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How to seal the edge of a PVC laminate

We buy 50 mm dia. disks made of PVC (about 1.5mm thick). They are laminated and have an electronic transponder inside. Due to flexing, the edges split (i.e., the laminations come apart) and water gets into the electronics - bad news!

We want to seal the edge with a "bead" of something. We tried by epoxy resin, which formed a nice edge bead but did not adhere strongly to the PVC - you could lift the epoxy off the PVC. What else could we use?

Russel Barnes
Director - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2004

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Russel,

Why epoxy if there are PVC glues at the hardware store?

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004

Or, fix the lamination process with more pressure on the edges, or possibly a higher temperature, or possibly a longer time exposed to the temperature/pressure. Possibly an ultrasonic welding of the edges.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2004

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2004

Russel,

I would have replied sooner but my 'router' went on the fritz. Computers !

May I suggest you try some PVC cement ... the standard cement comes in different 'thicknesses' ... so opt for heavy duty ... or make your own by adding and mixing in some PVC shavings. Say 20% of solids.

First of all, CLEAN the surface, ie. the edge. acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! ? MEK / methyl ethyl ketone ? Perhaps THF, the standard solvent for PVC, is better. Then, immediately apply a 'bead' of the cement. This should work. Then let it dry and don't touch it for a few hours. OK?

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).