I welded some plastic parts with heat. can I weld acrylic with heat?

[numb41]

I used an electric solder gun with a paddle type end. I would say 1/4 by 5/16ths of an inch paddle. I used scrap plastic as welding rod. Has anyone tried this technique on acrylic? I've seen the chemical method on u toob.

I've got a cee bailey's windshield that has some cracks at the mounting holes. I thought I could just 'stitch' them cracks right up. In my 15 min search on u toob, produced no such images.

 

[ionbeam]

If it can be fixed I'm sure somebody will be along to tell you how.

In the mean time... Lets say that you drilled a small 'termination' hole at the end of each crack to stop propagation, found some solvent welding or plastic welding that bridges the cracks adequately and passes bend by hand test. You put on the windshield and voila, it works on a test ride. And then, over time the windshield flutters as you ride, trip after trip. One day you are riding with cars around you at 70 mph and suddenly the welding can't take anymore stress and lets go, allowing the windshield to whip back at you. Was it a good idea to fix repair it? I dunno, just asking.

 

[bluesdog]

I wouldn't use heat, or superglue.

Depending on the size and number of cracks, as ionbeam said, you can possibly stop them getting worse by drilling small, @ 3/32” holes, at the ends. Drill ‘em so the hole is just ahead of the crack, so the edge of the hole just brushes the crack end.

You could then carefully apply some MEK*, using a syringe applicator**, to the cracks. Mask off the area well, as MEK is a very thin solvent, which will ‘melt weld’ most plastics, including acrylic. It evaporates rapidly, and is quite toxic, so avoid skin contact and apply it in a well-ventilated area. Try some on a piece of scrap if you've never used it previously.

Once the MEK has done it’s thing, You could use some JB plastic weld or Devcon plastic weld, plus a small piece of fibrerglass cloth to create an extra structural layer around the area. Once it sets, re-drill the hole for the windshield screw, and sand the area as required.

If the damaged area is extensive, with many cracks, drilling the stop holes may be futile. In that case, I'd go straight to the MEK, followed by the epoxy/fiberglass application.

The repair would be, I hope, concealed behind the windshield’s trim piece

*Methyl Ethyl Ketone

**Get an appropriate syringe applicator from where you obtain the MEK

 

[Twigg]

MEK is the appropriate solvent for ABS. MEK probably works well for acrylic, but check because there could be a better one.

Each plastic type has a solvent best for that material. A clean crack can be repaired using the syringe method described above and you won't need to worry obout the wind

Let's face it, acrylic fish tanks are solvent welded and they withstand many tons of pressure.

 

[bluesdog]

MEK is the appropriate solvent for ABS. MEK probably works well for acrylic, but check because there could be a better one.
Each plastic type has a solvent best for that material. A clean crack can be repaired using the syringe method described above and you won't need to worry obout the wind

Let's face it, acrylic fish tanks are solvent welded and they withstand many tons of pressure.

Just was told methyl chloride is the recommended solvent for acrylic. It's even more toxic than MEK.

 

[Twigg]

MEK is the appropriate solvent for ABS. MEK probably works well for acrylic, but check because there could be a better one.
Each plastic type has a solvent best for that material. A clean crack can be repaired using the syringe method described above and you won't need to worry obout the wind

Let's face it, acrylic fish tanks are solvent welded and they withstand many tons of pressure.

Just was told methyl chloride is the recommended solvent for acrylic. It's even more toxic than MEK.

Wear gloves and keep the space ventilated. never let pet birds anywhere near the fumes.

Other than that, it's not hard.

 

[mcatrophy]

... never let pet birds anywhere near the fumes....

That's ok, the wife never comes into the garage when I'm working in there.

 

[Lowcountry Joe]

Call the Cee Bailey people. That shouldn't happen unless you have hit that windshield hard with something.