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Thread: plastic welding help, please?

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Old 01-28-2008, 07:46 PM   #1
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Default plastic welding help, please?

ok, i need help doing this whole solvent welding deal...

first off, this is what i am using welding solvent on:





and this is PLastruct 0.040 styrene:


and i am trying to weld it as the back wall of a truck cab, like so:


and this is the solvent i am using:


i am following the instructions on the bottle and the styrene to the letter, but i am having prolems maing the two stick.

my major questions are:
1.) is it because i am trying to bond too thick of an area?

2.)or is it because i am trying to bond 2 different types of plastics?

3.) is it possible to use too much solvent and not be able to make it stick?

4.) on perpendicular bonds, where do i apply the solvent? on bothsides of the joint? down the skinny part of joint?

any help would be greatly appreciated...

Last edited by STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER; 01-28-2008 at 07:55 PM.
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Old 01-28-2008, 08:21 PM   #2
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First I'll assume that the body is polystyrene . The plastruct solvent is not that strong IMO . Ambroid PRO WELD is better , bonds styrene , butyrate , abs , and acrylic . I use an old drafting dip style pen , has an adjustable tip , to apply the solvent to the joint . Let the solvent run in the joint , and keep your fingers clear or you'll be sanding out your prints . Let the solvent melt the plastic then you can wiggle the joint to help tighten the joint , or make a weld "look" . I've also had luck with acetone , and Tenax-7r . You just may not be applying enough of the solvent you have to dissolve the plastics in the joint .
The wetter you make the joint , the longer it will take to dry .

Try a small area inside the body to see if that solvent melt , or softens it . some abs plastics wont react , you might need to try welding with a soldering iron (with a piece of plastic that matches the body ) .

Last edited by Frank3; 01-28-2008 at 08:27 PM.
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Old 01-28-2008, 08:25 PM   #3
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A couple possibilities.

I haven't played with one of those bodies, but if it's anything like the 1/6 Ranger, it's made of the oiliest fawkin plastic ever invented; good luck getting anything to stick to it with a solvent-based glue. If it feels dry to the touch, and doesn't leave a wet fingerprint every time you touch it, then you're probably ok.

See if you can find some Tenax-7R. It's more potent than the Plastruct stuff and a little more forgiving of dissimilar plastics.

In answer to 3, yes. A little is good, more is better, too much is a fawkin mess.

Hit the joints with solvent anywhere the two parts touch.
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Old 01-28-2008, 09:21 PM   #4
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tenax will glue to that body.
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Old 01-29-2008, 09:07 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by microgoat View Post
I haven't played with one of those bodies, but if it's anything like the 1/6 Ranger, it's made of the oiliest fawkin plastic ever invented...
it has a stiff rubbery feel to it, if that helps


Quote:
Originally Posted by microgoat View Post
If it feels dry to the touch, and doesn't leave a wet fingerprint every time you touch it, then you're probably ok.
not to sound dumb, but is this before or after using the solvent on that plastic???

also, where do you pick up tennax at? LHS? auto parts store? ACE hardware?

also, thanks for the input guys. it has been a big help!!!
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Old 01-29-2008, 04:57 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STEEL_CITY_CRAWLER View Post
it has a stiff rubbery feel to it, if that helps
Best quote ever

Sounds like it's made of what I call Chirene: Chinese styrene, not easy to glue. Some of it's so oily that you leave a fingerprint on it even if your hands are clean.

Your best shot would be the Tenax. If that won't do it, use CA backed with Shoe Goo.

Your LHS should be able to order Tenax for you if they don't stock it.
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Old 01-30-2008, 06:13 AM   #7
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haha, i was thinking the same thing about this:

Quote:
Originally Posted by microgoat View Post
If it feels dry to the touch, and doesn't leave a wet fingerprint every time you touch it, then you're probably ok.
thanks for the help. there is a hobby shop close to me that specializes in mostly trains. they sound like that should be a good place to go.
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Old 01-30-2008, 04:05 PM   #8
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there is always good ol' 2 ton epoxy or gorilla glue. They pretty much bond anything.
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