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TECHNICAL DATA
#6 STACKING WAX – PA0006
Stacking waxes are semi-hard temporary cements used for a variety of blocking and Stacking applications. Stacking waxes are
commonly used for blocking together a series of lenses or work pieces that are to be edged or profiled. Other applications include
thin film blocking, Blanchard wheel work, spot blocking, surface protection and a variety of uses where semi-hard, high tack
materials is desired.
Water or slurries do not affect Stacking waxes, as long as their temperature is below the melting point of the wax being used. Most
coolants have little effect on the waxes, especially in relatively short duration exposure (less than 2-3 hours). Other characteristics
include a high dielectric constant, lack of porosity, yielding efficient blocking results on a wide variety of substrates. Depending on
the grade of wax, materials that can be blocked include steel, all types of optical glasses, many of the harder plastics, brass, copper,
silicon wafers, quartz crystals and a host of other material. Stacking waxes can be used for a variety of Stacking and blocking
applications where strength of bond and easy removal are desired, and the hardness of blocking material is not a critical factor.
Due to the broad array of applications where Stacking waxes can be used, it is impossible to give specific usage instructions for all
cases. There are some general guidelines however.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Test Name (Testing Method & Parameters)
Property
Softening Point (ASTM D4419-00)
100 - 110 °F
Melting Point (ASTM D4419-00)
110 – 120 °F
Viscosity (130°F, RV-3, 20RPM) (ASTM D2669-87)
1425 cps
Viscosity (150°F, RV-3, 20RPM) (ASTM D2669-87)
625 cps
Viscosity (170°F, RV-3, 20RPM) (ASTM D2669-87)
275 cps
Penetration Test (70°F, 500g Weight, 1 Hour)
Color
0.015 – 0.025”
Clear to Opaque Yellow
BLOCKING
It is usually best to elevate the temperature of both the blocking plate, or lap, and the work piece. This will reduce the difference
in temperature between the parts and the wax, which reduces distortion in the finished product. This heat will also dictate to some
degree, the film thickness of the finished bond. The wax can be applied by "wiping" the wax across the heated blocking tool, or
the wax can be heated into a liquid and poured on the surfaces to be blocked. When heating the wax into a liquefied state, never
exceed the melting temperature by more than 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit, as temperatures above that level will cause fundamental
changes that will reduce performance levels.
REMOVAL
In general, removal of Stacking wax can be accomplished by immersing the blocked assembly in hot water, thereby bringing the
wax to its melting temperature and affecting the physical detachment in the blocking media. The temperature of the water will be
dictated by the melting point of the particular wax, but in most cases 190° is sufficient for all types. The parts can be further cleaned
with a mild soap and warm water wash, or in some cases a solvent will be necessary to further remove residue.
UNIVERSAL SOLVENT or the UNI-CLEAR SERIES of safety solvents will clean residue of Stacking wax from the work piece and
blocking apparatus, after which a warm soapy water wash should leave the parts clean. Further cleaning of optical glass can be
accomplished through the use of RHODES K89 cleaner and ultrasonic. In difficult applications, solvent may be used exclusively to
TECHNICAL DATA
#6 STACKING WAX – PA0006
de-block parts. The degree of cleaning a de-blocking effort required will vary greatly depending on the bond line geometry, work
piece characteristics and finished part requirements.
AVAILABILITY & SAFETY INFORMATION
3 BARS = approximately 1 LB.
2 BARS TO A BOX
100 BARS TO A CASE
Also Available in BULK using Part # PA0006
See MSDS for More Info.
The information and recommendations contained herein has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and to represent the most reasonable current opinion on
the subject when this was prepared. No warranty, guaranty or representation is made as to the correctness or sufficiency of the information. The user of this product
must decide what safety measures are necessary to safely use this product, either alone or in combination with other products, and determine its environmental
regulatory compliance obligations under any applicable federal or state laws. PA0006.02.11.td