Acrylic glass, often referred to by the trade name Plexiglas, is a transparent, resistant plastic material that lends itself to numerous uses. Precisely because it is transparent and guarantees excellent performance when subjected to high stress, you need a special glue - dichloromethane - to join two pieces. This substance is a type of solvent that melts acrylic so that the two Plexiglas elements come together.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparation
Step 1. Choose a sturdy work surface
It should be constructed of wood, metal or concrete. Paper and grass are not great solutions, because the plastic sheet can adhere to these materials.
Step 2. Cut the Plexiglas if needed
Prepare the panels to be joined by cutting them to the necessary shape and size. If they are 6mm or thicker, you should use a table or circular saw. If the thickness is less than this value, you can engrave the surface with a cutter and break the plate cleanly along the cut; however, this method only allows you to follow straight lines.
- If the cut edges are rough, sand and polish them until they are clean and smooth so you can apply the glue.
- To avoid scratching the panels, remove the protective film (if present) only after cutting them.
Step 3. Clean the acrylic glass
Before attempting to glue them, wash the pieces with water and neutral soap, paying particular attention to the parts that must adhere to each other. After washing and rinsing them, dry them by dabbing them thoroughly with a clean cloth without rubbing, otherwise you risk scratching the surfaces.
You can also use isopropryl alcohol
Step 4. Position the pieces to glue them
Once they are clean and dry, arrange them the way you want to join them and secure them with masking tape or clamps.
Part 2 of 2: Applying the Glue
Step 1. Pour the adhesive over the joining points
It should be applied with a syringe because it is a rather fluid substance that works by fusing the acrylic and joining the two elements. Opt for a 25-gauge syringe and drop a small amount of dichloromethane on the joint between the two Plexiglas panels. Take care to drag the syringe instead of pushing it into the slot.
- Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when working with dichloromethane.
- Do not try to spread the solvent separately on the two pieces and then join them as this technique generates a weak bond, with the risk that the product will drip. Splashes of solvent deform any part of the plastic material they come into contact with.
Step 2. Let the glue set
You should wait 24-48 hours for a secure bond to form, after which you can remove the clamps or the masking tape that holds the pieces together.
Step 3. Sand the seam until it is smooth
Let the adhesive dry completely and use fine-grained sandpaper to remove any rough spots; when finished, get rid of the remaining dust with soap and water or isopropyl alcohol.
Step 4. Test the joint to make sure it is watertight
If the panels have been arranged to form a water vessel, you need to make sure there are no leaks. Run water over the joints or submerge the object while observing any spills. If the joins aren't watertight, wait for them to dry completely before applying more glue.
