How To Bond Two Sheets Of Acrylic End To End

An investigation into alternatives to acrylic cement with things found at the hardware store.

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. Put the acrylic on the edge where you want it and place the needle of the glue filled applicator where the two pieces meet. Once the plastic softens the two pieces then merge together into one piece and the adhesive then evaporates entirely. Give it time to soak into the sheet and become slightly sticky before placing the edge into the surface of the other sheet.

How to bond acrylic sheet without acrylic cement. Capillary action will draw the glue into the joint. Allow acrylic sheeting to dry for at least 30 minutes before moving. Once this adhesive is applied it will actually soften the two plastic surfaces.

Lightly squeeze the applicator while pulling it toward you. When connecting two acrylic sheets fabricators commonly use a substance called acrylic cement or weld on adhesive. Due to acrylics susceptibility to bond acrylic with cyanoacrylate it is important to use cyanoacrylate adhesive sparingly. Cyanoacrylates offer a rapid cure in seconds do not require any mixing or curing equipment.

Next apply a small trail of methylene chloride along the edges of one sheet. When operators try to wipe excess adhesive outside the joint away it will fog the acrylic. Then using a sponge or gentle cloth wipe it in the direction of the grain. Apply a small amount of pressure on the sheets to encourage a stronger bond.

Apply cement solvent on both sides of sheeting if you re applying to flat joints.