How to Succeed at Gluing Plastic
Gluing plastic can be tricky, but with the right materials and methods, you can create strong and durable bonds. We at PlastShop.se have extensive experience with various plastic materials and are happy to share our knowledge. Read on to learn more about which plastics are suitable for gluing and how to proceed.
An important factor is the 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 glue won't adhere well.
Materials That Can Be Glued
Some plastics are easier to glue than others. PC, PMMA, ABS, and PVC have relatively high surface energy. For these materials, various types of glue often work well, such as epoxy, cyanoacrylate, and structural adhesives.
But what about plastics like PE, PP, PTFE, or POM? These materials have low surface energy, which makes it more difficult for the glue to adhere. Surface pretreatment is often required here.
Surface Pretreatment: How to Increase Surface Energy
Surface pretreatment is an important step in successfully gluing. By treating the surface, you increase the surface energy and improve the glue's adhesion. There are various methods, such as mechanical or chemical processing, but also flame treatment.
Flame treatment is often used to increase the surface energy of PE, PP, PTFE, and POM. The method involves exposing the surface to a flame.
Have you chosen the right material and glue for your application? If you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact us or read up on the material and glue in question.
Different Types of Glue
There are many different glues to choose from, such as epoxy, cyanoacrylate, and structural adhesives. Epoxy is a common option, but it takes time to cure. Cyanoacrylate cures quickly but can be sensitive to moisture and temperature. Structural adhesives are developed for gluing plastics that are subjected to high loads.
The choice of glue depends on the material and application.
The Shore hardness of the plastic also plays a role. HDPE has a Shore hardness of 65° Shore D, while POM-C has a Shore hardness of 80° Shore D. This affects the choice of glue and surface pretreatment.
With the right preparations, you can succeed in gluing even the most difficult plastics.
Do you have more questions about gluing plastic? Please contact us; we'll help you find the right solution for your project. You can also explore our range of plastic materials and glues here at PlastShop.se.
How to Succeed at Gluing Plastic