Page 1/2- Sept. 12th, 2018 US Rev 04

SikaAxson US
+1 248 588 2270
axsonmh@axson.com
sikaaxson.us
CHINA
+86 21 58 68 30 37
marketing.china@axson.com
FRANCE
+33 1 34 40 34 60
axson@axson.com
INDIA
+91 20 25 56 07 10-11
info.india@axson.com
ITALY
+39 02 96 70 23 36
axson@axson.it
JAPAN
+81 5 64 26 25 91
sales.japan@axson.com
SIKA GERMANY
SikaAxson
+49 7125 940 492
tooling@de.sika.com
www.sikaaxson.de
MEXICO
+52 55 52 64 49 22
marketing@axson.com.mx
SLOVAKIA
+42 1 76 42 25 26
axson.sk@axson.com
SPAIN
+34 9 32 25 16 20
spain@axson.com
U.K.
+44 16 38 66 00 62
sales.uk@axson.com

SikaBlock

M974
Technical Data Sheet
Epoxy Tooling Board
Intermediate-temperature Use, Low CTE

DESCRIPTION
SikaBlock

M974 is an epoxy tooling board suitable for epoxy prepregs or Intermediate temperature lay-up tools
or parts and short run thermoforming applications.

APPLICATIONS
Thermoforming tools
Master models

Curing prepreg
Intermediate temperature lay-up tool

PROPERTIES
Good temperature resistance
Medium density
Excellent surface aspect

Easily machined
Easily polished
Low CTE

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SikaBlock

M974
Composition Epoxy
Color Visual Light blue
Density at 77 F (25 C) lbs./ft.
3
(g/cm
3
) ASTM D-792 45 lbs./ft.
3
(0.72g/cc)

MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES AT 74 F (23 C)
Hardness ASTM D-2240 Shore D 74
Flexural strength ASTM D-790 psi (MPa) 4,700 (32)
Flexural modulus ASTM D-790 psi (MPa) 354,000 (2,443)
Tensile strength ASTM D-638 psi (MPa) 4,070 (28)
Tensile modulus ASTM D-638 psi (MPa) 228,000 (1,573)
Tensile % elongation ASTM D-638 % 2.0
Compressive yield strength ASTM D-695 psi (MPa) 7,400 (51)
Compressive modulus ASTM D-695 psi (MPa) 250,000 (1,725)
Tg (TMA onset)
(TMA midpoint)
ASTM E-1545 F ( C)
239 (115)
252 (122)
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
50 140 F (10 60 C)
ASTM E-1545
In/in/ F
In/In/ C
20 ( ) 2 x10
-6

36 ( ) 2 x10
-6

Izod Impact Resistance – notched ASTM D-256 KJ/m
2
0.92
Izod Impact Resistance – unnotched ASTM D-256 KJ/m
2
3.3

NOTE : These physical properties are reported as typical test values obtained by our test laboratory. SikaBlock

M974 can be used up to 235 F (113 C) maximum temperature for curing prepregs with autoclave (40 100 psi or 3 7
bar pressure) or without autoclave. Depending on tool configuration, with careful cure consideration (ramp and soak
times), it may be possible to go higher in temperature use with this tooling board.

Page 2/2- Sept. 12th, 2018 US Rev 04

SikaAxson US
+1 248 588 2270
axsonmh@axson.com
sikaaxson.us
CHINA
+86 21 58 68 30 37
marketing.china@axson.com
FRANCE
+33 1 34 40 34 60
axson@axson.com
INDIA
+91 20 25 56 07 10-11
info.india@axson.com
ITALY
+39 02 96 70 23 36
axson@axson.it
JAPAN
+81 5 64 26 25 91
sales.japan@axson.com
SIKA GERMANY
SikaAxson
+49 7125 940 492
tooling@de.sika.com
www.sikaaxson.de
MEXICO
+52 55 52 64 49 22
marketing@axson.com.mx
SLOVAKIA
+42 1 76 42 25 26
axson.sk@axson.com
SPAIN
+34 9 32 25 16 20
spain@axson.com
U.K.
+44 16 38 66 00 62
sales.uk@axson.com

SikaBlock

M974
Technical Data Sheet
Epoxy Tooling Board
Intermediate-temperature Use, Low CTE

CURE PARAMETERS FOR USE WITH SikaBlock

M974 Tools:

To protect from excess movement, cracking, thermal shock, or warpage the temperature differential ( T) between
the center of the tool and the external surface should never exceed 55 F on either ramp up or cool down. To
achieve this, temperature soaks of 6-8 hours every 55 F up and down in the oven and temperature ramp rates of
no more than .5 F/min are recommended, Leave the tool in the oven for at least 6-8 hours below 100 F before
opening doors and exposing the tool to room temperature conditions. Do not cure or use over a 235 F temperature.

ASSEMBLY

The recommended adhesive for bonding SikaBlock

M974 is EL-336 laminating resin. Cure adhesive 16 24 hours at
room temperature before applying the heat cure to adhesive (this is all before machining board to shape needed). Heat
cure the adhesive per slow ramp rate/soak rates given above to the required tool or part cure temperature needed up
to 235 F maximum. Machine board to final shape only after curing adhesive per these parameters.

MACHINING PARAMETERS

Cutter edge velocity (Vc in ft/min
(m/min))
Feed per tooth (fz in inches
(mm)/revolution)
Rough cut
(1)
328 1312 (100 400) 0.014 (0.35)
Finishing cut
(2)
1312 2625 (400 800) 0.002 0.006 (0.05 0.15)

n = ( 12 English or 1000 metric) X Vc ) / ( PI X Dc ) Vf = n X fz X Z

Vc: Cutter edge velocity in ft/min (m/min) fz: Feed per tooth in inches (mm)/revolution
Dc: cutting diameter in inches (mm) Z: number of teeth
n: Spindle speed in revolution/min Vf: feed speed in inches (mm)/min

(1) Rough cut: Cutting parameters are determined with a carbide-insert ball nose end mill:
Helix angle: 6
Clearance angle: 14

(2) Finishing cut: Cutting parameters are determined with a 2 teeth ball nose end mill:
Helix angle: 30
Clearance angle: 14

These machining parameters represent starting points. Cutter type and material, spindle speed, feed
rate, machine power and rigidity all affect machining results. User must determine the best parameters for
specific situations.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Product should be stored in a flat and dry place between temperature ranges no greater than +15 C and
+40 C (+60 F and 104 F).

Page 3/2- Sept. 12th, 2018 US Rev 04

SikaAxson US
+1 248 588 2270
axsonmh@axson.com
sikaaxson.us
CHINA
+86 21 58 68 30 37
marketing.china@axson.com
FRANCE
+33 1 34 40 34 60
axson@axson.com
INDIA
+91 20 25 56 07 10-11
info.india@axson.com
ITALY
+39 02 96 70 23 36
axson@axson.it
JAPAN
+81 5 64 26 25 91
sales.japan@axson.com
SIKA GERMANY
SikaAxson
+49 7125 940 492
tooling@de.sika.com
www.sikaaxson.de
MEXICO
+52 55 52 64 49 22
marketing@axson.com.mx
SLOVAKIA
+42 1 76 42 25 26
axson.sk@axson.com
SPAIN
+34 9 32 25 16 20
spain@axson.com
U.K.
+44 16 38 66 00 62
sales.uk@axson.com

SikaBlock

M974
Technical Data Sheet
Epoxy Tooling Board
Intermediate-temperature Use, Low CTE

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Normal health and safety precautions should be observed when handling these products :
Ensure good ventilation
Wear gloves, and safety glasses.
For further information, please consult the material safety data sheet.

DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this technical data sheet results from research and tests conducted in our laboratories under precise conditions. Seller
cannot anticipate all conditions under which seller s products, or the products of other manufacturers in combination with seller s products, may be
used. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of the SikaAxson s products, under their own conditions, before commencing with
the proposed application. In no event shall SikaAxson US be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, and/or consequential damages,
to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of our products.