How to Bond Acrylic
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2020
- I get a lot of questions about how I bond acrylic and what products I use. Honestly, it all depends on the application. I decided to make this video to hopefully answer some of those questions.
● SUPPLIES USED IN THIS PROJECT (May contain affiliate links)
STARBOND CA GLUE (USE CODE: MAKER10 to save 10%)
Medium Formula CA Glue: bit.ly/3i7FA5s
Weld-on 3 - amzn.to/2RdIXMX
Weld-on 4 - amzn.to/3eUrgvj
Sci Grip 16 - amzn.to/378UW3L
Acrylic Sign Tape - amzn.to/2FgaNRX
Art Knives - amzn.to/36cKHdt
Scraper Tool - amzn.to/30GeRVt
Shop Towels - amzn.to/2TIMDYI
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How do you bond acrylic?
How about glue gun?
@@lifelabel1133 I mean you can try, but it probably won't hold up over time.
@@MakerExperiment Thanks..🙏
UV glue for face and weld-on for side bonding
but i have a problem when am using the weld-on on clear acrylic there a cracks forming i know they are from the C02 laser that i have but is there a way to prevent them
@@kostastoev5053 I’d have to see it to know better. Most things can be prevented so there may be a way to prevent it but I don’t know without more information.
If you put a large drop in the center and squeeze the 2 pieces together it will spread out with any air pockets. When you make zigzag patterns it just traps air between them.
How to fix that air bubbles?
@@Happy-nu5dr Once you have them you can't "fix" them. The solution is not to let them form in the first place by following the advice from the commenter above.
8:50 Scigrip 16 is a more viscous cement, no designed to seep between pieces. To make a practical comparison, it should have been applied to the edge of the piece before pressing them together.
Thats so helpful, especially the breaking test! Thank you! ✌🏼
Thank you hun, about to create some things for my closet.
The zig zag application dooms you to air gaps. You should be placing a bead on one side and joining the planes on that side while pushing the solid solvent/glue front as you lay the top piece down. Possibly, a solid spiral out from center giving complete coverage would work.
Depending on the shape of what you're gluing, yes, one single dot. In this case, with square shapes, I would draw an "X", corner to corner, with a larger glob or dot in the center. The "X" would put more bonding agent closer to the corners so when you squeeze them, you have less of the agent oozing out at the middle of the sides, and better coverage all the way to the corners. But when you criss cross all directions you're just putting air bubbles all throughout the middle! Test this by putting just one closed circle in the center... and see how big of a bubble you get.
if bonding edge to face or edge to edge using sci grip 16 apply on edge face not along the edge face join. This will give you a more consistent result without glue showing everywhere on acrylic.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. This is what I was looking for, on my new project. This is great!!!!
You’re welcome.
This was so helpful! THANK YOU!
Jeannie Mojica you’re welcome
So much good information - I like the epic drop tests!
I feel like they could have been done better but I enjoyed it.
Strength tests were super helpful. Looking to make an acrylic box that will be susceptible to some rougher commercial uses, so strength and impact-resistance is important. Thanks
Glad it helped.
I did a similar test and all of my results were perfect. No bubbles
This video really helps on my upcoming project. Thank you🙏🏻
I’m glad that you found it helpful.
That was very informative, and also saved me some $$$. So thank you.
I’m glad I could help.
Thanks that was really helpful👍
Very insightful. thank you.
You’re welcome.
If you spread the solvent evenly and have enough I pretty sure you can achieve a clean bond with no bubbles.
Thanks for the info! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
Of course!
Im making tail lights and the scigrip 16 will probably be best
Hv very thick 1\2” acrylic cuff (open-ended oval shaped) bracelet w clean break in 2 pcs in center of cuff. Plan to use SciGrip 16 w syringe applicator. Concerned w cement seepage esp on exterior/top surface wc is embedded w jewels & aesthetically a challenged area to clean any residue.
This actually helped a lot, im building an aquarium filter fhamber frok acrylic panels and i dont care about finish (because it will all be hidden) and i do care about strength and thickness (for sealing the bone water tight) so looks like Scigrip 16 is what i want, not weld on 4 which is what was often recommended!
That I don’t know about. I’ve never built an aquarium. It would be interesting to know how it goes.
@@MakerExperiment not actually building the structure of a tank this way, it's just a "false wall" that separates about a 4 inch wide section of one side of the tank for filtration and equipment to be hidden from the main tank, so it doesn't have to support any weight as the pressure is the same on both sides of the panels, it just has to keep water separated, and I was looking for something to glue the baffles to the front panel like your second tests, at a 90 degree angle.
Gonna try the scigrip 16 as it looks like the thickness can help fill in any small gaps that water might go through since my cuts weren't 100% perfect (had to use hand tools as I'm in a small apartment)
Really good job thank.
Glad I could help.
Hi Trevor, A better way to use scigrip 16 is to apply very little of it directly on the edge of acrylic instead of applying it like weld-on 4. You will have a cleaner joint. Hope this helps.
Kwang Wei Ong thank you for the tip! I appreciate it.
Thank you for this video. If I were to make a rectangular acrylic tray with no holes to serve as handles which does not leak if I were to put water in it, what kind of acrylic bond should I use? I plan to make one as an under the sink drip tray to protect my kitchen cabinet from leaks. Thank you!
I’d use something like weld on 3. Look into aquarium tanks and what they use for that.
@@MakerExperiment thank you so much!
Great information here
I’m glad it was helpful.
Thank you for the video, had a quick question. I am looking into building an acrylic display case and was nervous using the acrylic glue (weldon 4). I looked it up and this stuff looks pretty toxic. Was going to use it outside when putting the display case together. Do you use and protective equipment when using it, face mask, gloves etc.. or because your using a small amount it's not a concern for you.
Thanks
When doing more than little spots I wear a mask and I use gloves. It’s always better to have that layer of protection.
To remove some of the visible by product, smear the surfaces to create a complete uniform layer.
Nice video, 33 years ago I needed a clear tube to check jet fuel Jet A (refined Diesel fuel) for contaminants after refueling the airplane. Fuel testers are available but are too small to get an adequate sample. I found an acrylic supplier locally that had 2 inch round tubing and I purchased a bonding agent to affix a bottom for the tubbing and made a holder for a Metal pin to open the valve of the fuel sumps to drain fuel into the tube.
This device held up well for many years. Two years ago I started on a quest to build an overhead dust collection for my table saw. I purchased a solvent and the acrylic. Your video just moved that project higher on the list to do! Thanks. 😁🛫
That’s pretty awesome. It sounds like a fun project.
Maker Experiment I started creating concept drawings this evening.😁🛫
I was wondering what you would recommend to repair a crack in an acrylic basketball backboard? I was thinking Weld on 4 since it would seep into the crack and hopefully repair it.
I was thinking weld on 3 or 4. I’ve never used it for that application but it should get into the crack better.
Thanks for this.
Jean Jones you’re welcome.
Loved the informative video! Where would I buy the “weld on four” as I’ve decided that is going to be the best one for me.
You can get it from Amazon. I believe I put a link in the description.
What is the best way to print/embed a color image on a piece of clear acrylic?
I've seen some people use transparency stickers, but not sure if you can just sandwich the image between 2 pieces without the air bubbles.
I print onto acrylic directly with a UV printer. I’m not sure what other people do.
thanks
we want to bond two plexiglass's 1 mm apart. not sure if some filler type material is good idea or if the 3d gloop is a better choice. Thanks for any pointers.
If you want to bond them and there’s a gap in between that may be difficult and not super strong. I haven’t tried doing this before without adding a piece of material or something to help it bond to.
Thanks!
You’re welcome!
very interesting!
Thank you!
Hi. I enjoyed your video...very informative. Q: will hot Gorilla Glue work to repair a leg of an acrylic/plexiglass coffee table, or should I use Sigrip 16 +E6000??? TIA
Denise Schnitzer if you’re trying to bond acrylic, it’s best to use an acrylic solvent like sci grip.
when you leave air gaps you create visibility because of the index of refraction differences at the air to solid interfaces.
I wat to make double wall acrylic similar to double wall POLYCARBONATE sheets. Do you think the double wall acrylic with have a better insulation property's that the double wall polycarbonate ? I'm attempting to make a glass studio/office.
I don’t know about the properties for insulation so I honestly can’t say.
You better be giving me quality info, I’m using this glue to seal an acrylic combustion chamber on an engine
I’d be doing more research for that application if I were you. That is not a usage I’ve explored.
I tried gluing edges with SciGrip 16. It worked ok but some edges arent very strong because the glue didnt make contact ( I guess I didn't use enough). Can I use Weld-on 4 to go back over all the edges and provide reinforcement, or will the 16 and 4 chemically react and not re-bond?
I’m actually not sure without reading the data sheets. I would suspect that as long as the 16 is completely cured that the 4 wouldn’t have a reaction to it. That being said, I’m not positive without reading the data sheets.
@@MakerExperiment Thanks for the reply. Here are the data sheets:
www.curbellplastics.com/Research-Solutions/Technical-Resources/Technical-Resources/SCIGRIP-16-Data-Sheet
www.gogsg.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/ips4-04_spec.pdf
I'm not sure what information would indicate that 4 can go over 16. I appreciate it!
Hi great video. I idea the best option is to glue acrylic to paper card?
Hmmm I’m not sure on that one. I’d probably just try normal CA glue and see if that works for what you’re trying to do.
I was curious, you mentioned that you wouldn't use the weld-on 4 (or equivalent) to glue acrylic faces together. This is what I am trying to do with very poor results. You said that you would glue the edges only... when I tried that with weld-on 4, it ran in-between the two faces and looks crappy just as I smeared it all over one of the faces. what is your technique of gluing acrylic faces together? Sounds like you have a method that works... I was thinking CA glue along the edges and will test but would love your input and/or process.
I usually use 3M tape like 467MP. If it’s opaque or a color it will be fine. However, it’s not a welded and fused bond. You can get weld on 4 to work but it takes practice.
Hi do u know which glue is the best for mirror acrylic sheets I always get a webbing effect when I glue with Weldon 3
I’m honestly not sure. I haven’t tried mirror acrylic yet beyond using sign tape.
thanks for this. can I mix paint with those glues?
I’ve never actually tried. You can always attempt and see what happens.
Good video
Does anyone know if any of these glues are waterproof/aquarium safe? I’m trying to make a shelf for my salt water fish tank but I don’t want it to break or leach any toxins in my tanks. Thanks
Weld-on 3 and 4 should be waterproof because they act as a solvent that chemically bonds them unlike glue.
Around 3:50 you mentioned that you would typically sandwich the two pieces together and then glue around the edge with weld-on 4 -- would that work to keep the two pieces bonded face to face? And then they would be clear without the bubbling in between? I need to glue sheets together face to face :)
I’ve actually found that if you slide the pieces together vs trying to lay them on top of each other, you don’t get the bubbles. It was a learning point for me.
@@MakerExperiment Have you found it possible to fuse the edges somehow, while laying the pieces face to face? Or you need to coat the faces, slide them together and try to get the bubbles out?
@@ghostytheoddflower I haven’t tried full sheets but I would experiment with putting the adhesive along the edge and sliding the two together from that edge.
Which would you recommend for 5 layers of black acrylic ? It needs to be sturdy because using as a selfie stick
Is it structural or just a cosmetic look? An acrylic solvent is better than CA Glue or the Tape.
@@MakerExperiment it will be used with a iPad in between with a handle .. so the weld 4 or the 16 one you mentioned . ?
@@ashleymonie9041 I’d recommend one of those. I’d lean towards the weld on. Because it’s a solvent it will actually fuse the pieces together chemically.
Is it possible to glue two ends of Acrylic Sheets in order to get a larger sheet?
For and example, I have 5 mm thick two pieces 18" x 32" and I would like to glue them and get 36" x 32".
FirstName LastName you can always try but unless it is done with industrial machinery, it’ll probably always have a week point at that spot when it’s that thin. Thicker material like 3/4” + would have a better chance of being okay. I’d have my reservations about it working well for 5mm.
@@MakerExperiment , thank you very much for your reply! "By done with industrial machinery", do you mean to smooth edges with a table router?
FirstName LastName I mean something more like industrial sized heating equipment, presses, etc where they could more or less fuse the materials together. Your best option honestly, is to just buy a sheet the size you need.
@@MakerExperiment , got it. Thank you very much!
@@FirstNameLastName-cu2tq You're welcome.
Any updates on this? Trying to bond clear acrylic face to face with dried flowers smooshed in between the 2 pieces of acrylic. Thinking weld on 4 carefully applied to the outside edge only?
I’ve had more success if I slide the pieces on top of each other starting at one edge. I don’t know how that will go if you’re trying to sandwich something between them though. It may be better to clamp them together and then try to glue just the edges.
What do I need to fix crack in my headlight lens. Thanks
I’m not sure as I’ve never repaired a headlight. I don’t know if an acrylic adhesive would work for that or not.
As I'm just getting into the laser world, your videos have been immensely helpful along my journey, though, I did have a suggestion for you as far as the Face to Face bonding. Looking at it in terms of how you build a PC, and putting on the Thermal Paste of a CPU. When we apply thermal paste, you are told to do a dot in the center of the Die, or an X Pattern, as doing random scribbling, or lines, will cause bubbles to be trapped in the thermal paste, thus diminishing it's effectiveness. I was curious if doing the same w/the Acrylic bonding, if that would also help fight against those bubbles that you are seeing between the 2 layers. I plan on doing this test here at the house, and seeing if it does indeed help with the bubbles you are seeing or not, but figured I would pass this information off to you, if your testing also shows different results, and you've got a wider range of communication to people to spread that information on to. Great videos, keep up the amazing work. :)
J Mack7n good idea. I’ve also found that if you put the adhesive on one item and you slide the other into place while pushing against the other piece, it gives a better result.
@@MakerExperiment also, thank you. I was set on a Trotec laser, and after binge watching your videos, I have changed my mind to an Epilog Fusion Pro48, and will be receiving it next week. Their customer service and sales has been amazing, and they've been super helpful the whole path. So, thank you again. :)
J Mack7n you’re welcome. I’d love to talk to you about that process. Will you send me an email or message on Instagram?
@@MakerExperiment filled out the contact form on your website with my information. I don't have instagram, and couldn't find your e-mail, so left mine in there.
@@JMackin1016 I got it. Thank you.
would these be safe to use car coolant with in a pc water cooled setup ?
I have no idea. May want to ask someone who builds computers more frequently.
Very helpful thanks, but weldon 4 do not sem to ship to sweden :/ if anyone has supplier or equal solvent that ships to sweden it be most appriciated. Good video but seems to be unavailable in sweden *cries*
Which would you use for a trophy to bond to a base?
I’d probably use weld on 3 or 4 if they’re both compatible with it.
Hello....
When we stick a plexiglass panel to another to get more thickness and a larger size, then cut it in the form of a prism and polish it
Is it possible in this way to get a prism? Can we get the colors of the Rainbow ?
Is this how we can refine it into shapes without problems?
To be honest, I’ve never tried that. I’m not sure if plexi will work as a prism.
Slightly off-topic, but how do you cut your acrylic? In particular, how do you get nice square edges, that will stand up by themselves and not show any gaps?
I cut mine with a laser cutter.
Anyone know if that 3m tape can be laser cut after applying to one piece of acrylic? Looking to do some decorative things that are done in layers and will be to complex to cut it all off by hand if I have to put it on after laser cutting the acrylic.
The 3M tape can be laser cut. At least the one I am using.
@Maker Experiment know if it will work with a 10w optical power diode laser? All of my acrylic is going to be solid colors or metallic mirrored, so I'm looking for something really simple, quick and not messy
@@zero00044 the tape should but I don’t know how easy it is to cut acrylic with a 10w laser.
@Maker Experiment the laser module I bought says it will cut acrylic, but it's my first time trying it out. Bought some 1/8" in various colors on amazon and just waiting for them to arrive. Tried to do plywood for some things, but don't have the best quality at home depot, which is the only place in town to buy wood. The only other place is a small local hardwood store in another town 3 hours away. I want to go check them out when the weather gets warmer. Though from what I've seen, they mostly sell large pieces and I have a small car and live in an apartment with nowhere to store anything like that lol.
@@zero00044 best of luck. I hope it all works out.
is it possible to bond Acrylic to make it waterproof? I want to make a car style battery for single cells and it's going to contain water. Would it work under water conditions?
I would think there’s a way. Most aquariums are made out of acrylic. Look into aquarium type builds.
I have a question. I ordered an acrylic oxygen cage and it still smells so strong. How can I get rid of the smell or make it cute faster? Thank you!!
I’m honestly not sure. I wish I could help more.
Will weld-on 4 work for acrylic to abs?
I suggest reading the data sheet on weld-on to see material compatibility. I’ve never tried using it with ABS.
Could you make a video on edge-welded stacked acrylic sheets?
I haven’t tried that yet. I’d have to look into it.
have you try using a brush to smooth the glue out to stop the air bubbles ???!!!
I’ve learned even more since this video to get rid of air bubbles.
Can i use B7000 glue on the acrylic? It is working?
R Min I’m honestly not sure. At a quick look, it works on plastics but I’m not sure about acrylic specifically.
@@MakerExperiment i see... thank!
how about super glue? can it be ok to stick the acrylic?
The Starbond I put in the video is a CA glue (aka super glue).
Will appreciate very much if anyone can share a technique or product that can give a clear joint without trapped air bubbles when bonding two faces of acrylic together as opposed to joining an edge to a face. Big Thanks in advance.
Did you ever find your answer?
Also looking for how to bond two pieces of clear acrylic face to face without bubbles and air gaps.
Also looking for this answer
It is one best and cheaper chemical for bonding this acrylic
I did not know that acrylic clear plastic can be extruded or cast. What is the difference?
What do the sell at home improvement stores nation wide?
My project is small, creating back-lit indicators for common auto switches. Mine are 1/4” thick X 1/2” X 1/2” glued face to face, creating an “L” shape, engraved on bottom, longer on the bottom than top, with sandblasted end area to shine LED white light on to illuminate the indicator.
I think the CA being thin or less viscous. But use more to cover and clamp pressure.
I found “Gorilla glue clear p/n 4500102, has a water resistant seal w/-40 degrees F to 180 degrees will work in my temp range.
I am making unique push type switches in a center console used in a vehicle.
Today, I would imagine a local trophy shop may have a laser engraver to create universal symbols in white, for “Window down” “Window Up” “Unlock” “Lock” etc. I simply have to cut them, glue them together, add LED lights and secure in a hole next to each switch.
Normal hardware stores sell extruded acrylic. Here’s a video explaining the differences.
czcams.com/video/H5fNHy9G8IY/video.html
Can you do a mirror acrylic version of this video?
I will look into it.
I WILL TRY 3M
It’s a great option.
What is the name for the first glue?
If we’re looking at the same one, the first one is Starbond CA glue.
I think you meant "higher viscosity." I just discovered myself that higher viscosity means thicker, lower viscosity means thinner which is the opposite of what I always thought.
*"In layman’s terms, viscosity defines a fluid’s resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity of a liquid, the thicker it is and the greater the resistance to flow. Temperature will affect the viscosity of most materials."*
Yeah. I filmed it a long time ago. We all make mistakes 😂.
Use a tensile tester.
David 1 I’ll have to research that. I’m not familiar with a tensile tester.
4:53 If it's syrupy it's NOT lower in viscosity... that's higher in viscosity.
Mix up in words. It’s hard to get everything right on camera.
You caused air bubbles in all examples by the way you applied the glue and solvent! Lay one piece flat on the table then apply glue or solvent directly in the middle. Making sure to have enough to reach the far corners. Then place the other piece flat against the other while putting enough pressure to squeeze the glue or solvent all the way across the surface. Hold for a few minutes then let set 24-48 hours for full strength bond
thanks for the tip.
Why not include Acetone in this comparison?
I haven’t tried it personally.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but the Acrylic solvents are highly toxic to both skin and inhalation. Check the MSDS on the products. Suggest some PPE vs bare hands. The drip from the Weld-on was a serious cringe moment. Like a lot of things one time exposure might not kill you but repeat exposure could give you cancer. Please don't take my word for it, look up the MSDS on the Weld-on 3 or Weld-on 4. Stay safe, thanks for the content!
It’s been a while since I did this video but I do normally wear PPE. I should have during the video.
Can you cut the acrylic
What do you mean exactly? Acrylic can be cut. I just don’t know if you have a specific application you’re talking about.
@@MakerExperiment I have some acrylic rods I need to cut down they are to long for the project I am working on and I would like to cut them down to size. I am wondering can that be done and if I need any special tool to do so
@@managingmarlys I would recommend cutting them with a miter saw, table saw or something similar with an acrylic blade. Do not use a woodworking blade. There are special blades for acrylics and plastics.
Hard to break with the hand. Goes ahead and smacks it with a hammer. OBVIOUSLY it's going to fall off, but he did say it was for fun.
application bias, mmmm , took care to do correctly with your favorite
Link for the bonding tape is no longer good brotha
This one is very similar. amzn.to/45UZmK5
Dropping test is not accurate since the acrylic may hit the concrete in different angles.
Wow ok please actually learn how to use a bottle applicator you use for the weld on 4. You’re supposed to hold upright and squeeze and then turn it upside down. That traps in the air and prevents the bottle from just leaking the weld on when you flip it over.
The methord ofnaplicarion hindered the results buddy. Each glue has its own protocol its unfair to use 1 application methord for all the glues and solvents. If edge binding with capillary action is on the manual do thst as the fractals your pointing out are due to improper aplacation
Lyons Exotics I appreciate the feedback. I encourage you to make videos explaining the correct methods and I will look at correcting mine.
@@MakerExperiment its not the kind of content I aim to create tbh pal. I dont get much time atall to make good.content of my own to bussy running business and family life onto of that. Your video waa well made and structured in not trying tonbe cretaceous just with having work a good amount of years in plastic fabrication from tooling to mouldings welding plastics etc I though ide say that the single methordnof application altered the results. When ever a solvent weld is used it should be from the edge and alow to pull through to creat a solid void-less face weld. Tho for bonding with adhesives where its purly surface tension and bite on the surface inprofections. Where the solvent is litelry desolving the meterials and causing them to merge and to all extent become 1 object.
Don't listen to this guy there is a lot more to bonding acrylic than this and he doesn't even talk about basic methods for getting a proper bond.
I will admit that I have learned more since this video. Feel free to make a video of your own that explains it better.
@@MakerExperiment I will be building a tank over the next few weeks; I should take the opportunity to use my scrap acrylic to see how the surface finish of prepped joints effects clarity and lap sheer strength using weldon 3. I haven't tried to make a youtube video before and would need to use my camera phone but I think I will give it a shot 8)
sjournot47 I always try to share what I know. Sometimes it can be premature and I learn more later. I’ve learned a lot since this video. I’m always open to hearing useful improvements.
What happened to your fish tank... Waiting for the update...
Any links to the proper method of bonding?
That's the worst way to apply acrylic glue. You're not even trying. If you wanted to, you can actually avoid those fractals when using the weld.
I’ve learned a lot more since I made this over a year ago. Feel free to make your own video.
not really reliable tests. drop tests are not equals, pieces hit the ground at different angles, / air gaps come from the uneven application of glue, and also by not pressing from center towards edges. and almost all glue work by capillarity, meaning the all sneak into tiny imperfection of surfaces, even the thicker glues. THOUGH i enjoyed watching and that's good initiative 👍🏽
Clampett down you won’t see anything on acrylic
I don't know why you are applying the glue not to the thin side, but to the edge of the two. Ruins the video, not useful. There is no situation where you would want to glue like that. Surprised.
what happens if you get an accidental spill or a drop on the acrylic and how to clean it?
I haven’t found a great way to clean off a spill. They make acrylic cleaners but I haven’t found one that makes it look like the adhesive never landed on it.
@@MakerExperiment ok, thanks
Get some weld 4 and bond the acrylic 😂😂😂do we need a video for this ? Good god
Dear bro do we need dildos? Not really cuz we got you
Thanks that was really helpful👍