Medium-bodied acrylic cement for controlled bonding and fabrication.
SCIGRIP WELD-ON 16 is a clear, medium-bodied, fast-curing solvent-type acrylic cement formulated primarily for bonding acrylic. Its thicker consistency makes it easier to control than water-thin solvent cements and useful for many fabrication, assembly and repair applications.
Not sure whether you need WELD-ON 16 or WELD-ON 3?
Tell us what material you're bonding and how the joint is designed. We can help you choose the more suitable adhesive for your project.
Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Is WELD-ON 16 right for my project?
WELD-ON 16 is a strong choice where you need a medium-bodied acrylic cement that is easier to place and control than a water-thin capillary cement.
It is particularly useful for acrylic fabrication, assembly, repairs, signs, displays, housings, models and other applications where a controlled bead of cement is useful.
For very close-fitting acrylic joints where you want a water-thin cement to flow into the joint by capillary action, WELD-ON 3 may be the better option.
What materials can WELD-ON 16 bond?
WELD-ON 16 is formulated primarily for acrylic / PMMA.
Manufacturer information also lists suitability for bonding:
- Acrylic / PMMA
- Butyrate
- PVC
- ABS
- Polycarbonate
- Selected porous plastic surfaces
Bonding performance depends on the exact plastic grade, surface condition, joint design and application method. Test the adhesive where material compatibility or finished appearance is critical.
WELD-ON 16 vs WELD-ON 3 — which should I choose?
WELD-ON 16 and WELD-ON 3 are not simply stronger and weaker versions of the same adhesive. Their different viscosities suit different joint designs and application methods.
How do I apply WELD-ON 16?
Surfaces should be clean and the parts should fit together without excessive forcing.
Apply the cement to one or both bonding surfaces, bring the parts together while the cement is still wet, then hold or clamp the assembly until the initial set has developed.
Avoid excessive adhesive and keep the bonding surfaces correctly aligned during assembly.
Always follow the instructions on the product label and current technical data sheet for the adhesive supplied.
Does WELD-ON 16 fill gaps?
WELD-ON 16 is medium-bodied, so it can be easier to use where a water-thin solvent cement would simply run away from the joint.
However, it should not be treated as a structural filler for large gaps or poorly fitted parts.
Good joint preparation and reasonably close-fitting surfaces are still important for a strong, clean bond.
How quickly does WELD-ON 16 set and cure?
WELD-ON 16 is a fast-curing cement. Initial bonding develops quickly, but bond strength continues to increase after the parts are assembled.
Do not assume that an assembly is at full strength simply because it can be handled. Allow adequate curing time before placing the finished joint under significant load.
Cure behaviour varies with material, joint design, temperature, ventilation and the amount of cement used. Refer to the current technical data sheet for detailed timing information.
Can I use WELD-ON 16 on Acrylic / Perspex?
Yes. WELD-ON 16 is specifically formulated for bonding acrylic / PMMA.
It is commonly selected for acrylic signs, displays, housings, fabricated components, models and repair work.
Acrylic surface condition, joint fit and application technique can affect the final appearance, so practise on scrap material where a highly visible finished joint is important.
Can I use WELD-ON 16 on Polycarbonate?
Manufacturer information lists polycarbonate among the plastics that WELD-ON 16 can bond.
Polycarbonate can be sensitive to solvents and stress cracking, so joint design, material condition and application method are important.
Test the adhesive on the actual material where appearance or structural performance is critical.
Can WELD-ON 16 bond ABS and PVC?
Yes. ABS and PVC are both included in the manufacturer's recommended substrate list for WELD-ON 16.
Suitability still depends on the particular plastic grade, joint design and service environment, so critical applications should be tested before production use.
Safety, storage and handling
WELD-ON 16 is a solvent-based adhesive and should be handled in accordance with the product label and current Safety Data Sheet.
- Use with adequate ventilation.
- Avoid breathing vapours.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Keep away from ignition sources.
- Keep the container closed when not in use.
- Use appropriate protective equipment for the application.
Read the Safety Data Sheet and product instructions before use.
Technical information and data sheet
A downloadable product data sheet is available near the price at the top of this product page.
Use the current technical and safety documentation when detailed substrate, curing, application or safety information is required.
Need help choosing an acrylic adhesive?
If you're unsure whether WELD-ON 16 or WELD-ON 3 is better for your joint, tell us the material, thickness and how the pieces will fit together.