Posted for "John Barrett" <2thman@cablespeed.com>:

Pine,

Yes it can, but why would you want to do this?

If you rough up the surface of the aluminum with 250 grit and clean it well
with the latest recommended solvent then bond it with high peel strength
adhesive, you will achieve a strong bond.  You need to apply the adhesive
within 15 minutes MAX of when you sand, because the surface is activated to
participate in a chemical bond for a fairly short time frame. To prove this,
experiment with scrap aluminum.  Let the bond set up and then try to pull
the test pieces apart

My real question is why you are not choosing to use carbon hinges for this
purpose?  I can think of no sensible reason that the metal hinge is equal to
or better.  First there is the slop that is inherent in the aluminum hinges.
Secondly, they corrode and wear over time, so that the aluminum oxide leaves
black streaks on your airplane while the trim tab steadily becomes more
sloppy.

Carbinge hinges have a nylon bearing and do not wear over time.  They have a
tighter fit than aluminum hinges so that there is less initial play.  The
materials are compatible with the materials in your tab and in the airplane.

Enough said?  Please understand that I do have a bias with this issue,
because I make and sell Carbinge hinges.  See the website below for more
info.  Ask any of the many  Lancair builders and flyers who have used them.

Regards,
John Barrett
Barrett/Garrett Enterprises, Inc.
PO Box 428
Pt. Hadlock, WA 98339
www.carbinge.com


 >>> Please help. Can aluminum hinge be bonded to a carbon trim tab AND to the
elevator, and would this be desirable, or is there hidden problems with the
approach.