How to successfully bond plastic
Gluing plastic can be tricky, but with the right materials and method, you can create strong and durable joints. Here at PlastShop.se, we have extensive experience with various plastic materials and are happy to share our knowledge. Read on to find out more about which plastics are suitable for bonding and the best way to go about it.
One important factor is surface energy. This is the energy required to break the bonds on the surface of a material. If the surface energy is too low, the adhesive will not bond properly.
Materials that can be bonded
Some plastics are easier to bond than others. PC, PMMA, ABS and PVC have relatively high surface energy. For these materials, various types of adhesive often work well, such as epoxy, cyanoacrylate and structural adhesives.
But what about plastics such as PE, PP, PTFE or POM? These materials have low surface energy, which makes it harder for the adhesive to bond. Surface treatment is often required in these cases.
Surface preparation: how to increase surface energy
Surface treatment is a crucial step for successful bonding. By treating the surface, you increase the surface energy and improve the adhesive’s bonding ability. There are various methods, such as mechanical or chemical treatment, as well as flame treatment.
Flammbehandling används ofta för att öka ytanergin hos PE, PP, PTFE och POM. Metoden innebär att ytan utsätts för en flamma.
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Different types of adhesives
There are many different adhesives to choose from, such as epoxy, cyanoacrylate and structural adhesives. Epoxy is a common choice, but it takes time to cure. Cyanoacrylate cures quickly, but can be sensitive to moisture and temperature. Structural adhesives are designed to bond plastics that are subjected to high loads.
The choice of adhesive depends on the material and the application.
The Shore hardness of the plastic also plays a role. PE-HD has a Shore hardness of 65° Shore D, whilst POM-C has a Shore hardness of 80° Shore D. This affects the choice of adhesive and surface preparation.
With the right preparation, you can successfully bond even the most challenging plastics.
Do you have any further questions about bonding plastics? Please feel free to contact us; we’ll help you find the right solution for your project. You can also explore our range of plastic materials and adhesives here at PlastShop.se.
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