Different Ways to Repair Plastic Items

August 14, 2019 11:12 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

If you have a plastic item that has broken, you might be wondering about methods of repairing plastics in Utah. Many people think that throwing the item away and buying a new one is the best way to handle a broken plastic item. However, there are several methods of repairing plastic items that can leave the item almost as good as new. Try one of the below methods the next time you find yourself in need of repairing plastics in Utah.

Using plastic glue

The simplest method of repairing plastics in Utah is by buying a tube of high-strength plastic glue. Especially if the part that has broken off is a small or non-weight bearing piece, plastic glue can be a good solution. Plastic glue is specifically made to bond to plastic surfaces, so should hold well depending on the type of plastic you’re repairing. Standard super glue is another good option if you already have some around. Make sure you completely cover the surface that needs reattaching, line up the edges carefully and place it in position.

Plastic glue dries quickly, so you’ll only need to hold it in place for 30 seconds to one minute. You may find you want to use plastic gloves to avoid the glue sticking to your fingers or inadvertently gluing your fingers to the plastic. It may also help to tape the piece on or secure it with a C-clamp for the next several hours while the glue completely cures.

Using a soldering iron to fuse plastics

If you need a stronger bond to effectively repair plastics in Utah, you may want to consider soldering the plastic as well. This is also a good option if you’re dealing with a crack, split or clean break and want to get a smooth finish without a line being visible where the break happened.

To begin, first glue the plastic together with plastic glue or super glue. After the glue has dried, you’ll want to heat up your soldering iron to the lowest temperature setting. Once heated, rake the tip of the iron lightly over the joint where the surfaces connect that you just glued. The heat melts the soft plastic on either side, which will then melt together and re-harden once cooled. Always use protective eyewear when operating the soldering iron, as well as a breathing mask, and work in a ventilated area. Finally, sand the seam to further blend it together.

Using acetone for solvent welding

If you need to fill a larger area than a crack, one more option is to use acetone. Fill a glass or ceramic container with acetone, then place a few pieces of scrap plastic into the glass. They should be completely immersed and left for eight to 10 hours. Then, drain the liquid into a glass jar so the melted plastic remains. You can use this plastic mush and brush it onto the damaged area of your original plastic piece to seal it. The plastic will harden, resulting in a piece that looks as good as new.

D&D Plastics can help you take a concept or design and develop it into a viable product. If you’re in need of more information about repairing plastics in Utah, give us a call today!

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