What is acrylic?
Acrylic also known as PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) and commonly referred to by brand names such as Perspex®, Plexiglass® or Acrylite® is a clear, durable thermoplastic widely used for industrial applications. Acrylic is valued for its excellent optical clarity, lightweight nature and high resistance to UV and weathering.
What adhesives can bond acrylic?
Acrylic can be bonded using a variety of industrial adhesives like methacrylates, cyanoacrylates, solvent adhesives, UV adhesives and epoxies. Which adhesive is used greatly depends on the application, including factors such as required bond strength, clarity or adhesive colour, curing speed, environmental exposure, flexibility required and whether the bond is primarily structural or aesthetic.
Instant Adhesives (Cyanoacrylates)
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Strengths |
Extremely fast fixture, high shear strength, no mixing (single part), great for high-speed production lines and low odour / low bloom (no fogging) variants available for aesthetic appeal. |
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Limitations |
Limited gap filling capability without activators, lower impact and peel strength compared to other structural adhesives, standard grades can bloom (white powdery residue) which aesthetically is not good for acrylic. |
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Most Suitable |
All grades of NEXTITE Instant Adhesives work well with acrylic, special mention to low bloom/ low odour alkoxy cyanoacrylates like NEXTITE 503 or NEXTITE 560 will have the added benefit of low bloom (fogging/ white powdery residue) and NEXTITE 535 for clear rubber filled for some added flexibility. |
Methacrylates (MMA)
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Strengths |
Structural adhesive, multi material bonding, toughened and flexible bond, various fixture times, good gap filling, widely used in industry manufacturing. |
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Limitations |
No clear multi material variants available, generally viscosity is high, stronger odour, exothermic reaction (although limited). |
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Most Suitable |
AB200 (fast cure, high strength), AB210 (medium cure, high strength), AB290 (Clear Acrylic Bonder), AB422 (medium cure, high toughness), AB560 (long cure, high viscosity, high toughness). |
UV Adhesives
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Strengths |
Extremely high clarity joints that are bubble and blush free, easy to do extremely high-quality acrylic joinery, high joint strength, set the adhesive whenever you are ready. |
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Limitations |
Limited outdoor environmental exposure, higher set up cost. |
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Most Suitable |
ACRI-BOND UV1035 (Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND UV2046 (Medium Viscosity), ACRI-BOND UV3232 (Thick Viscosity). |
Solvent Adhesives
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Strengths |
Strong bonding of acrylic through chemically softening it and fusing it together, fast initial tack, exceptional clarity, cost effective. |
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Limitations |
Joints often have small bubbles if used incorrectly, limited gap filling even with thickened grades, surface preparation is key to good joints. |
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Most Suitable |
ACRI-BOND 105 (Water Thin, Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND 110 (Thickened Slower Set), ACRI-BOND 125 (Thickened Faster Set). |
Epoxy Adhesives
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Strengths |
Very high strength, transparent options available, excellent chemical and temperature resistance, gap filling, controlled cure. |
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Limitations |
Most grades are not very flexible, can only use two component epoxies (single part, heat cure ones will damage acrylic in the process), epoxies can yellow overtime, surface preparation required. |
MS Polymers
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Strengths |
Flexible elastic bond, excellent weather and UV resistance, clear grades crystal clear, low odour |
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Limitations |
Lower structural strength, slower cure, not good for precision applications |
What Industries is acrylic used in?
Acrylic is used in many industries including:
- Signage and display, including illuminated signs, channel letters and lightboxes.
- retail point of sale, such as display stands, shelving and systems, protective screens.
- aquariums and viewing tanks
- Art and creative, such as sculptures and display boxes
- model making and prototyping
- medical devices and equipment
- caravan windows, skylights and double glazing
- furniture and interior design
In fabrication and manufacturing, acrylic is widely chosen for its versatility. It is easy to work with and can be cut, drilled, polished, thermoformed and bonded with industrial adhesives to produce many final products.
Challenges with this material
- Sensitive to solvents
- Stress cracking, from excessive stress and overuse
- Adhesive must be matched for purpose of application
- Transparent grades of acrylic will require a transparent adhesive for aesthetic appearance
Technical Properties of Acrylic
Surface Energy: 38 mJ / m²
Temperature Resistance: -30°C to 85°C
Softening Point: 115°C
Types of Acrylic Available: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Opaque, Coloured, Mirror
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is critical to achieving a strong and reliable bond when working with acrylic. Begin by lightly wiping the bonding area with a dedicated plastic cleaner such as ACRI-BOND CLEANER or NEXTITE PROPREP Surface Preparation Cleaner. This removes surface contaminants including dust, oils and residual adhesive that can interfere with bond strength. Allow the cleaner to fully evaporate before applying any adhesive.
Acrylic, like many thermoplastics, is highly sensitive to solvents. Avoid using acetone or similar strong solvent cleaners, as they will cause surface crazing, discolouration and permanent damage that compromises both appearance and bond integrity. Using acrylic-safe cleaners like isopropyl alcohol ensures the surface remains intact and properly prepared for bonding.
Summary
Choosing the best industrial adhesive to bond acrylic comes down to understanding the application requirements and performance required from the joint.
If you would like to speak to our expert team about your next project, please contact us for tailored advice and product recommendations to suit your application.