Forum Discussion

MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
Jun 01, 2016

Permanent Adhesive LEXAN to ALUMINUM ??

I am ordering 1/4" thick transparent poly-carbonate (Lexan) and wish to adhere it to aluminum. Permanently. High strength bond. Then I need to discover the ideal poly-carbonate glue or cement.

Actual experience ideas gratefully appreciated
  • AL heatsink black anodized
    300 watts LED
    Expected plastic temp max 110c (BTU radiation)
    Fins are spaced .045". Rivets contraindicated
    Airtight imperative sea shore environment
    Convection cooling (Yrchhh!)
    The "air tight" part is what worries me.
    The power supply will be remote (30 meters)
    Lexan for little boys with big slingshots
  • My first choice would be 3M's VHB structural adhesive tape. Make sure the surfaces are very clean and free of debris, roughing is not required as VHB uses molecular bonding, a smooth surface is better.

    If the panels come apart, it won't be at the bond.

    They do make a glazing specific formulation - perhaps it offers more UV resistance than the non glazing type?
  • ALU frame
    Or
    ALU sheet

    My experience with ALU is scrub with scotch bright
    Rinse with vinegar wash , paint or glue or whatever as soon as dry aka within minutes
    Liquid nails usually works for me
    I haven't tried it with lexan
    The last window and frame I made with ALU and lexan was 20 yrs ago
    I drilled holes thru the ALU and lexan and riveted it together and riveted in place
    Then sealed frame edges and rivet holes with 3m marine sealant
    That window went thru many thunderstorms and never leaked