10/06/2026
What is dichloromethane (DCM) and why is it becoming a bigger topic in plastics fabrication?
If you work in signage, fabrication or construction, you may already know DCM (dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride) as a solvent used in products such as paint st*****rs and some plastic bonding adhesives.
What many people don’t realise is just how hazardous it can be to work with.
DCM is highly volatile, meaning vapours can build up quickly in poorly ventilated environments. It can also be absorbed through the skin. Overexposure has been linked to symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation, with severe exposure carrying the risk of unconsciousness, suffocation and even death.
Because of these risks, the EU restricted many consumer and professional uses of DCM back in 2009, with further restrictions continuing globally. In the UK, DCM-based paint st*****rs are heavily regulated and restricted to trained professionals working under controlled conditions.
For plastic fabricators, sign makers and installers, this has increased demand for safer alternatives; particularly for acrylic bonding applications where ventilation can sometimes be challenging on-site.
As a result, DCM-free solvent cements are becoming an increasingly important option within the industry.
Products such as ACRIFIX® 1S 0116 and 1S 0117 were developed as DCM-free alternatives for bonding acrylic, while also offering compatibility with materials including ABS, PS and PVC (testing is always recommended before use).
It’s a good reminder that when selecting adhesives and solvents, performance is only one part of the equation; operator safety and working environment matter too.
Always consult the relevant technical and safety data sheets before use.
