Water-thin acrylic cement for close-fitting capillary joints.
SCIGRIP WELD-ON 3 is a water-thin, very fast-setting acrylic solvent cement designed particularly for bonding acrylic / PMMA to itself. Its low viscosity allows the cement to flow into accurately fitted joints by capillary action, making it well suited to signs, displays, fabricated acrylic components and other close-fitting assemblies.
Not sure whether you need WELD-ON 3 or WELD-ON 16?
Tell us what you're bonding and how the joint fits together. We can help you choose the more suitable acrylic cement.
Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Is WELD-ON 3 right for my project?
WELD-ON 3 is best suited to accurately fitted acrylic-to-acrylic joints where a water-thin solvent cement can flow into the joint by capillary action.
It is commonly used for signs, displays, boxes, housings, containers, letters and other fabricated acrylic components.
If the joint has a larger gap, requires a more controlled bead, or is difficult to reach using capillary application, WELD-ON 16 may be the better choice.
Is this the new DCM / TCE-free formula?
Yes. This product is the current reformulated WELD-ON 3 DCM / TCE Free formula.
The manufacturer removed methylene chloride (DCM) and trichloroethylene (TCE) from the formulation while maintaining the familiar bond strength, clarity and cure performance.
WELD-ON 3 remains a solvent-based, flammable industrial adhesive and must still be handled in accordance with the current product label and Safety Data Sheet.
What material is WELD-ON 3 designed to bond?
The current manufacturer's technical data sheet specifically recommends WELD-ON 3 for bonding acrylic / polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to itself.
It is suitable for both cast and extruded acrylic.
The current technical data sheet states that it is not recommended for cross-linked acrylic.
Where the exact plastic grade is uncertain, confirm compatibility before use.
WELD-ON 3 vs WELD-ON 16 — which should I choose?
The key difference is not simply bond strength — it is viscosity and joint design.
How does capillary bonding work?
Capillary bonding relies on two acrylic surfaces fitting closely together before the cement is applied.
The parts are positioned lightly together, then WELD-ON 3 is applied along the edge of the joint using a suitable applicator such as a syringe or needle applicator.
Because the cement is water-thin, capillary action draws it into the small space between the two acrylic surfaces.
After allowing the cement a few seconds to soften the surfaces, the parts are pressed firmly together.
How should I prepare the acrylic joint?
The surfaces should be clean, dry and closely fitted without forcing.
A smooth, accurately prepared edge helps the cement distribute more evenly through the joint and can improve the finished bond.
Avoid contaminating the bonding surfaces with oils, fingerprints, dust or unsuitable cleaning products immediately before cementing.
For highly visible joints, practise on scrap acrylic first to confirm your preparation and application technique.
How do I apply WELD-ON 3?
For close-fitting joints, position the acrylic pieces first and apply the cement along the joint using a suitable syringe, eyedropper or needle applicator.
Allow the cement to flow through the joint by capillary action. Give the solvent a few seconds to soften the acrylic surfaces, then maintain firm contact while the initial bond develops.
The manufacturer also describes a soak method for suitable butt joints, but capillary application is the most relevant technique for many fabricated acrylic assemblies.
Always follow the current technical data sheet and product label.
Can WELD-ON 3 fill gaps?
No. WELD-ON 3 is water-thin and is designed for close-fitting joints rather than filling gaps.
Poorly fitted or uneven joints can reduce bond quality and make application difficult.
If you need a thicker cement that can be applied as a controlled bead and offers more tolerance for the joint, consider WELD-ON 16.
How quickly does WELD-ON 3 set and cure?
WELD-ON 3 is a very fast-setting acrylic cement. The initial bond forms within a few minutes.
Manufacturer technical data lists a typical fixture time of approximately 2 minutes.
Approximately 90–96% of ultimate bond strength can develop within 24 hours, with strength continuing to increase after that period.
Actual performance varies with material, joint preparation, temperature, humidity, ventilation and application technique.
Why can acrylic sometimes turn white around the joint?
Under certain conditions, particularly higher humidity, solvent cementing can sometimes cause a white mark around the acrylic joint. This is commonly referred to as blushing.
Good environmental control, careful application and suitable joint preparation can help improve finished appearance.
Where appearance is critical, test the process on scrap acrylic before bonding the finished component.
Can I use WELD-ON 3 on Polycarbonate, PETG, ABS or PVC?
We recommend treating WELD-ON 3 primarily as an acrylic-to-acrylic cement.
The current manufacturer's technical data sheet specifically recommends acrylic / PMMA to itself, so we do not make a blanket claim that WELD-ON 3 is suitable for every polycarbonate, PETG, ABS or PVC application.
If you need to bond another plastic, contact Warlond Plastics with the exact material and joint requirements so a more appropriate adhesive can be considered.
Safety, ventilation and storage
WELD-ON 3 is a flammable, fast-evaporating solvent cement and should be handled strictly in accordance with the current label and Safety Data Sheet.
- Use only with adequate ventilation.
- Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames.
- Avoid breathing vapours.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Wear suitable protective equipment.
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
- Store away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
The manufacturer identifies this product for industrial and professional use. Read the current Safety Data Sheet before use.
Shelf life and storage
Manufacturer technical information lists a two-year shelf life in tightly sealed containers.
Once opened, solvent evaporation can cause the cement to thicken and reduce effectiveness, so keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
Do not add thinners simply to restore viscosity unless specifically directed by current manufacturer documentation.
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 application, cure, storage or safety information is required.
Need help choosing an acrylic adhesive?
If you're unsure whether WELD-ON 3 or WELD-ON 16 is right for your project, tell us the material, thickness, joint design and how the pieces fit together.