and then start dispensing as needed into the crack or hole.


4. When you are finished with the application you first should take the mixing nozzle off and wipe tip of cartridges with a cloth. Try not to drag A product into B hole. Wipe down when holes are horizontal.

5. Fill tip(s) with plug(s) to store product. Note: Do not put product plug A in product B cartridge hole.

3 Things NOT to do When Using Epoxies

OK, you've decided your project deserves the very best, and you've opted for a high-quality two component structural epoxy adhesive to assure the highest strength for your assembly. Now, how do you make sure it's used correctly (either by you or someone else), so you can get the maximum performance expected? Here are 3 things NOT TO DO--doing these will definitely compromise the cure of the adhesive and reduce the strength and durability:

1. Not using the correct mix ratio. For instance: if the mix instructions call for a 2:1 mix (that is, 2 parts of "A" with 1 part of "B"), DO NOT vary from this ratio! Some people are under the misconception that "if a little "B" is good, a little more is better". Not at all! Epoxies are formulated for a specific mix ratio, and that mix ratio needs to be maintained to ensure that the proper chemical reaction occurs between the two parts. Adding more "B" (a common mistake) may seem to make the cure progress faster, but at the expense of ultimate cured properties. Don't do it.

2. Not mixing the two parts thoroughly. Many people begin their fabricating careers with the unsaturated polyesters, then advance to the stronger and more versatile epoxies as they learn more about the relative performance capabilities of the two different chemistries. But, while it is somewhat OK to mix the polyester and cream hardener "with a lick and a promise" (the cure will still progress adequately, albeit slower), this cavalier attitude towards mixing will definitely NOT work with the epoxies: the "A" and "B" MUST be thoroughly mixed, again to ensure that the appropriate chemicals are in intimate contact to carry out the necessary cure reaction. Thorough mixing for 30-60 seconds, occasionally scraping the sides if the container, is usually sufficient. (Be careful, however, not to stir so vigorously that you whip sir bubbles into the adhesive).

3. Not following application instructions regarding limitations of the product, such as surface preparation, temperature issues, moisture concerns, etc. The data sheet lists specifics that must be complied with if proper performance of the adhesive is to be expected. A common issue is temperature: for instance, if the data sheet says to not use below 50 degrees F, then don't use the adhesive if the temperature is 35 degrees! The adhesive simply will not cure.

Pay attention to these 3 ways to abuse an epoxy and you’ll eliminate a lot of headaches!