Glue and Polish

The right cement and the right cleaner make the difference between a plastics job that looks professional and one that does not. We stock a selected range of acrylic cement and plastic safe polishes matched to the materials we supply, so you can finish the job properly rather than making do with a general purpose glue that will craze the surface or leave a cloudy join.

Weld-On acrylic cements

Weld-On is the industry standard for bonding acrylic and other thermoplastics. It is a solvent cement, which means it softens the surface of both parts and fuses them together rather than sitting between them like a glue. Done well, the join is as strong as the material itself. We carry three grades, and choosing between them comes down to how tight your join is.

Weld-On 3

Weld-On 3 is a water thin, fast curing acrylic cement applied by capillary action. You hold the two pieces together and run the applicator along the seam, and the cement is drawn into the joint by itself. Joins dry clear, which makes it the go-to for display cases, boxes and anywhere a seamless invisible join is required. It needs well machined, closely fitting edges to work properly.

Weld-On 4

Weld-On 4 is also a water thin capillary cement with fast set characteristics, used the same way as Weld-On 3. It suits acrylic, polycarbonate, styrene, butyrate and ABS, and it is a common choice where a slightly different working time or a broader material compatibility is wanted. Like any capillary cement, it relies on tight fitting joints.

Weld-On 16

Weld-On 16 is a clear, syrupy, thickened gap filling cement for high strength joins. Because it has body, it will bridge small gaps and imperfect edges that a water thin cement would simply run out of, and it can be applied to vertical joints without dripping away. It has good outdoor weatherability and works well where a waterproof joint is needed. Professionals have relied on it for years. Available in 1.5oz or 5oz tubes.

Which one do you need

If your edges are saw cut, routed or machined and they meet cleanly, use Weld-On 3 or 4 for an invisible seam. If your edges are rough, the fit is loose, the join is on an angle, or the assembly has to keep water out, use Weld-On 16.

Plexus and VuPlex acrylic polish and cleaner

Plexus and VuPlex clean, polish and protect plastics including acrylic and polycarbonate. Both leave a micro thin protective layer that seals the pores of the plastic, creating an anti-static surface that repels dust rather than attracting it. Neither contains harmful ingredients, and both are safe on materials that ordinary glass cleaners would ruin.

They are ideal for display cases, sneeze guards, vehicle and boat windows, machinery windows and any acrylic or polycarbonate surface that gets handled or exposed to weather. Regular use with a soft cloth keeps panels clear and noticeably reduces fine scratching, because the dust is not being ground into the surface every time you wipe it.

Working safely and cleanly

• Never use ammonia based glass cleaners on acrylic or polycarbonate, they cause crazing
• Work with solvent cements in a well ventilated space
• Test any adhesive on an offcut before committing to the finished piece
• Allow solvent cement joins to cure fully before loading them or exposing them to water

Ordering from Associated Plastics

Associated Plastics has been fabricating plastics in Hobart since 1979, and we use these same products in our own workshop every day. Stock items ship Australia-wide, and anything not held can usually be brought in. If you are not sure which cement suits your join or which cleaner is safe on your panel, describe the job and we will tell you what we would use.