loctite 770 nc

Loctite 770-NC

Drying time between coats, @ 20.0 °C:5.0 min.
Finish reflection:Gloss: high gloss
Full cure time, @ 20.0 °C:10.0 min.
Key characteristics:Solvent based
Recommended for use with:Composite: advanced composites, Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)

Overview

Loctite 770-NC (often referenced as Loctite Frekote 770-NC) is a semi-permanent, solvent-based mold release agent designed for high-output composite and plastic molding. It forms a thin, durable release film on the tool surface, delivering multiple clean releases per application and helping extend mold life.

Applied correctly, Loctite 770-NC:

  • Provides excellent release for epoxies, polyester and vinyl ester resins, thermoplastics and molded plastics

  • Is particularly suited to tough-to-release processes such as filament winding and non-gel-coated fiberglass parts

  • Delivers a clear, low-build film that preserves mold detail

  • Reduces wax build-up, sticking and part damage versus traditional release waxes

Used as part of a Frekote system, 770-NC supports consistent, rapid demolding in aerospace, automotive, marine and industrial composite production.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Semi-permanent release film
    Forms a durable, multi-cycle release layer, reducing the frequency of reapplication and helping increase uptime.

  • Broad material compatibility
    Effective on epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, thermoplastic resins and many molded polymers, making it ideal for mixed-material shops.

  • Excellent for difficult parts
    Proven performance in filament winding, non-gel-coated polyester and fiberglass molding, where release can be challenging.

  • Clear, low-build coating
    Leaves a very thin, clear film, preserving surface detail and minimizing dimensional impact on precision tools.

  • Fast drying
    Typical room-temperature dry/flash time is on the order of minutes per coat, supporting efficient production workflows.

  • Compatible with many tool substrates
    Suitable for metal and composite molds when correctly prepared, widely used in research and industrial molding setups.

Typical Applications

Loctite 770-NC is used as a mold release agent in:

  • Composite manufacturing

    • Carbon fiber and fiberglass parts

    • Structural panels, fairings, covers and profiles

    • Compression and resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum bagging and filament winding

  • Thermoplastic and resin molding

    • Polyester and vinyl ester parts

    • Thermoplastic components and molded plastics where clean release is critical

  • Rotational and specialty molding

    • Rotationally molded plastics and tanks

    • Applications where sticking, fiber tear or gel coat damage must be minimized

How to Use Loctite 770-NC

Always follow the official Henkel TDS/SDS and your internal process specification. The steps below are a general overview.

Step 1 – Mold cleaning

  1. Thoroughly clean the mold to remove waxes, old release agents, oils, resins and dust.

  2. Use a recommended mold cleaner / solvent and lint-free cloths.

  3. Ensure the surface is dry, cool and at a uniform temperature within the recommended range before applying 770-NC.

Step 2 – Application

  1. Apply Loctite 770-NC using a clean lint-free cloth, pad or spray, depending on your process.

  2. Work in manageable sections, wiping or spraying a thin, even film over the mold surface.

  3. Avoid runs and puddles – the aim is uniform wetting, not a thick coating.

Step 3 – Multiple coats

  1. Typically, several light coats are applied to build a continuous release film, especially on new or refurbished tools.

  2. Allow each coat to flash off and dry at room temperature before applying the next (follow the TDS for exact times).

Step 4 – Cure / conditioning

  1. After the final coat, allow the mold to cure at ambient temperature for the specified time so the film fully develops.

  2. For some processes, controlled heating of the tool may be used as part of the conditioning step (if allowed by TDS).

Step 5 – Production

  1. Once fully cured, the mold is ready for resin application and molding.

  2. Under proper conditions, multiple parts can be molded before a touch-up or full reapplication of 770-NC is needed.

Safety & Handling

  • Loctite 770-NC is a solvent-based, flammable product – keep away from heat, sparks and open flame.

  • Use only in a well-ventilated area; avoid inhaling vapours or spray mist.

  • Avoid skin and eye contact; wear appropriate PPE (chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing).

  • Do not allow product or cleaning residues to enter drains or natural waterways.

  • Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, away from ignition sources.

Always refer to the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and local regulations before use.

FAQs

Q1: What is Loctite 770-NC mainly used for?
Loctite 770-NC is mainly used as a semi-permanent mold release agent for epoxies, polyester and vinyl ester resins, thermoplastics and molded plastics, including demanding processes like filament winding.

Q2: Is 770-NC a sealer or a release agent?
770-NC is primarily a release agent. On some tools it may also help seal minor porosity, but dedicated sealers (like B-15) are generally used if significant porosity is present.

Q3: Which mold materials are compatible with 770-NC?
It is commonly used on metal tools and composite molds for composite panels and resin transfer molding, provided surfaces are properly cleaned and prepared.

Q4: How many releases can I expect from one application?
As a semi-permanent release system, 770-NC is designed to give multiple demolds per application. The exact number depends on resin type, mold temperature, part geometry and process conditions.

Q5: Will Loctite 770-NC affect painting or bonding of the molded parts?
When correctly applied and fully cured, 770-NC is formulated to minimize contaminating transfer. However, parts that will be painted or bonded should always follow the recommended cleaning and surface preparation process for that downstream operation.

Q6: Can I use 770-NC together with other release products?
Yes. It is often used in combination with Frekote sealers and top-coat release agents. Follow Henkel’s recommended product stack (sealer → 770-NC / or → release) and your internal procedures.

Q7: How do I know when to reapply?
Signs such as increased release force, slight sticking, or visible wear in high-contact areas indicate it’s time for touch-up or a full re-treatment of the mold.

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