Bond Lexan to metal frame?

[Low Bucket]

Made up metal window frames for the cab project using 1/2" square tube.I tried using 3M 06377 double sided mounting tape,but it will not stick to the painted metal or the Lexan.Is there something else that will work,or am I going to have to bolt it down? If so,what's the expansion factor for 1/4" Lexan?

Where did you buy the Lexan?

 

[locknut]

Go to a glass shop that installs windsheilds. Get a tube for a calking gun that they install windsheilds. PROBLEM SOLVED. Forget about coefiecent of expansion and all that stuff. I do this all the time works like a charm. Just follow the instuctions. Cheap too.

I asked them about a type of caulk that would bond the lexan and they said no type would hold it.They recommended a high bonding tape.

 

[locknut]

Where did you buy the Lexan?

Local glass shop.

 

[Low Bucket]

Local glass shop.

Thanks.

 

[Mace Canute]

Yes between the steel tube mainframe.

Is this going "between the steel" or is it a lap joiont on top of the steel?

Maybe I'm not seeing exactly how you have it mounted, but on my monitor it looks like the Lexan overlaps the 1/2" square tube. If that is the case, I bet you could use polyurethane caulk to stick it to the 1/2" square tube, then apply a bead of it around the outside to capture it, much like a bead of caulk around a bathtub. Even if it doesn't permanently stick to the Lexan, it will be as if you have it in a rubber molding. Should work...

 

[locknut]

Maybe I'm not seeing exactly how you have it mounted, but on my monitor it looks like the Lexan overlaps the 1/2" square tube. If that is the case, I bet you could use polyurethane caulk to stick it to the 1/2" square tube, then apply a bead of it around the outside to capture it, much like a bead of caulk around a bathtub. Even if it doesn't permanently stick to the Lexan, it will be as if you have it in a rubber molding. Should work...

The frame is set back 1/4" so the glazing is flush with the main frame.The frame is removable so I wouldn't want to caulk it in around the edge.I'm going to take the frame and have them mount glass on it and be done with it.They said they could put some sort of edging around the perimeter when I inquired about using glass initially.Ninety bucks down the drain.Anybody need a piece of MR10 24X28?

 

[locknut]

For reference on the bonding issue.The problem may be due to the scratch resistant coating on the MR10.I read that somewhere,but can't find the reference right now.Hopefully,I'll have the cab done in the next week or so and do a build thread with pics.

 

[have_blue]

Came in late on this one, but you can prime the Lexan, and more stuff will
stick to it. The devil is in the details, finding the right primer.

You'll still need a slightly to moderately flexible adhesive in a fairly thick
application.

Gorilla glue could work, that stuff sticks to anything. The Lexan would have to be held on firmly for 12 hours to cure.

There are various "sticks to anything" adnesives like Zap-a-Dap-a-Goo and
similar that may work. You can actually glue polyethylene with it, so it should
stick even better to Lexan. Try it on a sample first.


TowerHobbies.com | Zap Adhesives Zap-A-Dap-A-Goo 1 oz

 

[DEON]

From a marine window manufacturer. We occasionally bond lexan or polycarbonate to many things. It definitely needs to be primed. The primer consist of a strong solvent that melts the surface and then air dries in a few minutes leaving a coating on the surface. We apply another coat after the first coat has dried because the first coat mixes with the lexan so you do not have a true primer surface the first time. Automotive glass installers have a special primer for this. This is what they use to installed the encapsulated quarter windows. (none opening black PVC framed windows seen on many cars). If your auto glass shop does not know about this primer he has missed out on very important information. It is available from Seca, Essex and others. I do not know the part number as we use another product that we buy in 5 gallon cans. Another thing that may work is PVC cement available from your local hardware store. It's used by plumbers to assemble pvc plumbing. This pvc cement should prime the lexan by melting the surface. Apply 2 coats. It dries quickly. Be sure to test it first. I did not test this but you can in a few minutes. If you can't scrape of the cement after it has dried for an hour you will have it made. Test your sealant to the dried cement to be sure but most sealant should bond to the cement. If the lexan is coated with an abrasive resistant coating, the primer will not work but most sealants do not have a problem with this coating. Please note that if you leave your tractor outside to the sun, the uv rays will eventually cause the bond to let go. That is why there is always a molding or black ceramic paint on edges of automotive windows. You can use striping tape on the outside of the glass from your auto decal guy for this uv protection.