Doable with the right adhesive
How to glue ABS to Polycarbonate
The short answer
Use a two-component reactive plastic adhesive explicitly covering ABS and polycarbonate to one another. Weld-On 55 has direct manufacturer wording for the listed thermoplastics to themselves and one another, and SCIGRIP also has an exact ABS-to-polycarbonate substrate-match page. Keep both plastics unstressed, clean, and dry, and avoid aggressive cleaners or generic solvent cement.
Why this bond behaves the way it does
Both plastics have bondable surfaces, but polycarbonate can craze under chemical exposure and residual stress. A metered reactive polyurethane avoids relying on solvent welding between dissimilar polymers and provides a clear, impact-resistant joint.
What to use
Best choice
Polyurethane adhesive
Weld-On 55 directly lists ABS and polycarbonate among thermoplastics bonded to themselves and one another, giving the clearest product-specific support for the exact pair.
Primer: No primer is stated for the listed thermoplastics.
Gaps: Maintain a controlled bond line and avoid starving the joint.
Curing: Work within 5-6 minutes and fixture for 1-2 hours.
Watch out: Coupon-test for polycarbonate stress cracking and optical appearance.
Also works
Structural acrylic
SCIGRIP's exact ABS-to-polycarbonate substrate matcher returns SG300 and SG600 structural acrylic series, making this a directly documented family alternative.
Primer: Use only the selected grade's named primer, if any.
Gaps: Choose a viscosity and bond-line thickness matched to the joint.
Curing: Distinguish working time, fixture time, and full cure.
Watch out: MMA odour and chemical compatibility require ventilation and coupon testing.
Also works
Two-part epoxy
Two-part epoxies are documented by Permabond as bonding each material, but the cited sources do not establish this exact dissimilar pair or every grade.
Gaps: Useful when a modest controlled gap exists.
Curing: Meter and mix fully to reduce unreacted chemistry against polycarbonate.
Watch out: Exact-pair suitability is inferred and must be tested.
Avoid
Solvent cement
Generic solvent welding is a poor default for dissimilar ABS and polycarbonate. Weld-On 2354 is a like-material cement and explicitly excludes dissimilar-material use.
Gaps: Solvent cement requires intimate fit and compatible polymers.
Watch out: Do not generalise a like-to-like plastics cement into a dissimilar-pair claim.
What to avoid
Avoid generic solvent cement for this dissimilar pair unless its current TDS explicitly names the combination. Weld-On 2354 is specifically presented as a like-material cement and its product page says not to use it with dissimilar materials. Avoid acetone on either plastic and minimise uncured adhesive dwell or forced interference on the polycarbonate.
Preparing the surfaces
ABS
Use clean, dry ABS as received. If a wipe is necessary, use isopropanol or Permabond Cleaner A and allow it to evaporate; do not use acetone as routine cleaner.
Polycarbonate
Use clean, dry polycarbonate as received. Remove mould release, avoid scratching visible faces, use only a compatible cleaner such as isopropanol when needed, and reduce residual or hoop stress before bonding.
How to do it
Dry-fit without forcing. Fit the 1:1 Weld-On 55 cartridge to the correct gun and mixer, verify both components flow, purge the initial mixed material, apply within the 5-6 minute working time, assemble without over-inserting, and fixture the parts for the stated 1-2 hours.
Working, clamping and cure times
Do not equate fixture time with full strength. Leave the assembly supported and follow the current TDS; test a representative joint after the intended cure and environmental exposure.
If the conditions are harder
| Condition | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor use | Not enough evidence | Weld-On 55 resists UV discoloration, but the cited TDS does not establish full outdoor weathering for the exact ABS/polycarbonate assembly. |
| Water and wet areas | Not enough evidence | No cited source provides a water or immersion rating for this exact pair and product. |
| Heat and cold | Not enough evidence | The material guides list individual material ceilings, but the Weld-On 55 TDS cited here provides no complete service-temperature range for the joint. |
| Clear or invisible finish | Works with care | Weld-On 55 is described as clear and colourless with resistance to UV discoloration; validate bubbles, squeeze-out, bond-line thickness, and long-term optics on the actual mouldings. |
Polycarbonate can stress-crack. Test the exact resin grades, moulding stress, cleaner, adhesive amount, bond-line geometry, and optical appearance before production or a critical repair.
Products that fit
Ordered by how well they suit this specific job. Nothing is ranked by what it pays.
SCIGRIP Weld-On 55
Polyurethane adhesive
The TDS explicitly covers listed thermoplastics including ABS and polycarbonate to one another.
We may earn a commission from links on this page. It never changes which adhesive we recommend.
Related guides
- ABS to Plywood
- Polycarbonate to Painted metal
- Polycarbonate to Glazed ceramic
- Polycarbonate to Glass
- ABS to Glass
- ABS to Glazed ceramic
- How to reattach ABS trim to a polycarbonate sign cover
Where this comes from
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Overall confidence: Manufacturer verified.
Sources used for this guide:
- How to bond ABS (APPLICATION_GUIDE)
- Polycarbonate Bonding with Industrial Adhesives (APPLICATION_GUIDE)
- SCIGRIP Substrate Match: ABS to Polycarbonate (MANUFACTURER_PAGE)
- Weld-On 55 VOC-Free Polyurethane Adhesive Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Always read the instructions and safety information supplied with the product you buy. Where they differ from anything here, follow the manufacturer.