Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Can You Glue Metal To Plastic Permanently?
3. What Glue Works on Metal and Plastic?
4. How Do You Attach Metal to Plastic?
5. Is Epoxy Good for Gluing Metal to Plastic?
6. Dely Company Solutions
7. References

Introduction

Attaching metal to plastic can be a challenging task due to differences in material properties, such as thermal expansion coefficients and surface energies. Selecting a suitable adhesive is essential for a strong, long-lasting bond.

Can You Glue Metal to Plastic Permanently?

Achieving a permanent bond between metal and plastic is possible but depends on several variables, including the types of metal and plastic involved, surface preparation, and the adhesive used. Advanced adhesives with strong chemical bonding properties and environmental resistance can secure a permanent bond under optimal conditions.

What Glue Works on Metal and Plastic?

A variety of adhesives are formulated to bond metal to plastic effectively:

• Epoxy adhesives: Known for their strength and durability, epoxies are a common choice for metal-to-plastic applications.
• Cyanoacrylates: These fast-acting adhesives, commonly known as super glues, can bond metal to plastic quickly but may not withstand high stresses or temperatures.
• Polyurethane adhesives: These offer flexibility and good adhesion to a wide range of surfaces, including metal and plastic.
• Acrylic adhesives: These provide a fast-setting and strong bond, ideal for various industrial applications.

How Do You Attach Metal to Plastic?

To effectively bond metal to plastic, the following steps are recommended:

1. Thoroughly clean both surfaces to remove any dirt, oil, or residues that might affect adhesion.
2. Lightly sand the surfaces, if possible, to increase roughness and surface area, improving adhesive contact.
3. Apply the adhesive evenly and press the metal and plastic together firmly.
4. Allow the bond to cure fully according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions, taking note of required time and temperature conditions.

Curing time and conditions are critical for optimal bond strength, with some adhesives requiring clamping for enhanced bonding.

Is Epoxy Good for Gluing Metal to Plastic?

Due to its robust mechanical properties and excellent shear strength, epoxy is often regarded as one of the best adhesives for bonding metal to plastic. Epoxy adhesives possess resistance to water, oil, and various chemicals, making them suitable for challenging environmental conditions. An epoxy's strength is often quantified in terms of tensile strength (over 2,000 psi) and shear strength (around 1,500 psi), ensuring dependable performance in demanding applications.

Dely Company Solutions

The Dely Company offers specialized adhesive solutions for bonding metal to plastic:

• DelyBond MX-500: An epoxy-based adhesive providing superior chemical and temperature resistance, recommended for heavy-duty industrial applications.
• DelyGrip HP-202: A cyanoacrylate adhesive suitable for quick repairs and applications requiring fast setting and moderate strength.

Dely products are designed to meet a wide range of industrial standards for permanent, reliable bonding of metal to plastic, catering to various industry requirements.

References

1. Adhesives Technology Handbook, 3rd Edition, by Sina Ebnesajjad – Detailing various adhesive properties and applications, including metal and plastic bonding.
2. Dely Company Technical Datasheets – Providing detailed product specifications for selecting suitable adhesives based on application requirements.