Solvent cement softens thermoplastic surfaces to form a strong solvent weld joint. Proper preparation and compatible cement are necessary for a strong bond. Ventilation is important due to strong fumes. Signs of bad cement include a gel-like consistency or lumps. Diluting or applying at incorrect temperatures will weaken the bond.
The solvent cement welds the thermoplastic sheets and pipes by softening the surface of the material to be bonded. Unlike bonding, which hardens to hold the material together, the material softened by this substance exchanges molecules to form a solvent weld joint that has the strength of the parent material. Primers and proper preparation allow the solvent to form a bond without contamination from grease, inks and oils. other than proper cleaning, the type of solvent cement must be compatible with the thermoplastic or the surface of the plastic will not melt properly and the joint will not have a strong bond.
A list of compatible plastics will be found on the solvent cement container label. The three letter designation listed on the container label must match the three letter designation printed on the surface of the thermoplastic material to ensure that a finished solvent weld joint has the strength to maintain the required amount of pressure to connect. Common three-letter plastic identifications are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). One thing all thermoplastic solvent cements have in common is the strong fumes given off by the chemical during use.
The chemicals used to soften the surface of the three common thermoplastics have a strong odor that can become overpowering in the confined areas where they are used. Proper ventilation will provide a constant flow of fresh air which prevents solvent fumes from accumulating in the area and reduces the chances of the user succumbing to asphyxiation. When you open a container of solvent cement and you don’t notice a strong smell, the liquid cement inside the container may have dried or frozen at one time.
Common signs that the solvent cement has gone bad are a gel-like consistency, lumps that float inside the container, or a dauber that can’t be removed from the container. Unlike paints or other solvent-based materials, solvent-based cements cannot be diluted back to their original consistency. Diluting this substance will cause the solvents used to soften the surface of the plastic to break down and will not allow a strong bond to form between the pieces of material. Cold is another factor that inhibits the ability of concrete to bond with plastic. The optimum temperature for applying solvent cement to a thermoplastic material will be printed on the container label and the product should not be applied at temperatures outside the optimum temperature range.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
