How to bond acrylic to stainless steel

Various adhesive types, including UV curable, structural adhesive, and cyanoacrylate bond acrylic to stainless steel. Each type has its own characteristics.

Adhesive Types that Bond Acrylic to Stainless Steel Include:

UV Curable

Permabond UV632 has superb adhesion to acrylic and many other plastics. It also forms strong bonds to metals.  It bonds acrylic to stainless steel in seconds with UV/Visible light.  Bonds are clear, strong, and absorb thermal expansion and contraction stresses.  Although the bonds resist water, we don’t recommend long term exposure to the elements.

Structural Acrylic

Permabond TA4246 is a two-part, room temperature curing acrylic adhesive with very high strength and excellent environmental durability. TA4246 is used with Initiator 46. Apply the initiator to the steel, and then, apply the TA4246 to the plastic. Next, join the parts. These strong bonds are almost colorless.

Cyanoacrylate

The original cyanoacrylate, Permabond 910 is a methyl cyanoacrylate that bonds metals, but also has high bond strength to acrylic.  Cyanoacrylates have good non-polar solvent resistance.  Bonds will have good resistance to substances like motor oil and gasoline.  Cyanoacrylate bonds do not resist polar solvents well, so minimize exposure to substances such as water and alcohol.

When bonding with cyanoacrylates, use only as much adhesive as is needed to cover the bond area.   A frosty white layer may coat the surrounding acrylic if there is excess adhesive.

General Plastic to Metal Bonding Summary

In summary, for indoor applications where UV light can reach the bond, consider Permabond UV632.  Then for indoor or outdoor applications that require good environmental resistance and structural bond strength, Permabond TA4246 may be ideal.  Lastly Permabond 910 forms instant bonds for indoor applications.

Please note, the above-listed products are only a few examples of products that bond acrylic to stainless steel and are used here to demonstrate the varied technologies possible.  To review your unique application requirements, please contact Permabond.