Resins
Chemical anchor resins are the highest-performance fixing solution for post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry. CMT Group supplies the MAXFIX range of styrene-free, low odour, VOC compliant chemical anchor resins including vinylester, polyester, and hybrid formulations, alongside JCP pure epoxy resin and MAX chemical anchor systems, covering the full range of structural and non-structural post-installed anchor requirements. Applicator guns are available for both 300ml and 400ml cartridges.
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Chemical anchor resins are specified for structural post-installed anchor applications where mechanical expansion anchors cannot meet the design load requirements, where edge distances are too close for a mechanical anchor, or where the concrete is cracked or the base material is hollow. Selecting the correct resin type for the application, base material condition, and exposure environment is essential to achieving the rated performance of the anchor system. CMT Group has been supplying chemical anchor resins and fixing systems to UK construction sites for over 20 years.
- ✓ MAXFIX V4 Vinylester: ETA Option 1 certified, Seismic C2 approved, styrene-free
- ✓ MAXFIX P4 Polyester: ETA Option 7, styrene-free, low odour, VOC compliant
- ✓ MAXFIX H4 Hybrid: ETA Option 1 certified, seismic approved, styrene-free
- ✓ JCP Pure Epoxy: ETA Option 1, solvent-free, WRAS approved for potable water applications
- ✓ MAX XPSF chemical anchor resin for general post-installed anchor applications
- ✓ Heavy duty 26:1 ratio and economy applicator guns for 300ml and 400ml cartridges
- ✓ Suitable for cracked and uncracked concrete, masonry, and hollow substrates
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
What Are Chemical Anchor Resins?
Chemical anchor resins are two-component adhesive systems injected into a drilled and cleaned hole in concrete or masonry. A threaded bar or bolt rod is inserted into the resin-filled hole, and the resin cures around the bar to create a high-strength bonded connection between the bar and the base material. The load is transferred from the bar to the concrete through adhesive bond over the full bonded length of the anchor, rather than through expansion pressure as with mechanical anchors.
This bonded mechanism gives chemical anchors several advantages over mechanical anchors in demanding applications. They perform well in cracked concrete, where the resin fills the crack and maintains the bond even as the crack opens and closes under load. They are effective at reduced edge distances and spacings where the expansion forces of a mechanical anchor would cause splitting of the concrete. They can be used in hollow substrates such as hollow block by using a mesh sleeve to retain the resin during injection. The ETA approval system provides verified, design-load-rated performance data for structural specification, and ETA Option 1 is the highest certification level, covering use in cracked concrete and seismic conditions where specified.
Chemical Anchor Resins by Product
Our range covers polyester, vinylester, hybrid, and epoxy chemical anchor systems with matching applicator equipment.
Choosing the Right Chemical Anchor Resin
Resin selection depends on the structural requirement of the application, the condition of the base material, the exposure environment, and any specific approval requirements such as WRAS for potable water. The ETA Option number is the key indicator of what conditions the resin is approved for. ETA Option 1 is the highest certification, covering cracked concrete, seismic conditions, and the most demanding structural applications. ETA Option 7 covers uncracked concrete for non-structural or light structural applications.
For most structural post-installed anchor applications specified to ETA Option 1 where styrene odour is a concern, the MAXFIX V4 vinylester or H4 hybrid are the correct choice. Where the application is in or near potable water infrastructure and WRAS approval is required, the JCP pure epoxy is the only appropriate product. For general, non-structural anchoring in sound uncracked concrete where cost is a factor, the MAXFIX P4 polyester provides ETA Option 7 performance at the most economical price point.
| Application | Resin | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
| Structural anchoring in cracked concrete | MAXFIX V4 or H4 | ETA Option 1; cracked concrete approved |
| Structural anchoring in seismic zones | MAXFIX V4 or H4 | Seismic C2 approved; ETA Option 1 |
| Anchoring near potable water infrastructure | JCP Pure Epoxy | WRAS approved; ETA Option 1; solvent-free |
| General anchoring in uncracked concrete | MAXFIX P4 Polyester | ETA Option 7; most economical; styrene-free |
| Enclosed space or poor ventilation | Any MAXFIX (V4, P4, or H4) | Styrene-free, low odour, VOC compliant |
| Small or lower-volume installations | MAX XPSF 300ml | 300ml economy format; lower cost per cartridge |
Chemical Anchor Resins Supplied Across the UK
Chemical anchor resins are a critical component in structural construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects where post-installed anchors must be specified and installed to verified load ratings. The introduction of the MAXFIX range brings styrene-free, low odour, and VOC compliant chemistry to ETA Option 1 certified vinylester and hybrid resins, significantly improving the working conditions for operatives carrying out anchor installation in enclosed spaces and areas with limited ventilation.
CMT Group has been supplying chemical anchor resins and fixing systems to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full spectrum of chemical anchor requirements from general polyester systems through to ETA Option 1 vinylester, hybrid, and pure epoxy resins for the most demanding structural and water industry applications. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between polyester, vinylester, and epoxy resin anchors?
The three main resin chemistries provide different performance levels and approvals. Polyester resins such as MAXFIX P4 are the most economical option, suitable for general anchoring in sound uncracked concrete and masonry. They carry ETA Option 7 certification. Vinylester resins such as MAXFIX V4 offer higher performance, approved for use in cracked and uncracked concrete to ETA Option 1, and seismic conditions. They provide higher chemical resistance than polyester and are the standard specification for structural post-installed anchors in cracked concrete. Epoxy resins such as the JCP pure epoxy provide the highest performance, the highest chemical resistance, WRAS approval for potable water contact applications, and ETA Option 1 certification. Pure epoxy is the specification for the most demanding structural and infrastructure applications. As performance increases from polyester to vinylester to epoxy, cure time also typically increases and viscosity is higher, requiring a higher-ratio applicator gun.
What does ETA Option 1 mean for chemical anchor resins?
ETA stands for European Technical Assessment, and it is the certification system for construction products used for structural purposes across the UK and Europe. For chemical anchor resins, the ETA Option number defines the conditions under which the resin has been tested and approved for structural use. ETA Option 1 is the highest level, confirming that the resin has been tested and approved for use in cracked and uncracked concrete, covering the full range of structural anchor applications. ETA Option 7 covers use in non-cracked concrete only. For any structural post-installed anchor application specified by an engineer, the ETA Option number on the resin must match or exceed the Option specified in the design. Using an ETA Option 7 resin where ETA Option 1 is specified is a non-compliance that can result in reduced anchor performance.
Why are the MAXFIX resins styrene-free and why does it matter?
Traditional polyester and vinylester chemical anchor resins contain styrene as a reactive diluent, which produces a distinctive and strong odour during use. Styrene is classified as a potential carcinogen and is subject to occupational exposure limits under COSHH regulations. On construction sites, working with styrene-based resins in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces such as basements, tunnels, and service ducts presents a significant health risk and typically requires respiratory protection and enhanced ventilation. The MAXFIX range reformulates these resin chemistries to remove styrene entirely, producing a resin with low odour and VOC compliance that can be used safely in enclosed environments with standard PPE, significantly reducing the practical health and safety burden of chemical anchor installation in confined spaces.
What applicator gun do I need for chemical anchor resins?
The correct applicator gun depends on the cartridge size and the viscosity of the resin. For 400ml MAXFIX vinylester and hybrid cartridges, and for any high-viscosity resin, a heavy duty applicator gun with a 26:1 mechanical ratio is required. The higher ratio provides the force needed to dispense thick resin consistently without excessive operator effort. Using a low-ratio economy gun with a high-viscosity resin results in inconsistent dispense, poor mixing, and anchor performance that falls below the rated values. For 300ml cartridges and standard viscosity resins, the economy 300ml applicator gun is sufficient. Always match the applicator gun to the cartridge diameter and the resin viscosity as specified on the product data sheet.
Can chemical anchor resins be used in hollow block?
Yes, with the use of a mesh sleeve. In hollow block, perforated brick, or other hollow substrates, the resin cannot be injected directly into the hole because it will flow into the voids rather than remaining in contact with the bar. A mesh sleeve is inserted into the drilled hole first, the resin is injected into the sleeve, and then the threaded bar is inserted. The mesh retains the resin around the bar while it cures, ensuring full bond development despite the hollow substrate. Mesh sleeves are available from the fixings accessories range. The rated load values for anchors in hollow substrates are lower than those in solid concrete, and the ETA approval data sheet for the specific resin should be consulted for the correct load values in hollow materials.
Polyester vs Vinylester vs Epoxy: Which Resin Do You Need?
The three main chemical anchor resin types are designed for different performance levels, and understanding the difference is the most important factor in selecting the correct product for a structural application. Polyester resin (MAXFIX P4) is the starting point: cost-effective, fast-curing, and suitable for general anchoring in sound uncracked concrete to ETA Option 7. It is the correct choice for non-structural and light structural applications where the base material is confirmed as uncracked and the design load is within the Option 7 load table values.
Vinylester resin (MAXFIX V4) is the step up for structural applications in cracked concrete, at reduced edge distances, and in seismic zones. ETA Option 1 certification covers the most demanding conditions and provides the design load data engineers need to specify and verify the anchor connection. The MAXFIX H4 hybrid offers ETA Option 1 performance in a formulation that combines the handling characteristics of polyester with vinylester-level performance, making it a practical and cost-effective ETA Option 1 solution.
Pure epoxy resin (JCP) sits at the top of the performance range, providing the highest chemical resistance, solvent-free formulation, and WRAS approval for applications near potable water. It is the specification for the most demanding structural anchor applications and for any installation where contact with drinking water systems is a consideration. Cure time is longest for epoxy, and a heavy duty high-ratio applicator gun is required. If the structural specification or the environment does not require epoxy performance, vinylester provides ETA Option 1 structural performance at a significantly lower cost.
Chemical Anchor Resins
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Product Code: FI100004 MAXFIX V4 Styrene-Free Vinylester Chemical Anchor Resin 400ml - ETA Option 1 & Seismic C2£7.14 £5.95 -
Product Code: FI100002 MAXFIX P4 Styrene-Free Polyester Chemical Anchor Resin 400ml - ETA Option 7£5.39 £4.49 -
Product Code: FI100001 MAXFIX H4 Styrene-Free Hybrid Chemical Anchor Resin 400ml - ETA Option 1 & Seismic Approved£6.18 £5.15 -
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Product Code: PUR500585 JCP ETA Option 1 Pure Epoxy Chemical Anchor Resin 385ml - Solvent-Free - WRAS Approved JF375E£33.13 £27.61 As low as £30.58 £25.48 -
Product Code: MET410 Heavy Duty Resin Applicator Gun 410ml - 26:1 Ratio Chemical Anchor Tool£32.20 £26.83 As low as £21.47 £17.89
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