bigone5500
Well-Known Member
I'm looking to buy some glue for my projects involving polycarbonates. I found this stuff on amazon. Has anyone here used it?
Amazon product
Amazon product
Glue For Polycarbonate
- Thread starter bigone5500
- Start date
Tony
Staff member
When I'm working with acrylic, I use Weld-On 3. It is a very thin and VERY fast set. That stuff there is 16, and although I do have some of that stuff, I have never needed to use it. But, it will have a slow cure time and you will not want to do anything with the part for at least a few days after you are done and know you don't have any holes or bubbles.
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
Thanks. Fast set is important to me.
Tony
Staff member
Then I would suggest Weld-On 4. Little longer set than 3, but not near what 16 is. Just remember, this stuff is a solvent, not a glue, and when you get in the 3 and 4 range, they are thinner than water. Just be ready for it. It's made to go in with capilary action so your parts have to be perfectly straight. The 16 is actually a gap filler so if your parts are not perfect (and I mean PERFECT), then just stick with the 16.
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
I wonder if the Weld on stuff is like the Tenax-7R I have. You ever used that?
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
As far as the weld on is concerned, if I flame polish the edges, will the adhesive still work?
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
My goal is to have joints like what you see in stores. Where they join is nice and clear. Or at least close to it.
Tony
Staff member
In order to get that, you will have to have every joint perfectly flat with just a slight radius on the edge so the solvent can wick in. It's a huge pain, but if I can build an entire 40 gallon sump for my saltwater tank and have it hold for the last 5 or 6 years, I don't think you will have an issue lol.
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
How did you cut your poly?
Tony
Staff member
If you want to see the sump build, check out the link below. I documented it in my Saltwater thread in the lounge.
Who's Into Saltwater?
Who's Into Saltwater?
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
So I should just cut the pieces and sand them down to a fine smooth finish and glue?
I'm really interested to see if the Tenax I have will adhere it. I'll post back with my findings.
I'm really interested to see if the Tenax I have will adhere it. I'll post back with my findings.
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
Just got done with a couple tests. The tenax will indeed bond the material. It's a fast set liquid of which I have read that it's methylene chloride. Not sure. The test subbject is 1/4" poly. One piece is beveled for fun. As you can see it wicks underneath nicely. But not as much as i would like. Id say there is about 80% coverage. I used the small pipette that was sold with the tenax. I had to use a syringe to fill it.
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
I have one of those bottles but the needle tip clogged up and is down for the count. I did apply the adhesive on both sides. I blame my method of of holding it down on why it didn't wick in properly. I used 400 grit automotive sandpaper to start then finished with 800 grit. I'll practice a bit more before I give it a go on my finished project which is a base for my arduino thermometer.
bigone5500
Well-Known Member
Just had a thought...The front with the display will have a 70 degree bevel to the bottom edge. I can use a ball of modeling clay to hold it in place while I apply it to the front then after it takes hold, remove the clay and do the backside.