Carlite Automotive Glass Operations has increased its customers' urethane choices threefold. Carlite recently approved three new urethanes at the last National Glass Association meeting in September 1999.

     Two of the new urethanes are 3M products. One is 3M 2-part (TRP) which is approved at a minimum of 45 degrees Fahrenheit with a two-hour cure time used in conjunction with the 3M Primer / Degreaser and the 3M Black Urethane Primer. Installers must follow 3M cold weather procedures. The second is 3M Fast Cure 1 part adhesive (HV) approved at 70 degrees Fahrenheit at 50 percent relative humidity with an eight-hour cure time. Installers also must follow the 3M Drive - Away Chart instructions.

     The last is Sikatack - Plus Booster 2 part, which is approved at a minimum of 30 degrees Fahrenheit and has a two-hour cure time. It is used in conjunction with Sika Aktivator and Sika Primer 206G Plus T, following Sika's cold weather procedures.

     These three newly approved urethanes are in addition to the already approved Essex 400 HV and the Essex U216 Beta Seal. Essex 400 HV is approved at 70 degrees with a relative humidity of 50 percent and has a 24-hour cure time, following Essex recommended drive-away times. Essex U216 can be used at a minimum of 0 degrees and has a cure time of one hour.

     "What is most important is that these new additions allow Carlite customers more choices for Carlite programs," says Sam Brownell, manager, Aftermarket Technical Service and Training, Carlite. "They now have more choices whatever their time and weather requirements are. They know these options all have passed through Carlite's rigorous approval process."

     All of the newly approved urethanes can be used on any Carlite program with the exception of Ford warranty work. Currently, the only urethanes that Ford has approved for warranty work are the Essex U216 Beta Seal and Essex 400 HV.