Best Glue for Bonding Plastic
About Plastic Bonding Adhesives
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bonding plastic. Different types of plastics require different adhesives. Plastic is a very smooth material that is non-porous, and these properties make it very difficult for an adhesive to bond with anything on the surface. Fortunately, there are plastic glues that are specifically designed to work with the properties of plastic so you can easily repair or create something made out of plastic.
MMA Structural Adhesives - Fast Cure Times with Strong Bonds
MMA adhesives create strong and effective structural bonds. They cure quickly at room temperature and have full bond strength soon after application. Unlike some other structural adhesives, they do not require heat to cure.
Epoxy Adhesives for Plastic - Strongest Bonds
Epoxy is typically the product of a chemical reaction between two compounds- hardener and resin. They are probably the strongest glue for plastic and can also be used on a range of other materials. They also have great chemical resistance.
Cyanoacrylate Super Glue for Plastic - Best for Precision Work
Cyanoacrylate is the long name for super glue which can be used for various types of repairs and projects including use with plastics. It works best when surfaces are less smooth so consider sanding the plastic surface before applying the adhesive.
Hot Melt Adhesives - Wide Variety of Formulations
Hot melt adhesives come in a variety of formulations, but not all of them are cut out to bond difficult substrates like plastics. We do carry a selection of super strong hot melt adhesives for plastic that are great for specialty product assembly and manufacturing applications like battery assembly and construction.
PUR Hot Melt for Plastic - Easy-to-Apply Structural Bonds
PUR hot melt is different than traditional hot melt, but it is dispensed in very much the same way. PUR reacts with moisture in the air and changes chemically to create an incredibly strong bond. This bond then continues to strengthen over 24-48 hours until it is fully cured and super strong. Use PUR for plastic when you want the ease of use of hot melt, with a stronger bond.
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Recommendations for Adhesives for Plastic
Best Structural Adhesive for Plastic Bonding: Infinity Bond MMA 500
This product is a unique two-part adhesive that bonds difficult plastics like Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) better than almost anything on the market. It is a 1:1 two-part adhesive with a 4-5 minute open time.
Best Super Glue for Plastic: Infinity Bond Plastic Cyanoacrylate Glue
This product is the perfect solution for general purpose bonding as well as bonding plastic substrates. Use it for product assembly, general repairs, and O-ring bonding.
Best Hot Melt Glue Sticks for Plastic: SuperTAC 500 Plastic Glue Sticks
These glue sticks are an exceptional plastic bonder. They offer good heat resistance and bond to a wide range of plastics including PP, PE, PET, and PVC. It outperforms many other plastic bonding glue sticks while maintaining a cost-effective price per pound.
Best PUR Hot Melt for Plastic Bonding: Infinity PUR MP75 Adhesive
A high-performance polyurethane, this product bonds to a wide range of substrates. It offers a longer open time - around 75 seconds - giving users ample time to set their substrates or bond larger surfaces before the adhesive sets.
Ask a question about Best Glue for Bonding Plastic
Questions about these products? Not sure which is right for your application? Submit your questions and our adhesive experts will get you answers right away. We're here to help.
Related Categories
Epoxy Adhesives for Plastic
Epoxy is a great choice when it comes to bonding plastics as it will create a strong adhesive bond. They augment the structural strength of the plastic and provide good chemical resistance.
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Methacrylate (MMA) Adhesives for Plastic
Unlike many other adhesives used in structural bonding, MMAs also do not require heat to cure. Instead, MMAs cure quickly at room temperature and also achieve full bond strength soon after application.
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Super Glues for Plastic
Super glues can be used for various types of repairs and projects involving plastic substrates. For best results, you may want to consider sanding the plastic surface before applying.
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Hot Glue Sticks for Plastic
Glues sticks are a great option for many plastic bonding applications. They come in a wide variety of formulations and are easy to apply.
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Bulk Hot Melt for Plastic Bonding
We carry a selection of super strong hot melts to bond a wide variety of plastics. These adhesives are a favorite for specialty product assembly and manufacturing applications like battery assembly and construction.
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Common Questions About Best Glue for Bonding Plastic
In some instances, a recycling logo and code may not be marked on the item in question. Under these circumstances, you will have to make an educated guess or do a bit of research. There are a few things to keep in mind that may help you determine the exact plastic you're dealing with. If the plastic is hard like a bucket or milk crate, it is likely to be polyethylene or polypropylene. These plastics are nearly impossible to glue unless you choose a plastic adhesive that is marked specifically for use with polyethylene or polypropylene.
Clear, brittle plastics like imitation glass or CD cases are usually polystyrene. A poly cement will work best on these. Logos are made of ABS. If the mystery plastic feels similar to a Lego block, you'll want to use an epoxy. It is important to note that solvent-based adhesives can warp and change the surface of the plastic. This is something to consider if appearance is important.
There is no single adhesive that is best for every plastic application. The best adhesive for your needs will depend on the type of plastic, application, budget, and more.
Let our team provide you with a personalized product recommendation, so you get the best plastic adhesive for you needs.
Yes. There are super glues that can bond plastic. While your everyday craft glue may work fine for small repairs, an industrial cyanoacrylate is usually needed for other applications.
Epoxies tend to be one of the strongest structural adhesives, but you need to make sure you choose an epoxy that is compatible with the type of plastic you are bonding as well as the bonding environment.
