Manufactured and distributed by IPS® Corporation, Weld-On® is a liquid adhesive and solvent cement product that is available in a variety of strengths for different applications. Utilized mostly in pipe jointing applications, the Weld-On® range features primers and adhesive cleaners in addition to the solvent cement products. The products can be used to join polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes in addition to sealing water-retaining plastic structures such as tanks and hot tubs.
Based in California in the United States of America, and established in 1954, IPS® Corporation produces a wide variety of sealant and adhesive products. Weld-On® is a popular range of high-performance solvent cements for permanent adhesion of plastic products. Generally utilized with smaller-diameter pipes, the product is painted on to both the spigot and socket ends of the pipes to be connected. This provides a high level of adhesion between the adjoining pipes as well as filling any voids that may be present in the joint. The product is also used when jointing couplers are utilized for the connection of pipes.
In addition to a range of adhesive solvent cements, the company produces primers for the product as part of the Weld-On® range. The primer will be required with some products to ensure that the solvent bonds with the host surface sufficiently to allow the adhesion to take place. Also included in the range is a selection of specialist cleaners, which should be used in the event of a spillage or incorrect application of the solvent product.
The Weld-On® range not only covers chemical adhesive products and cleaners but also contains a selection of applicator tools. These tools range from daubers — small sponges that are attached to the inner surface of the screw lid of the solvent product tin — through to separate swabs for larger-diameter pipes. Roller applicators are also available for pipe diameter ranges of 3 to 8 inches (7.6 to 20.3 centimeters) as well as gun applicators that can be used with the range of Weld-On® repair and fabrication adhesives.
To achieve the correct level of adhesion with the receiving surface, the surface must be made into a semifluid state to create a bond with the solvent. Depending on the solvent product being used, the solvent itself can perform this action, or a compatible primer will need to be applied. Pipes need to be jointed while the product is still in a wet state. The adhesion takes place as the solvent dries, bonding the molecules between the adhesive product on the spigot and socket ends of the joint.