Dip or Soak Cementing Acrylic Sheet

Pour a moderate amount of solvent cement into a dip or soak pan. Dip the edge of one of the pieces to be joined directly into the solvent. It is important that only the edge be dipped- exposing too much area to the solvent will produce a weak, slow­setting joint.

Leave the piece in the solvent 20 seconds for thin sheet and 30 seconds for relatively thick material. The time varies for different solvents and bond strength requirements-experience will help you plan the correct dipping time.

When you remove the sheet from the cement, hold for a few seconds at a slight angle to allow excess solvent to drain off. Carefully, but quickly, place the soaked edge precisely in place on the other part to be joined. Hold the parts together for about 30 seconds without applying pressure. This will allow the solvent to work on the surface of the piece that wasn't dipped.

After 20 seconds, apply some pressure-just enough to squeeze out the air bubbles. Don't apply too much pressure as doing so will squeeze out the cement.

When pieces are joined, the part should be placed in a jig or clamp to maintain firm contact for 10 to 30 minutes. Don't allow the parts to move during this critical time.

The initial bond forms in five to ten seconds. Subsequent processing can be carried out after three hours. The bond will achieve high strength in 24 to 48 hours. Strength will continue to build for several weeks.

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