EPO-TEK® 383ND High Temperature Optical Epoxy, Heat Cure (8 oz Kit)

EPO-TEK® 383ND is a high-performance, two-part heat-cure epoxy engineered for fiber optic, photonics, semiconductor, and electronic assembly applications. Developed as an extended working life alternative to EPO-TEK® 353ND, it provides exceptional thermal stability, optical transmission, and long-term reliability while offering a significantly longer pot life of up to 8 hours.

Its low-viscosity formulation promotes excellent wicking and capillary action, making it ideal for optical assemblies, fiber optic packaging, ferrule bonding, and precision component alignment. EPO-TEK 383ND also delivers outstanding optical transmission across visible and near-infrared wavelengths, making it an excellent choice for optical pathways and photonic devices.

This 8 oz kit is ideal for production environments, high-volume manufacturing, and applications requiring larger quantities of adhesive.

Features and Benefits

Extended 8-Hour Working Life

Provides significantly longer processing time than EPO-TEK 353ND, making it ideal for complex assemblies, batch processing, and precision optical alignment.

Excellent Optical Transmission

Delivers greater than 90% transmission across a broad wavelength range from 520 nm to 1660 nm.

Low Viscosity for Wicking and Capillary Flow

Flows easily into narrow gaps, ferrules, and optical assemblies where controlled penetration is required.

High Temperature Performance

Maintains excellent mechanical and thermal stability in demanding operating environments.

Visual Cure Verification

Changes from clear to dark amber when properly cured, allowing easy inspection and confirmation of cure completion.

Electrically and Thermally Insulating

Suitable for electronic packaging, dielectric applications, and electrical insulation requirements.

Designed for Fiber Optic Applications

Developed to meet Telcordia GR-1221 requirements for fiber optic component assembly and packaging.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Two-Part Heat Cure Optical Epoxy

• Package Size: 8 oz Kit

• Consistency: Pourable Liquid

Color Before Cure

• Part A: Clear

• Part B: Slightly Yellow

Physical Properties

• Viscosity at 23°C: 3,500 to 6,000 cPs

• Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): ≥ 100°C

• Shore D Hardness: 88

• Particle Size: ≤ 20 Microns

• Suggested Operating Temperature:

  • Up to 350°C Intermittent

  • Up to 662°F Intermittent

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)

• Below Tg: 34 × 10⁻⁶ in/in/°C

• Above Tg: 129 × 10⁻⁶ in/in/°C

Optical Properties

Spectral Transmission

• Greater than 90% from 520 nm to 1660 nm

Refractive Index

• 1.5715 at 589 nm (Uncured)

Handling and Processing

• Working Life (Pot Life): Up to 8 Hours

• Recommended Centrifuge Cycle: 5 to 10 Minutes at 1,000 RPM

• Recommended Cure Schedule: 150°C (302°F) for 1 Hour

Typical Applications

Fiber Optic and Photonics Applications

• Fiber optic connector assembly

• Fiber ferrule bonding

• Optical component packaging

• Active optical alignment

• V-groove array assembly

• Environmental sealing of optoelectronic packages

• Fiber optic bundle potting

• Endoscope light guide assembly

• Optical sensor packaging

Semiconductor Applications

• Wafer-to-wafer bonding

• Chip scale package (CSP) assembly

• MEMS fabrication

• Flip-chip underfill

Electronics Applications

• Capacitor fabrication

• Dielectric layer formation

• PZT piezoelectric lamination

• Inkjet device assembly

• Electronic packaging

Precision Industrial Applications

• Structural bonding

• Hard disk drive assembly

• Voice coil sealing

• Anti-disk sealing

• High-reliability industrial assemblies

Why Choose EPO-TEK 383ND?

EPO-TEK 383ND offers the high reliability and optical performance engineers expect from the EPO-TEK product family while providing a significantly longer 8-hour working life. For applications requiring extended assembly time, precision optical alignment, or large batch processing, 383ND is often the preferred alternative to EPO-TEK 353ND.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store refrigerated according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maximize shelf life and maintain optimum performance.