How To Glue PVC | Rigid and Flexible PVC

What is PVC?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a durable, versatile, easy to process and cost-effective thermoplastic widely used across various industrial, commercial and consumer applications. It is popular in construction, electrical housings, plumbing, medical and automotive industries. PVC is also corrosion resistant and light weight and is very adaptable to manufacturing needs as it can be machined, thermoformed and injection moulded. 

PVC is available in two main grades.

• Rigid PVC – Also known as: uPVC, PVCU, UPVC, RPVC
• Flexible PVC – Also known as: Plasticised PVC, PVC-P

Although both materials fall under the PVC category, identifying the specific type you are bonding is essential, as each can require a different adhesive system to achieve a reliable and durable bond. To make the selection process straightforward, we have separated the two PVC types below so you can quickly determine the right option for your application. 

What adhesives can bond Rigid PVC?

Rigid PVC 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)

Strengths	Extremely fast fixture, high shear strength, no mixing (single part), great for high-speed production lines various grades available for different adhesive needs.
Limitations	Limited gap filling capability without activators, lower impact and peel strength compared to other structural adhesives, water resistant (not submergible)
Most Suitable	All grades of NEXTITE Instant Adhesives can bond PVC. For General Purpose: NEXTITE 506 (Thin), NEXTITE 501 (Medium), NEXTITE 554 (Non-Drip Gel). For Impact Resistance: NEXTITE 535 (Clear, Medium) NEXTITE 580 (Medium), NEXTITE 510 (Thick). For High Visual Appearance: NEXTITE 560 (Thin), NEXTITE 503 (Thick).

 

Methacrylates (MMA)

Strengths	Structural adhesive, multi material bonding, toughened and flexible bond, various fixture times, good gap filling, widely used in industry manufacturing.
Limitations	No clear multi material variants available, generally viscosity is high, stronger odour, exothermic reaction (although limited).
Most Suitable	NEXTITE AB200 (fast cure, high strength), NEXTITE AB210 (medium cure, high strength), NEXTITE AB422 (medium cure, high toughness), NEXTITE AB560 (long cure, high viscosity, high toughness).

 

UV Adhesives

Strengths	Extremely high clarity joints that are bubble and blush free, easy to do extremely high-quality joinery, high joint strength, set the adhesive whenever you are ready.
Limitations	Limited outdoor environmental exposure, higher set up cost, material must be UV transmissive to cure UV adhesive.
Most Suitable	ACRI-BOND UV1035 (Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND UV2046 (Medium Viscosity), ACRI-BOND UV3232 (Thick Viscosity).

 

Solvent Adhesives

Strengths	Strong bonding of PVC through chemically softening it and fusing it together, fast initial tack, exceptional clarity, cost effective.
Limitations	Limited gap filling even with thickened grades.
Most Suitable	ACRI-BOND 120 (Water Thin, Wicking Grade)

 

Epoxy Adhesives

Strengths	Very high strength, transparent options available, excellent chemical and temperature resistance, gap filling, controlled cure.
Limitations	Most grades are not very flexible, can only use two component epoxies (single part, heat cure ones will damage abs in the process), epoxies can yellow overtime, surface preparation required.

 

What adhesives can bond Flexible PVC?

Flexible PVC has fewer effective adhesive options compared to rigid PVC due to its plasticiser content and flexibility. For most applications, cyanoacrylate adhesives provide fast, strong bonds and are the go-to when bonding flexible PVC. UV adhesives are also suitable for bonding flexible PVC when controlled cure is required.

Instant Adhesives (Cyanoacrylates)

Strengths	Extremely fast fixture, high shear strength, no mixing (single part), great for high-speed production lines various grades available for different adhesive needs.
Limitations	Limited gap filling capability without activators, lower impact and peel strength compared to other structural adhesives, water resistant (not submergible).
Most Suitable	All grades of NEXTITE Instant Adhesives can bond PVC. For General Purpose: NEXTITE 506 (Thin), NEXTITE 501 (Medium), NEXTITE 554 (Non-Drip Gel). For Impact Resistance: NEXTITE 535 (Clear, Medium) NEXTITE 580 (Medium), NEXTITE 510 (Thick). For High Visual Appearance: NEXTITE 560 (Thin), NEXTITE 503 (Thick). Hybrid UV: NEXTITE UV5305 – Cures fast in thin layers between two surfaces, cure visible fillets with UV Light.

 

UV Adhesives

Strengths	Extremely high clarity joints, medium joint strength, set the adhesive whenever you are ready.
Limitations	Limited outdoor environmental exposure, higher set up cost, material must be UV transmissive to cure UV adhesive, not as high strength as cyanoacrylate adhesives.
Most Suitable	ACRI-BOND UV1035 (Wicking Grade), ACRI-BOND UV2046 (Medium Viscosity), ACRI-BOND UV3232 (Thick Viscosity).

 

What Industries is Rigid PVC used in?

In fabrication and manufacturing, rigid PVC is widely chosen for its strength, chemical resistance and cost effectiveness. It is easy to machine, cut, drill, injection mould and thermoform which makes it suitable for a broad range of structural and functional components. Unlike many other plastics, it also offers strong resistance to moisture and corrosion, which makes it particularly valuable in demanding, high use environments.

Common uses of Rigid PVC

Rigid PVC is used in many industries including:

• Construction and Building
• Electrical Housings and Equipment
• Industrial Processing
• Plumbing and Irrigation

Challenges with Rigid PVC

• Sensitive to solvents and chemicals which can cause surface degradation
• Lower impact resistance compared to other engineering plastics
• Softens at elevated temperatures compared to other engineering plastics
• Adhesive selection must suit application and materials being bonded

Properties of Rigid PVC

• Surface Energy: 39 mJ / m²
• Typical Temperature Resistance: -10°C to 60°C
• Typical Softening Point: 80°C
• Rigid PVC Can Be: CNC’d, Thermoformed and Plastic Injected

What Industries is Flexible PVC used in?

In manufacturing, flexible PVC is selected for its softness, durability and resistance to moisture and many chemicals. Plasticisers are added during production to give the material flexibility, making it suitable for applications where movement, vibration or bending are required. 

Common uses of Flexible PVC

Flexible PVC is used in many industries including:

• Medical and Healthcare Equipment
• Industrial and Manufacturing Equipment
• Marine Industry
• Automotive Industry

Challenges with Flexible PVC

• Sensitive to certain solvents and chemicals which can cause material degradation
• Low structural strength compared to Rigid PVC
• Heat sensitivity can cause deformation under high temperatures
• Adhesive selection is critical due to flexibility and plasticiser content, should be fit for purpose.

Properties of Flexible PVC

• Typical Surface Energy: 33 - 39 mJ / m² (depending on grade)
• Typical Temperature Resistance: -20°C to 60°C
• Typical Softening Point: 75°C

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is critical to achieving a strong and reliable bond when working with PVC. Begin by lightly wiping the bonding area with 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.

PVC, 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 abs-safe cleaners like isopropyl alcohol ensures the surface remains intact and properly prepared for bonding. 

Summary

Choosing the best industrial adhesive to bond PVC rigid or flexible 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.