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CEMENTING (or gluing) Vical acrylic to Vical acrylic

Vical acrylic acrylic sheet can be easily joined to itself or other acrylic surfaces with many commercially available solvent cements. (Sources of Supply) If the joints to be cemented are hard to reach or the parts don't fit together precisely, you may prefer to use viscous cement, also available from Vical acrylic sheet distributors.

Other items needed are likely to include a needle nosed plastic container (available from Vical acrylic sheet distributors), pins or wire brads, and a dip or soak pan. You may also need forms, clamps, and weights of the proper sizes and shapes for the pieces to be cemented.

Procedures

Observe these basic precautions when working with acrylic solvents:

Work in a wellventilated area.

Do not smoke. Solvents are highly voiame and may be flammable.

Protect skin from contact with cements and solvents.

Do not attempt to cement Vical acrylic acrylic sheet when room temperatures are under 60°F or over 100°F. Temperatures between 70 and 75°F are ideal.

Be sure to follow the manufacturers' safety recommendations for equipment and materials used with Vical acrylic sheet

Solvent Cements

The solvent type of cements are the most available and convenient types to use. The solvent softens the acrylic on the edges, diffuses and evaporates, then hardening the two acrylic edges together. Edge cuts are critical for this type of cement.

Examples:

	Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane)
	Ethylene Dichloride
	90% Methylene Chloride/10% Diacetone Alcohol
	Trichloroethane

(Sources of Supply)

Mixed Solvent Cements

This cement type has an acrylic polymer dissolved in it and is more viscous. Mixed solvent cements do well with rough edge cuts.

60% Meyhylene Chloride/40% MMA Monomer

Polymerizable cements

Viscous solution of MMA Monomer and Polymer Catalyst.