Installation Guide

10
CAPILLARY CEMENTING
This technique allows solvent cement to flow
into the joint and melt the parts together.
Apply cement with a syringe, solvent applicator,
or eyedropper. Use small weights, fixtures, and
fences to hold the parts in place (See Fig. 14). Initial
bonding occurs within 5-10 seconds. A three hour
cure time is sufficient to allow further fabrication, and
24-48 hours for maximum bond strength.
DIP/SOAK CEMENTING
Place small wire brads in a level, shallow tray,
pour in solvent to cover the brads. Rest the edge of
acrylic on the brads for 1-5 minutes, depending on
thickness, allowing the material to soften. Remove
the acrylic, drain excess solvent, then quickly and
precisely place the edge onto the other part. Hold
the parts in place with fixtures or light weights, being
careful not to apply pressure. After initial bonding
occurs (30 seconds), steady slight pressure can
be applied to remove any air bubbles. Allow the
joint to cure for 5-20 minutes before moving, and
8-24 hours before conducting further machining or
finishing.
ADHERING TO OTHER MATERIALS
Care must be taken when attaching PLASKOLITE
acrylic sheet to other substrates. Different
coefficients of thermal expansion exist between the
two pieces to be fastened, placing large stresses on
the bond. To overcome the inherent stress along
the joint, keep the dimension of the adhesive area
as small as possible, and use elastic cements that
remain flexible, such as caulks, polysulfides and
rubber based adhesives. Pressure sensitive, double-
faced tape, depending on the end use, may also be
suitable for joining acrylic to other materials.
MECHANICAL FASTENING
Attaching PLASKOLITE acrylic sheet to itself
or to other substrates can be accomplished with
screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, or other mechanical
fasteners. However, when the acrylic is exposed to
fluctuating temperatures, allowances for expansion
and contraction must be provided. Drilling oversized
holes or slots, using washers and spacers, and not
overtightening the fasteners, will allow the acrylic
sheet to move (See SHEET SIZE on page14).
ULTRASONIC WELDING
Sonic welding: the use of electrical energy that
is converted to mechanical vibration to melt acrylic
sheet, can be used to press parts together.
DECORATING
PREPARATION
PLASKOLITE acrylic sheet can be easily decorated
using paints produced specifically for acrylic or vinyl.
Follow paint manufactures guidelines for thinners,
viscosity, methods, and volumes for optimum results.
Proper machining, forming, and fabricating techniques
should be followed to reduce the chance of crazing.
After handling and fabricating, clean the acrylic sheet.
Remove dust, masking residue, and static charges
prior to painting or vinyl application.
Painting acrylic sheet reduces it’s impact resistance.
Design considerations should be taken into account
to minimize potential breakage.
MASKING
Areas not to be painted can be covered with a
liquid maskant, or taped off. If the acrylic sheet is
supplied with a paper masking, trim the paper to
expose the area to be painted. For excellent results
using a liquid maskant, apply a thickness of 10-12 mils
wet (3-5 mils dry), allow the maskant to thoroughly
dry, and do not expose to UV light (See Fig. 15).
Figure 15
Trimming and
removing spray
maskant prior to
spray painting
Figure 14