Gluing together acrylic sheeting is a completely different process than traditional gluing methods. In fact, gluing acrylic sheeting together is considered joining rather than gluing. This is because, in order to properly connect acrylic sheeting, the adhesive solvent needs to be placed along the joints to ensure a durable finish. Most acrylic solvents melt the bonding surface of the acrylic, fusing them into one piece. Here are some things you need to know about properly joining acrylic sheeting together.
Choose the Best Adhesive
Before gluing acrylic sheeting together, you need to use the best adhesive for your project. There are several different kinds of plastic adhesive, but it’s important to pick the right one for acrylic. Because acrylic sheeting needs to be welded together rather than glued, you need to pick a cement solvent that melts the acrylic pieces and fuses them at the joints.
Prepping Acrylic Sheeting
When applying cement solvent, make sure that your acrylic sheets fit together without using force. If any sides are rough, lightly sand them to ensure proper bonding. It’s also important that all of your acrylic sheets is dry and free of debris before bonding.
Safety Tips
Before applying welding solvent, take proper safety measures to ensure dangerous chemicals are not inhaled or come in contact with skin.
- Keep all welding solvents away from heat sources
- Keep workspaces properly ventilated
- Wear a breathing apparatus, especially if the space isn’t well ventilated
- Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear
- Store on a high shelf, away from children and animals
- Use a small head applicator bottle for the solvent. Needle-nosed works best
Assembling Acrylic Sheets
Once you have put in place safety measures, it’s time to bond the acrylic sheets together. Use clamps or masking tape to hold acrylic sheeting in place while applying solvent. If acrylic sheeting is being welded for box corner joints, apply solvent on the inside edge of the acrylic sheeting. Apply cement solvent on both sides of sheeting if you’re applying to flat joints.
Allow acrylic sheeting to dry for at least 30 minutes before moving. For maximum durability and strength, let sheeting dry for 48 hours. Once the solvent has dried, your pieces of plastic sheeting are now welded together into one piece of acrylic.
Weld Acrylic Sheeting for Different Applications
Acrylic sheeting can be used in hundreds of different applications including store displays, office signs, picture frames, and so much more. A&C Plastics are your partners in plastic. We provide you with the largest in-stock inventory of plastics including acrylic sheeting. We have a variety of colors and sizes to choose from to fit your business needs and project specifications.
