Weld Plastic
Whether you are trying to start a project in which two pieces of plastic need to be fused, or you are in need of repairing a broken piece of plastic, welding plastic often can be the easiest and least expensive option. You'll need an electric welding gun and an appropriate welding rod to weld plastic. Getting used to the heat of the welding gun is typically the most challenging part of the welding process. Use these tips to learn how to weld plastic.
Steps
- Preheat the welding gun for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare the plastic for welding. Remove the plastic component from the object, if applicable. Clean the plastic thoroughly with mild soap or detergent and water. Dry the plastic thoroughly with a dry cloth.
- Sand the plastic. Locate the plastic area or areas you need to weld. Sand the edges with 80-grit sandpaper until they are smooth to the touch.
- Secure the joints. Join the parts where the plastic needs to be attached and secure with foil tape. Make sure you secure the joints tightly and in the exact position you need them to be.
- Insert the welding rod into the preheated welding gun. This filler rod acts as a guide for the hot air in the welding gun.
- Move the tip of the welding gun slowly over the edge or joint where the plastic needs to be welded. You will see the plastic melt to create a seal. To determine if the temperature is accurate, move the welding gun either closer to the plastic component, or further away, working around the area steadily and evenly.
- Allow the plastic component to cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Sand the welded joint with 150-grit sandpaper until smooth.
- Cover the entire plastic component with a water-based solvent.
Tips
- Protective eyewear and gloves should be worn for safety during the welding process.
- Clamps can be helpful for holding smaller plastic components in place while you weld.
- Work in a well-ventilated space.
Warnings
- Hot air gun sets for plastic welding with adjustable temperature values are quite expensive.
- The repair will only be a success if you use the same sort of plastic for welding as the bit you're repairing.
- The temperature of the welding gun usually averages 525 degrees F (274 degrees C), and can start a fire if left near other items or not properly turned off. When turning off the gun, always remove it from the direct work area and replace it on its stand to allow it to cool.
- Do not touch the barrel or tip of the welder when working with it.
- If you own only a basic hot air gun you should consider to get a touchless IR-Thermometer to know the real temperature of the repair area.
Things You'll Need
- Welding gun
- Welder rod
- 80-grit sandpaper
- 150-grit sandpaper
- Foil tape
- Clean, dry cloth
- Water-based solvent
- Plastic primer and primer (spray gun), if painting is planned later
- Touchless IR thermometer, if welding gun has no temperature control
- Plastic repair sticks (exactly same material as sort to be repaired)
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