Solvent cements dissolve the surface layer of thermoplastics such as PVC, CPVC, ABS, acrylic and polycarbonate. When the softened faces are pushed together, polymer chains intermingle and the joint fuses as the solvent leaves. PVC pipe joints, acrylic display cases and some medical tubing are made this way. Joints need a tight fit, and stressed plastics can craze when solvent reaches them.
Prime and cement the PVC, push it home with a quarter turn and hold it, it's solvent welding, not gluing.
Also heard as
- solvent bonding
- solvent cementing
Related terms
Wicking
Describing very thin adhesives that run into already assembled joints by capillary action.
Gap filling
The ability of an adhesive to bond parts with a loose or uneven fit and still cure fully across the gap.
Glue
The everyday word for any adhesive, used freely on the floor but avoided in engineering drawings.
Set up
To thicken and start to hold, the point where an adhesive stops being workable.