FAQ’s
What are the Working Temperatures of Plastics?
The correct definition for the "working" temperature of a plastic is how hot it can become and still function normally. Most plastics can go -40 F and retain their physical properties without becoming overly brittle (except flexible vinyl convertible windows). There are special cryogenic grades of plastic (G10,UHMWPE) that will go below -400 F ! For the most part, most plastics will soften or lose their structural properties around 200 F. The chart below lists a few of the most popular plastics and their maximum continuous working temperatures:
What adhesives work with Plastics?
One of the really great properties of some plastics are their resistance to chemicals. Plastics that can be dissolved by a chemical are generally glue able, while those that are not dissolved cannot be glued.
A quick test you can do at home: Find some nail-polish remover (acetone) and test a very small area on the plastic you would like to glue. If it gets sticky, then Ridout Plastics has a solvent adhesive that will work! If the acetone simply dries up, you have a problem. Your choices will be: mechanically fasten the plastic, ultra-sonic welding, or hot-air welding. Most chemical tanks are made of polypropylene or polyethylene and will not glue. PVC and ABS will glue (like your sprinkler pipes). Engineering plastics for the most part cannot be glued with adhesive, unless a contact adhesive is acceptable for your application.
Please talk to our sales people about our Adhesive Cross-Reference chart that will help you select the right adhesive for your application!
The correct definition for the "working" temperature of a plastic is how hot it can become and still function normally. Most plastics can go -40 F and retain their physical properties without becoming overly brittle (except flexible vinyl convertible windows). There are special cryogenic grades of plastic (G10,UHMWPE) that will go below -400 F ! For the most part, most plastics will soften or lose their structural properties around 200 F. The chart below lists a few of the most popular plastics and their maximum continuous working temperatures:
| Acrylic | 180°F |
| Polycarbonate | 240°F |
| Styrene | 150°F |
| ABS | 175°F |
| Nylon | 220°F |
| Acetal | 220°F |
| Noryl | 265°F |
| PEEK | 480°F |
| UHMWPE | 160°F |
| Canvas Phenolic | 250°F |
| Linen Phenolic | 250°F |
| PTFE | 500°F |
| G10 Epoxy/Glass | 300°F |
| G7 Silicon/Glas | 480°F |
What adhesives work with Plastics?
One of the really great properties of some plastics are their resistance to chemicals. Plastics that can be dissolved by a chemical are generally glue able, while those that are not dissolved cannot be glued.
A quick test you can do at home: Find some nail-polish remover (acetone) and test a very small area on the plastic you would like to glue. If it gets sticky, then Ridout Plastics has a solvent adhesive that will work! If the acetone simply dries up, you have a problem. Your choices will be: mechanically fasten the plastic, ultra-sonic welding, or hot-air welding. Most chemical tanks are made of polypropylene or polyethylene and will not glue. PVC and ABS will glue (like your sprinkler pipes). Engineering plastics for the most part cannot be glued with adhesive, unless a contact adhesive is acceptable for your application.
Please talk to our sales people about our Adhesive Cross-Reference chart that will help you select the right adhesive for your application!
