How To Bond Two Sheets Of Acrylic End To End

When connecting two acrylic sheets fabricators commonly use a substance called acrylic cement or weld on adhesive.

How to bond two sheets of acrylic end to end.

If acrylic sheeting is being welded for box corner joints apply solvent on the inside edge of the acrylic sheeting. Allow acrylic sheeting to dry for at least 30 minutes before moving. Capillary action will draw the glue into the joint. To glue acrylic with solvent glue typically a squeeze bottle applicator with a needle tip is used.

Apply a small amount of pressure on the sheets to encourage a stronger bond. Give it time to soak into the sheet and become slightly sticky before placing the edge into the surface of the other sheet. For maximum durability and strength let sheeting dry for 48 hours. Once this adhesive is applied it will actually soften the two plastic surfaces.

How to bond acrylic sheet without acrylic cement. Apply cement solvent on both sides of sheeting if you re applying to flat joints. Once the plastic softens the two pieces then merge together into one piece and the adhesive then evaporates entirely. When operators try to wipe excess adhesive outside the joint away it will fog the acrylic.

Avoid using any kind of scrubbing agent or material with a rough surface. Due to acrylics susceptibility to bond acrylic with cyanoacrylate it is important to use cyanoacrylate adhesive sparingly. Put the acrylic on the edge where you want it and place the needle of the glue filled applicator where the two pieces meet. Next apply a small trail of methylene chloride along the edges of one sheet.

Then using a sponge or gentle cloth wipe it in the direction of the grain.