A quick question for folks out there, if I can. I’m looking to see if anyone knows what of the following three will form the strongest bond on styrene:
5 minute epoxy
testor’s model cement
bob smith industries gap filling superglue thick formula
I have a resin insert to put in place, and I’ve sanded it down as far as I dare (it’s paper thin in spots) and in turn I have to slightly flex upper and lower wings. I want to make sure I have the two solidly joined that they don’t pop apart later on. I’ve also slightly thinned the wing, but due to the flex, I don’t want to go any further and have it break.
Any advice on adhesives would be greatly appreciated.
Are you glueing resin to styrene? If so, I know any CA superglue will work. I use Zap brand. Testor’s model cement will not stick to resin. Not sure about epoxy.
thanks for the answer, and sorry, I should have clarified. I’m joining the resin to the styrene by using epoxy, most likely. I find it gives me the best bond. The resin parts are just a touch too big to slide between two halves of a wing, so once the resin is in place, I have to slightly stress the wing to get the leading and trailing edges to close up. The resin is a gun bay, and I’ve thinned that so the base of it is paper thin (light shines through it) and thinned the wings a little, but I don’t want to thin the styrene wing too much and have it snap under stress. This is where I’m wondering what I’m best using, to make sure the leading and trailing edges of the wing stay joined despite the stress (most likely I’m slightly changing the wing profile by doing this). If there’s something I’ve not listed that is super amazing, and I should use, I always have time to place an order if anyone has any recommendations.
The strongest bond for styrene is a glue like Tenax or testor’s for styrene. Something heavy with MEK or acetone, which actually melts the styrene, forming a “welded” seem.
If I were going to glue the wing back together, I’d sue Testor’s Model master liquid (sparingly) and tape/clamp the seem, then not touch it for a day.
I believe epoxy would make the strongest bond, but probably stronger than needed. CA is a lot easier to use- no mixing. However, with either CA or epoxy, cleaning the resin well is important! Not all molders use mold release agents, but some do, and it is important to get the release agent completely off the resin. Soap and water or some solvents will do- best is two washes, one with each.