Bonding Guide

Slideway Liner Bonding: Surface Preparation and Adhesive Checklist

How to prepare steel or cast iron machine ways before bonding PTFE slideway liner: cleaning, surface condition, etched-side identification, adhesive handling and clamping checks.

Bond failure is usually a preparation or process problem rather than a shortage of adhesive. Before installing a Turcite B replacement liner, control the substrate condition, identify the etched bonding side and plan even pressure across the full contact area.

Clean the substrate before any adhesive work

  • Remove oil, coolant residue, loose paint, scale and dust from the steel or cast iron surface.
  • Use the degreaser and ventilation procedure required by your workshop safety rules.
  • Do not touch the prepared bonding surface with bare oily gloves or leave it exposed to workshop dust.
  • Dry the surface fully before applying the adhesive.

Create a controlled bonding surface

Machine or abrade the counterface according to the rebuild plan and adhesive instructions. The surface should be sound, clean and suitable for the adhesive film; sharp burrs, loose material and high spots can create voids beneath the liner. Keep the final surface flat enough for the planned clamping method and leave the finishing allowance specified by the technician.

Identify the etched side of the liner

The chemically etched side is the bonding side. Confirm its orientation before mixing adhesive and protect it from contamination. If the side is unclear, stop and ask the material supplier for confirmation instead of bonding a test piece in the wrong orientation.

Bonding preparation checklist
CheckpointPass conditionAction if not ready
SubstrateClean, dry and free of loose materialRepeat cleaning or surface preparation
LinerCorrect width, thickness and etched side identifiedHold the job and verify the cut list
AdhesiveCorrect product, ratio and usable pot lifeCheck the epoxy adhesive instructions
ClampingPressure can reach the full bonded areaAdd plates, clamps or a planned fixture
CureTime and temperature are controlledDo not machine or move the assembly early

Mix, spread and clamp consistently

Use the adhesive manufacturer's mix ratio, working time and cure instructions. Spread a uniform film without leaving dry islands or large pools. Position the liner once, then apply even pressure across the complete surface. A clamp at one end cannot replace a fixture that controls the whole strip: uneven pressure can trap air and create weak areas.

Allow cure before finish machining

Keep the assembly stable for the full specified cure. After curing, trim and finish-machine the liner by milling, grinding or scraping according to the machine rebuild plan. The installation guide covers the complete sequence; this article focuses on the bonding controls that should be checked before the fixture is removed.

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