Wear Guard Fine Load is a high-density, micro-alumina ceramic bead-filled epoxy system designed to protect equipment handling fine particulate smaller than 3.2 mm.
It is designed for industrial wear applications involving equipment such as slurry pumps, scrubbers, screens and screw conveyors. The non-sag putty can be applied by trowel and finished to a smooth surface.
Wear Guard Fine Load provides outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemicals and can withstand service temperatures up to 149°C.
Key Features and Benefits
- Fine particulate protection: Designed for equipment handling particles smaller than 3.2 mm.
- Ceramic-filled epoxy: Contains high-density micro-alumina ceramic beads.
- Non-sag consistency: Can be applied to vertical surfaces without sagging.
- Smooth trowel finish: Can be trowelled to a smooth surface.
- Chemical resistance: Provides outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemicals.
- High temperature resistance: Suitable for service temperatures up to 149°C.
- Machinable after cure: Can be machined, drilled or painted after functional cure.
Where Can Wear Guard Fine Load Be Used?
Wear Guard Fine Load is designed for industrial equipment exposed to fine particulate wear, including:
- Slurry pumps
- Scrubbers
- Screens
- Screw conveyors
Coverage
| Application Thickness | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 6.35 mm (1/4") | Approximately 711 cm²/kg |
Surface Preparation
Thorough surface preparation is important for achieving maximum adhesion.
- Clean the surface with isopropanol alcohol or acetone to remove oil, grease and dirt.
- Grit blast using 8–40 mesh grit or grind with a coarse wheel or abrasive disc pad.
- Create a surface profile of approximately 3–5 mils with defined edges.
- Do not feather-edge the existing epoxy.
- Clean the surface again to remove dust and other contaminants.
- Repair the surface as soon as possible after preparation to minimise contamination.
For metals exposed to seawater or other salt solutions, grit blast and high-pressure water blast the area, then allow it to stand overnight. Repeat blasting to remove soluble salts and perform a chloride contamination test. Soluble salt content should be no more than 40 ppm.
Working Conditions
The ideal application temperature is 13°C to 32°C.
In cold working conditions, heat the repair area to approximately 38°C to 43°C before applying the epoxy and maintain this temperature during curing. This helps remove moisture, contamination and solvents and supports maximum performance.
Applying epoxy below 21°C lengthens functional cure and pot life times. Applying above 21°C shortens them.
Mixing Instructions
Wear Guard Fine Load has a 2:1 mixing ratio by both volume and weight.
- Add the Hardener to the Resin.
- Mix thoroughly using a screwdriver or similar tool.
- Continuously scrape material from the sides and bottom of the container.
- Continue mixing until a uniform, streak-free consistency is achieved.
For intermediate-size units, place the Resin and Hardener on a flat, disposable surface and mix using a trowel or wide-blade tool.
For larger buckets, use a T-shaped mixing paddle or suitable propeller-type mixer and thoroughly fold the putty until the Resin and Hardener are completely homogeneous.
Application
Spread the mixed Wear Guard Fine Load over the prepared repair area at a minimum thickness of 6.35 mm.
Work the material firmly into the substrate to maximise surface contact.
After functional cure, the repaired area can be machined, drilled or painted.
Vertical Surface Applications
Wear Guard Fine Load can be trowelled onto vertical surfaces to a thickness of up to 19 mm without sagging.
Bridging Large Gaps and Holes
For large gaps or holes, place a suitable reinforcement between the repair area and Wear Guard Fine Load before application.
The available reinforcement options listed are:
- Fiberglass sheet
- Expanded metal
- Mechanical fasteners
Alternative Priming Method
Where grit blasting is not possible and expandable metal cannot be used, Devcon Brushable Ceramic can be applied to the metal surface at 280–460 microns as a primer.
Allow the primer to cure for approximately 2 hours, or until a fingernail can almost depress the primed surface. Apply Wear Guard Fine Load immediately afterwards.
Do not allow the primer coat to fully cure before applying Wear Guard Fine Load.
Cure Times
- Pot life at 24°C: 30 minutes
- Functional cure: 16 hours
- Full cure: 6–8 hours
For maximum physical properties, cure at room temperature for 2.5 hours, followed by a heat cure for 4 hours at 93°C.
Temperature Resistance
Wear Guard Fine Load has a stated service temperature of up to 149°C.
Important Product Considerations
- Minimum application thickness is 6.35 mm.
- Vertical applications can be trowelled up to 19 mm without sagging.
- Ideal application temperature is 13°C to 32°C.
- Cold applications may require heating of the repair area.
- Below 21°C, functional cure and pot life times increase.
- Above 21°C, functional cure and pot life times decrease.
- For maximum physical properties, follow the specified heat-cure procedure.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Technical Data |
|---|---|
| Product | Wear Guard Fine Load |
| Product Type | High-density micro-alumina ceramic bead-filled epoxy system |
| Colour | Grey |
| Mix Ratio by Volume | 2:1 |
| Mix Ratio by Weight | 2:1 |
| Mixed Viscosity | Non-sag putty |
| Pot Life @ 24°C | 30 minutes |
| Recoat Time | 4–6 hours |
| Functional Cure | 16 hours |
| Full Cure | 6–8 hours |
| Service Temperature | Up to 149°C |
| Ideal Application Temperature | 13°C to 32°C |
| Minimum Application Thickness | 6.35 mm |
| Maximum Vertical Application Thickness | 19 mm without sagging |
| Coverage | Approximately 711 cm²/kg at 6.35 mm thickness |
Important: Always read the current product Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet before surface preparation, mixing or application.
Colour accuracy disclaimer: We have taken care to display the most accurate visuals of our products. However, we are not responsible for the colour accuracy of the device you are viewing our swatches on. These variations arise due to different computer monitors and devices (make, model and technology, as well as resolution, contrast and brightness control settings) in much the same way a scan will differ from an original image and a colour photocopy. Furthermore, coatings can exhibit variation in perceived colour depending on gloss level and application method. If you require a very specific colour match, please make your selection via actual swatches and colour boards available at our showroom.
Product Disclaimer: Ensure you read all product, technical and safety data sheets prior to application as liability falls on the applicator. All products must be applied in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended method.
