Strongest Adhesives for Bonding ABS and PC+PBT Plastics to Aluminium

Strongest Adhesive to Attach Plastic Parts (ABS and PC+PBT) to Aluminium

Epoxy adhesives like J-B Weld and Loctite plastic-specific epoxies provide the strongest and most reliable bonds when attaching ABS and PC+PBT plastics to aluminium surfaces. These epoxies are designed to bond dissimilar materials, offering high strength and durability suitable for structural or load-bearing applications.

Recommended Adhesives for ABS and Aluminium

• J-B Weld: Known for excellent metal-to-plastic bonding strength. Its two-part formula cures hard and resists impact.
• Loctite Plastic Epoxies: Specifically formulated to bond plastics like ABS and PC+PBT to metals, offering strong adhesion and chemical resistance.

Both brands produce variants optimized for plastic-metal adhesion, minimizing common bonding issues such as delamination or poor surface wettability.

Surface Preparation for Improved Bonding

Proper surface pretreatment is critical for maximum adhesive strength. For ABS and PC+PBT, consider:

• Mechanical Abrasion: Roughening the plastic surface with 220-400 grit sandpaper increases surface area and promotes mechanical interlocking.
• Chemical Treatment: Applying solvents like acetone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) lightly etches the plastic, making it more porous and receptive to adhesives.

Aluminium surfaces should be cleaned of oils and oxide layers to ensure optimal contact. Light sanding or use of a metal primer can also enhance bonding performance.

Alternative Adhesives and Tips

• Hot Melt Glue: Despite typically lower strength, hot melt adhesives have shown affinity for low-energy plastics like Teflon, suggesting possible utility for difficult bonding situations.
• Manufacturer Consultation: Contacting adhesive manufacturers can provide tailored product recommendations and samples based on application requirements.

Online communities and product review forums may offer additional practical insights but should complement rather than replace technical guidance.

Summary of Key Points

• Two-part epoxies such as J-B Weld and Loctite plastic epoxies are the strongest adhesives for bonding ABS and PC+PBT plastics to aluminium.
• Surface preparation by sanding (220-400 grit) or chemical etching with acetone/MEK significantly improves adhesion.
• Clean aluminium surfaces help avoid bond failure; consider light abrasion or primers.
• Hot melt glue may work for challenging plastics but often lacks the strength of epoxies.
• Adhesive manufacturers provide research-backed advice and samples for specific needs.