Best Glue for Polycarbonate in 2023
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer material known for its superior physical and chemical properties, such as high optical clarity, impact resistance, and durability. Its widespread usage in numerous everyday products, made from polycarbonate tubes, sheets, rods, often necessitates its bonding to other materials. While various types of adhesives are available in the market for plastic bonding, polycarbonate demands the use of specific adhesives. In this article, we will explore the most suitable adhesives for bonding polycarbonate with other materials.
Choosing the best glue for Polycarbonate
There are a couple of glue types that you could use for polycarbonate, but it largely depends on the type of project you’re working on. The key to using glue with plastics is finding the right combination for your project.
Regular solvents won’t adhere to polycarbonate. In fact, standard household glues may cause polycarbonate to undergo “crazing,” which occurs when chemicals break down the polymer’s microscopic bonds, causing small, crack-like streaks.
To choose the right glue for polycarbonate of your project you need to consider following factors:
- Environment of your polycarbonate product, temperature, color, water tightness and so on.
- Materials you need to glue polycarbonate with
- life time needs after gluing
Methyl Methacrylate adhesive
Methacrylate is an industrial-grade adhesive that creates a bond so strong you’re more likely to break the plastic pieces when trying to undo the glue. it is a fantastic option for fusing polycarbonate as it creates strong and resilient bonds.
Advantage
- best bonding strength
- water-resistant and somewhat resistant to heat.
Disadvantage
- can be toxic if they are inhaled in high quantities
- not easy to access unless a user order line ahead of time
Superglue
Superglue, also known as a cyanoacrylate adhesive, is an effective glue for polycarbonate. It offers a rapid cure and is ideal for small surface areas ad large production lines as well. It doesn’t form the strongest bond, but the tensile strength is high enough to keep most applications in place.
Advantage
- Easy to access
- takes a quick time to set, dry
- water-resistant and somewhat resistant to heat.
Disadvantage
- can be toxic if they are inhaled in high quantities
- can cause adverse chemical reactions like crazing or blooming if use too much
- can not be submerged
Epoxy adhesive
Epoxide glue, also known as epoxy, is another accessible and cost-effective way to glue polycarbonate. offers outstanding environmental resistance and is available in various forms depending on the user’s needs. It’s a bit stronger than super glue regarding tensile strength, but it’ll take a long time to cure (even 48 hours) fully. Epoxy is not recommended for outdoor use since it will yellow with continued exposure to UV rays.
Advantage
- Easy to access
- Quick fix usage
- water-resistant and somewhat resistant to heat.
Disadvantages
- turn yellow with continued exposure to UV rays.
- can cause adverse chemical reactions like crazing or blooming if use too much
- It is likely to leave marks from its application, not good for aesthetic parts
Polyurethane adhesive
Polyurethane is ideal for low temperatures – as low as -40F – as it will not become as brittle as other forms of adhesives. These glues are also toxic, so you’ll need to wear a breathing mask or work in a well-ventilated environment. Lastly, the curing process takes up to 72 hours to complete.
Advantage
- strong but less than methyl methacrylate
- Chemical-resistant and water-proof
Disadvantages
- can be toxic if they are inhaled in high quantities
- not easy to operate
- not totally clear
How To Glue Polycarbonate step by step
- Step 1: Start by sanding your polycarbonate
- Step 2: Clean with an antistatic cleaner
- Step 4: Apply your adhesive
- Step 5: Keep the glued surfaces fixed for 48 to 72 hours
How to Bond Acrylic?
glue polycarbonate to wood
Polycarbonate and wood can be glued, but practice like that is not advisable, leading to damage and insufficient repairs. Most polycarbonate-specific adhesives won’t bond to wood.
You may could use general adhesive like superglue that works on wood and polycarbonate.
But if you can get some industrial-grade plastic adhesives, it will be a better choice for gluing polycarbonate to wood
glue polycarbonate to metal
polyurethane adhesive is the best adhesive to use for bonding polycarbonate with metals like aluminum or stainless steel. once it sets and cures, the polyurethane forms a pretty sturdy bond that will remain durable over the years.
Conclusion
Each glue has its own strengths and weaknesses, think about which kind of glue will be most beneficial to your use case. KUSLA Is a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate sheets, polycarbonate rods, polycarbonate tubes and provide Polycarbonate machining fabrication service . contact us if you have any questions about your polycarbonate projects.
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