Solvent Welding Acrylics
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- čas přidán 14. 09. 2020
- Mike from Model Makers Inc demonstrates solvent welding acrylic sheets. This process allows us to create 3-dimensional shapes or build complex structures from flat acrylic sheets.
Do you have any questions on plastic fabrication? Just let us know!
Great info and technique - thanks I needed just this to make a small PC HDD cage using acrylic - without drilling/making holes
Great video. I've been wanting to make my own display case for years " I'm a figure painter. " This was so helpful thanks....
Thank you for this tutorial. Would the same bonding technique be used for mirrored acrylic?
thank you sir.
GREAT video!!!! Thank you!!! Had no idea. CAn you please tell me where can I get this solvent welding? Thank you again!!
thanks for your tutorial. Is there any reliable bond for very tiny piece acrylic to metal ? Any idea!
Methylene Chloride, also known as Rez-n-bond. Used this for 37 plus years in the sign business. You can make a thick glue with this by adding scrap acrylic pieces to a gallon and letting it sit for a few weeks
We are building acrylic wine drawers, that will hold 4 wine bottles, should we use the methylene chloride solvent or should we use a stronger agent? We need to make sure the drawers do not come apart. Your guidance is much appreciated. Thank you!
The methylene chloride bond is very strong as long as the mating surfaces have good contact. The solvent will not fill any voids.
If you're not sure, you can put gussets on the inside corners - 1/8" X 1/8" or 1/4" X 1/4" square rod is commonly available. Cut the rod to the length of the seams, lay it in the corners, and bond to both the floor and the sides. That makes for a VERY strong joint!
But again, this is not necessary if you have full contact between gluing edge and gluing surface. The solvent actually welds them into one piece where they touch.
Where can you buy this? and what exactly is the brand??
Can I get the link to purchase it, I'm making a acrylic enclosure for my 3d printer and this would work great?
Bravoooo,model maker!!!excelent video lesson!!!!much obliged!!!!good luck to you master!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
what happens if you get an accidental spill or a drop on the acrylic and how to clean it?
Do you quote prototypes? I need a plastic drawer roughly 28" x 28" x 7"
Thanks! What solvent would you recommend to glue a broken turntable cover - without a line?
I assume the cover is clear plastic, and that it's cracked through. The type of solvent (not glue) to repair the crack would depend on the type of plastic its made of. I'm not sure what you mean by 'without a line' -
If by that you mean 'without any visible seam' then it's probably not feasible If the cover material is clear.
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.
Great video! Is there a difference between welding two pieces of cast acrylic together and welding two pieces of extruded acrylic together?
Actually, it is - cast acrylic does not have any internal stress/tension and does not crack when in contact with solvent. Extruded acrylic have much more internal tension, which makes it crack (small but clearly visible cracks on the surface) when contacted with solvent.
hey ! nice video. if i want 2 acrylic parts to be strongly stuck together but keep it very transparent with no visible glue marks, what should i use?
amazing video i was trying it today and i was so confused why its evaporates !! i was woriied from the mess and it stickign to the floor? so it only bond acrylic plastic together? and wont bond any other surface to it ? like is some leaked it will evaporate or fgell on floor it wont glue it to the floor? also is that solvent toxic if inhaled ?
He keeps saying glue, but it's not an adhesive. It's a solvent. It dissolves the plastic and creates cohesion, and the plastic hardens again after the solvent evaporates. DCM is very volatile, like alcohol, it evaporates quickly, relative to water.
does this process work the same for colored acrylic?
very hepful
Does this work on saw cut edges? I caught in the middle of the video on the manufacturer's website that they recommend ips weld on 16 acrylic cement instead if not a purely flat finish which your video seems to show?
염화메틸렌과 다른 첨가물을 혼합해서 쓰나요??
접착면에 기포가 많이 생깁니다
What Welding Product are you using?
How would you unweld something like this?
My acrylic is making tiny cracking fragments when bonding the acrylic together any ideas why
What about surface prep for solvent welding, do we have to router, or sand the edge ? I get great results on factory edges and terrible results on my saw cut edges, but I was told not to sand the edges because it would cause crazing. My blade is good enough to cut a rough edge with no breaking, but it doesn't leave as smooth an edge as your cutting demo. I'm trying to decide between getting a router table or a better circular saw blade.
The pieces must be perfectly cut, but that's very difficult to do, for if one's hand is not perfectly vertical when cutting the acrylic, the edge will not be square with the surface, I think.
Time to buy a CNC, my dude.
@@CountDoucheula Thanks.
Puis je savoir quelle est la colle à utiliser pour un rendu extra solide svp ? merci
Great video! I want to bond a large area of plexiglass. Roughly 9x14". Are the weld-on 3 an ideal solution for large surface like that?
Yes, you can use this type of thin fast acting solvent to bond a large area, and it will be very strong, but it can be kind of patchy and not look good through the clear plexi. In order to achieve a thoroughly even, clear joint, you have to use a thicker and/or slower solvent.
Does this solvent create a water tight seal?
Thanks for the info! I am trying to use this technique but I am not seeing an instant bond, it is not "sticking" until it's sat there for a while. Any advice on why? they are laser cut pieces, so all I can think of is maybe i need to lightly sand the edges.
Have you figured it out?
What brand of solvent is that?
Where do you buy your methylene chloride?
Hello sir
Im verry interest with acrylic, im planning to build acrylic bath for my pc to immersed with liquid oil for colling the gpu's, my question is is acrylic heat resisstant with temperature arround 40 to 90 degrees, if i want build my own bath gpu's / pc, i need that glue to combine anggle the acrylic, and is that glue heat ressistant and leak proffing for my liquid colling pc?
For the answer im say thanks🙏🙏
Plz recommend one best solvent sir, we from India
Very cool. This strikes me as the absolute best way to bond acrylic to other acrylic. Better than any glue could ever be. Are there any drawbacks to this method? I guess pretty fast setting time might be one.
I'm not sure if you would consider this a drawback, but the solvent won't fill gaps, and so the mating surfaces have to be in full contact. The resulting bond is extremely strong.
Fast set time is usually considered a plus. Its not instant - you have a little time to adjust. But a better, cleaner joint will be achieved if the pieces are not moved at all once the solvent is applied. Best practice is to hold the parts together exactly where you want them when you apply the solvent. It will find its way into the tiniest crack via capillary action.
@@modelmakers33 Thanks - makes sense. Yeah, the flatness of the joining surfaces is a must with this method. Another drawback I can see after some googling is that apparently this stuff is extremely toxic and evaporates like crazy!
The solvent - methylene chloride - is pretty toxic, so you need to have adequate ventilation or a respirator with filters designed to counteract the solvent (not just any random mask, this is specific filter cartridges for specific chemicals). Same thing with Xylene and a bunch of other stuff - it's great to work with, but can royally screw up your body, especially the nervous system. Be careful and PLEASE read the warning labels!
Is the bond improved if you can somehow apply pressure to the joint? I'm guessing since the liquid is so thin that an unsmooth surface can also mean a poor bond?
no. pressure is not going to make it melt faster.. it's not a glue. I wouldn't even consider it a bond. the two pieces of plastic are being melted together by the solvent. applying pressure might inadvertently prevent the solvent from spreading as far as it could. that would result in only part of the acrylic coming in contact with the solvent. I've built aquariums using this method and the trick is to ensure both pieces of acrylic are flat, and free of any imperfections from cutting. sanding with a very fine grit is essential to ensure the pieces of plastic lay flat on one another..
Hey I’m looking at making a livewell for my boat would that be strong enough to say hold the pressure of 15-20 gallons of water
Pressure of water depends upon it's height - 1/2lb per vertical foot.
hello sir, if you don't mind can you give me the name of that adhesive...thank you very much
Nice video, but where to get the solvent from?
So far as I have learned Methylene chloride is not available on the market for private users or hobby constructors. Is this understanding correct? If possible, could you kindly give the link where one could buy this from, please? Thanks
I'm not sure where you're located, but plastic distributors are much more likely to have it than hobby/craft stores
PS - An internet search for methylene chloride may point you to certain paint strippers - don't use that.
Brand names for methylene chloride include: Rez N Bond, Weld-On, and EZFix(303) - use that, and always remember to be careful with this stuff. Its volatile and flammable. Don't breathe the vapors, don't get it on your skin, and don't use it near an open flame.
@@modelmakers33 Many thanks for your reply and caution tips. Btw I am located in Germany and found Weld-On4 on the Internet.
@@user001sg9 Weld-On 3
Where can you buy methylene chloride you use in the video?
why not use double wall polycarbonate?
If I add bits of acrylic to a little solvent, can I use it for filling in holes/cracks?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice that's a technique that works much better with softer materials like ABS and polystyrene. If you do try it with acrylic, use acrylic sawdust, or very, very, VERY thin shavings. It will take forever to completely dissolve anything chunky. Keep the container sealed so the solvent doesn't all evaporate.
Another technique you can try is puddling some solvent onto a flat piece of material and then scratching and scraping the surface with an exacto knife or screwdriver - any kind of small, stiff, thin metal paddle. You may get a bit of 'putty' like that. I wouldn't discourage you from giving that a try with acrylic, but again it's a technique better suited to softer plastic.
@@modelmakers33 thank-you 😊
@@rickgividen4318 No problem. BTW - Its not quite same thing as putty, but SciGrip 16 (aka Weld-on16) is a solvent with some 'body' that remains in the seam after the solvent has evaporated
@@modelmakers33 Thanks
Great video! 🥇🏆
New subscriber here ... and I need you help pls.
I would like to ask you, which is the best approach to weld the PMMA on edges (means stronger and will give me clear joints):
*1) Methylene Chloride*
*(also known as Dichloromethane)*
or
*2) Trichloromethane CHCl3*
*(also known as Chloroform)*
Why I’m asking you. My project is to build a custom taillights on my car), so I need new smoked clear lenses and since they are extremely curved in any direction (X, Y, Z) the thermoforming method doesn’t work for me. Next step in my plan is to cut the taillight lenses on segments (like 25x10, 25x14, 25x11mm and so on), to pre-heat and curve them and finally to try to weld them using one of the products above and hopefully it will be solid enough (and leakage free). So please let me know how to achieve the strongest pmma welding possible (and relatively invisible if possible). Thank you in advance.
We don't use chloroform. Methylene chloride will give you a strong clear joint on PMMA (aka acrylic)
@@modelmakers33 thank you for that input.
The pieces must be perfectly cut, but that's very difficult to do, for if one's hand is not perfectly vertical when cutting the acrylic, the edge will not be square with the surface, I think.
Does this solvent liquid work w plexi glass? Would it be strong enough for a narrow a plexi glass A frame terrarium top for a old fish tank?
Yes. Plexi glass is a brand name of acrylic
thank you
Can we use that for acquaruim?
Yes. But you must have full contact between the mating surfaces for a waterproof seal. You can also use a solvent that has some 'body,' like Weldon16, that will remain to fill voids after the solvent evaporates. Check out our video 'Solvent bonding smooth vs. rough plastic surfaces' posted about a week ago.
Hmm how do i have it clear throughout. Does it cause blooming for this type of solvents?
You may get a white spot or 'bloom' if you inadvertently get any solvent on the surface, but the joint will be clear wherever there is full contact between the mating parts.
@@modelmakers33 ah i see so i really have to make the interface flat enough regardless. Does flame polishing the corners help prior to using the solvent. Say 3mm edge thickness acrylic (est contact area) for a box
@@dexterchewy No don't polish first, that will round over the edge, and you don't want that. Don't soften any sharp corners prior to bonding in any way. Sharp corners facilitate the capillary action that draws the solvent into the joint. The edge must be flat and have good contact with the mating piece. The solvent will clarify the material wherever there is contact.
@@modelmakers33 thanks a lot sir. Much appreciated for the advice. Got what you mean. Haha. Would be happy to visit your workshop in person but ive since left US after my studies. Really cool guy thanks for replying. Cheers.
I wanted to make acrylic podium , can I use this bond for 9mm acrylic
Yes, methylene chloride (aka dichloromethane, or DCM) will bond acrylic together no matter how thick it is. The key to a good joint is contact between the mating surfaces, and penetration of solvent into the joint by capillary action. You can actually see the solvent going into the joint if your material is clear. The solvent won't fill gaps, and the parts won't bond together in any places where they don't touch.
@@modelmakers33 thank you 👍
Can this fix a crack on plexiglass leaving no lines?
No, you will still see a line
worth metioning dichloromethane is carcinogenic. Can also be found in paint stripper in australia. Thanks
What is the brand name for Methylene Chloride, How expensive it it, and is it better than acetone, laquer thinner, or MEK (Methyl,Ethyl,Keton)?
no I have not tried it yet
I am trying to make aquarium by plexiglass. Can i use that solvent? Is it waterproof?
yes. this is the only way to do it if you're building your own aquarium. my brother has built a ton of custom aquariums using this method.. there are a few CZcams videos that show the technique.. once bonded, I think he used a bead of silicone where he had bonded two pieces of acrylic together.. like caulking.
Is this waterproof afterword if you wanted to use for a vase?
Afterward***
If you get a good joint, yes, absolutely. The only way it would leak is if there was a hole or crack - but that does include any incomplete bonds in the seams. The key to a good solvent bonded joint (seam) is to have full contact between the mating surfaces. The solvent 'bonds' completely, but it will not 'fill' any voids. It just dissolves the surface of the mating pieces and then evaporates. There are products with some 'body' that remains in the seam after the solvent has evaporated (SciGrip 16, aka Weld-on16) and if you need waterproof, and you're not confident of full contact between the mating pieces, then this might be a better choice. Its messier to use, but it will both solvent bond and fill small voids.
@@modelmakers33 I really can't thank you enough for the education on the matter and letting me know what products to use. Really appreciate your time & expertise!!!
@@melissakasey1878 You're welcome! And thanks for the question. We're planning to do another video that addresses this subject in more detail
Would be nice if you mention your tools when you mention your materials.
Where can i buy the solvent?
try a plastic distributer
Can we use for polycarbonate??
See Wikipedia page for Solvent Bonding. It lists plastics and compatible solvents.
Where would a guy like me be able to purchase the solvent?
I'm not sure where you're located, but a plastic distributor is probably more likely to have methylene chloride (aka dichloromethane, or DCM) than a hobby/craft store. Tell them what you want it for. Internet searches for methylene chloride may point you to paint strippers - don't try to use that.
@@modelmakers33 I live in WI. I think I found a place. I am a member of a model railroad club and we use plexiglass for areas around the layout that we don't want hands to be in. Many of the areas are pretty long so we are looking for ways of gluing the plexiglass together without messy or bad looking joints. Just a few ounces is all we would need.
will works with polycarbonate ?
Yes. Bonds polycarbonate. Also bonds ABS to polycarbonate
Do you have any company or where is your location ?
Yes. Modelmakers Inc, in Rockaway New Jersey, USA. We have website too: Modelmakersinc.com
Ok. The name of the solvent is ???
What's name of this solvent
1,2-Dichloroethane
@@illla 1,2-Dichloroethane is C2H4Cl2 and the Model Makers talking about DichloroMethane (DMC) which is CH2Cl2. Greetings.
Not melting, dissolving.
Yes. In common parlance chemical solvents (not to mention discouragement - or kindness...vulnerability...) can cause something to melt, but technically the term 'melt' is usually reserved for situations where heat is the agent of change!
Is there anyone whom I can pay, to make an acrylic shelf for me, approximately 14 inches wide, and maybe like 18 in tall, and 3 in deep, with four shelves
You might be able to get something similar to those dimensions that is mass produced 'off the shelf.' You'd probably pay somewhere north of $100 for a stock item that size, which is less than you would pay for a custom piece. I'm not sure what your budget is, but to answer your question - Yes. There are plenty of businesses (including Modelmakers Inc) that can make something like that to your exact specifications.
Where I can buy in India
The solvent used in this video is methylene chloride. Brand names include 'Rez-N-Bond' and 'EZ Fix 303.'
Keep in mind that it can be used to weld some 'bondable' plastics together - acrylic, PS, PC, PETG, and ABS - but not others. For example, methylene chloride will not weld PE together, or vinyl, or PP. It won't interact at all with many plastics.
One other thing to remember is that while acrylic can be welded to acrylic using this method, and PS to PS, PETG to PETG, etc., it is not the case that different kinds of 'bondable' plastics can be welded together. For example, If you try to weld acrylic to PS, the solvent will melt both, and they will 'stick' a little bit, but they will not bond together chemically to form a truly solid piece. This is a good rule of thumb, but there are exceptions: ABS can be completely welded to PC using methylene chloride.
Hi my name rizwan
Im acrylic working Acrylic fabricator
Sir acrelic kar pientar
Glue name ?
Methylene chloride. Its not exactly 'glue' - its a solvent, and like many solvents, it is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and should be used with care. Stay tuned, we're planning a few more videos on this subject in the near future.
Is it heat ressistant?
@@nanda_pamungkas As much as the material itself - the solvent itself does not persist, it merely acts as a catalyst to bond separate pieces of the material.
Iam worker acrylic India