PlaymoFriends

Creative => How-To => Topic started by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 15:54:46

Title: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 15:54:46: Well this is dedicated to our friends Gordon and Jimbo as they were the ones who guided me in finding the correct solvent (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=3630.0). :wow:

These methods are welding and not gluing as the product will actually dissolve the plastic and bond it to its mate .

It has an odor so use a ventilated location and work quickly . Once the solvent dries it is done welding and only needs 24 hours to be complete solid once again .

For our demo I will be mending a clean break on a winch spool . By "clean break" I am referring to the fact that there are no missing pieces and the fracture fits together perfectly .

(http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/2092/p1010002k.jpg) (http://img397.imageshack.us/i/p1010002k.jpg/)
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 15:57:06: I have to find something to hold the weld as it cures and for this a wooden laundry clip fits the bill. On the clip it has a circular area that the spool fits nicely into .

(http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1681/p1010006wt.jpg) (http://img39.imageshack.us/i/p1010006wt.jpg/)
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 16:02:45: When both parts are in the clip it hold them tight enough for the curing process but does not apply a "squeezing" pressure to the fracture . ( as seen in the light coming through the part )

(http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7951/p1010007ex.jpg) (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/p1010007ex.jpg/)

For this I chose to use some rubber bands to apply some simple light squeezing pressure , or you could use your finger pressure for about 1 minute , but being sure to apply light pressure and keeping the part square

(http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/6946/p1010008kxz.jpg) (http://img2.imageshack.us/i/p1010008kxz.jpg/)
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 16:17:46: Now lets apply the solvent . Apply sparingly as just a wetting is necessary to dissolve the plastic.

(http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1675/p1010009s.jpg) (http://img124.imageshack.us/i/p1010009s.jpg/)

Once the parts are wet place them in your contraption and squeeze immediately . If you chose to use finger pressure hold for a minimum of 1 minute, or if you use the more elaborate system do it fast .

Once it is together and in the contraption let it cure for 24 hours to fully solidify .

Now one day later you should have something to this effect

(http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/598/p1010010u.jpg) (http://img527.imageshack.us/i/p1010010u.jpg/)
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 16:25:07: There may be some ugly areas of plastic that distorted so I use a super fine sand paper to clean it all up . I sand all the burs off and any areas that the solvent was left as a clear mark .

(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5476/p1010011y.jpg) (http://img148.imageshack.us/i/p1010011y.jpg/)

When finished it looks like a workable piece again.

(http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1209/p1010012xp.jpg) (http://img136.imageshack.us/i/p1010012xp.jpg/)

For any parts that are exposed a polishing would be in order but seeing as this area is not seen (covered by winch line) this will do . How to polish (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=530.0)
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Jimbo on October 17, 2009, 17:14:44: Well done, Rasputin! :yup:

Best regards,
Jimbo
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 17, 2009, 21:13:18: Quote from: Jimbo on October 17, 2009, 17:14:44
Well done, Rasputin! :yup:

Best regards,
Jimbo

Thank you Jimbo, I hope I did the product justice .
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Gepetto on October 18, 2009, 02:45:34: Very good explanation of the process Rasputin and the pictures are very helpful, thank you! :wow:

Gepetto
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on October 18, 2009, 03:20:53: Quote from: Gepetto on October 18, 2009, 02:45:34
Very good explanation of the process Rasputin and the pictures are very helpful, thank you! :wow:

Gepetto

Thank you, I too like when people explain along with picture .

Thanks again for the compliments :wave:
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Bill Blackhurst on October 18, 2009, 03:25:51: Thanks for the how to, Ras :wow:! I'm going to try to find some of that type of welding glue to keep on hand for emergency purposes :)9!
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: highlandcattle on November 08, 2009, 09:17:17: Looks great,
What is the name of that welding product and does it have an european counterpart?
Title: Re: Welding broken parts
Post by: Rasputin on November 08, 2009, 17:01:45: Quote from: highlandcattle on November 08, 2009, 09:17:17
Looks great,
What is the name of that welding product and does it have an european counterpart?

Hi Highland :wave:

The product that I used was identified with the help of playmofriends members here (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=3630.0). I do not know if it would be avalable in your county but I do believe we discussed the active ingredient and perhaps you could find that chemical .

One slight problem I am discovering is what it works on. It seems to work on some Playmobil plastic better than others. I do not know if it is an age situation or color but I am trying to figure it out. I went to modify a broken train and the coupling would not weld ? This particular company does have a different product that I will need to try as well. When I test it out I will let everyone know the outcome.

Thanks for the compliment
Rasputin "The Mad Monk"