Plastic gluing with metal required in areas such as construction, computer equipment. Plastic and metal surfaces have different physical and chemical properties. Consequently, finding the right glue to connect them may not be easy.
What types of glue can be used?
Many compounds are used to connect plastic with metal. It is a sealant, and a two-component waterproof composition, and many others. To protect yourself when working with such a product, you need to know the safety technique and strictly observe it:
- It is necessary to work in a well-ventilated room;
- When using industrial adhesives, you need to wear a respirator to prevent lung damage;
- It is always worth putting on gloves to prevent contact of glue and epoxy resins with leather;
- It is better to wear safety glasses;
- It is necessary to store the product away from pets and children.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a waterproof polymer formed after the combination of organic units of carbamate connections. This is the so-called urethane from a certain group of alkanes. It is heat-resistant, therefore it does not melt when heated. Currently, glue is produced using polyurethane and is widely used in many industries. It can be used even with wood or paper.
One of the available options will be moisture-resistant and high-temperature Loctite PL. Such a product is easy to use thanks to a comfortable package. Suitable for work both in the cold and in the heat. It can be used for both external and internal works. Does not contain chlorinated solvents. This is one of the highest quality products in the modern market.
Epoxy
When it comes to gluing plastic gluing with metal, it is best to use various epoxy resins. They usually consist of two components: resins and hardeners, which are stored in separate bottles or compartments in the syringe. When the specified components are mixed, the thermosetting chemical reaction is obtained, which makes the mixture to harden. Such products tend to have large chemical resistance, water and heat resistance.
Best Modern Choice – Glue GOORILLA 2 Part. It creates an inextricable connection of two materials, has the necessary strength, and is also ideal for repair. Gorilla 2 PART epoxy glue as it is impossible to suit metal gluing with plastic, but it can be used for other diverse materials.
The glue solidifies in 5 minutes, but completely enhances within 24 hours. The syringe is equipped with 1 push button, which allows you to evenly distribute the components immediately during operation.
Before applying glue to any surface, mixing is required. Glue dries and becomes transparent.
Phenolokuchuk
This product was born in 1938. The first brand, which released it, became “Sikweld”. The glue was used to connect the body of the machine and insulating material. Two years later, the composition was decided to modify. Since 1941 glue is widely used in aviation. Any adhesive composition of this type can be described as high-strength and powerful.
As an example, we give the following products:
- “VK-32-20”;
- “VK-3”;
- “VK-4”;
- “VK-13”.
Cold welding
This is another option for how to connect differently different surfaces. Cold welding was first opened with modern society in the early 1940s and was viewed as a new phenomenon, but in fact this process has been there for thousands of years. It was found that two pieces of material would be connected together in vacuo until they are together.
During the process, deformation occurs, which allows the elements to come into contact. And the welds are much stronger than those that can be seen when using other means. Another advantage of cold welding is the lack of the need to use intermediate materials.
The principle of operation of this method is not distinguished by complexity. When two surfaces without an intermediate oxide layer come closer, both atoms penetrate each other. Studies have shown that cold welding can also be performed without excessive force. Applying smaller pressure for a longer time, you can achieve a similar result. There is another method that consists in an increase in the surface temperature of two connected materials for a short period of time to accelerate the movement of molecules.
Modern methods for using cold welding numerous. Although it is applied by the situation, and not everywhere, this method allows you to work in many aggressive environments, which was previously impossible. For example, it was impossible to weld underground pipelines carrying flammable gases. But there is one problem: since the weld is formed quickly and is considered constant, it is very difficult to test its integrity, especially in thicker metals.
Cold welding has some restrictions. The compound may fail in a reactive medium or region with a high oxygen content. It is suitable for placed pipes and components placed in rooms where there is no risk of contact with oxygen. So that cold welding is effective, the surface must be carefully cleaned with a brush and make them a little rough.
If the outer layer of any of the components has a high oxygen content, then adhesion is unlikely. Another important factor is the plasticity of the materials used. At least one of two connected materials should be supple.
The method described is used in nano- and microprocessor industries of high-tech regions. This method is also used in the nuclear area.
Criteria for the choice of composition
When choosing a suitable composition, it is necessary to take into account the features of the compositions available in the market. It is better to choose a product that does not lose its positive properties on the street, has high strength and has an affordable cost. On the package, the manufacturer indicates, the composition for gluing metal and plastic or not.
These products have mandatory characteristics should look like this:
- sufficient strength;
- It cannot be observed after gluing surfaces;
- glue must be thermal resistant.
For example, the so-called liquid rubber perfectly connects many surfaces. If a strong compound is needed, able to withstand the stretching load, it will be an ideal solution. Not bad established itself and “88-Ca”.
Surfaces that are connected using this tool can be used even under water: and fresh and salted.
Preparation of surfaces
Before making gluing surfaces, they must be carefully prepared. Metal and plastic are necessarily cleaned by sandpaper and degrease. Only so can increase adhesive adhesive ability. Moreover, it is the sandpaper that quickly and simply removes rust from the metal surface.
How to glue?
Before proceeding with work, the surface of the table is preferably covered with paper so as not to blur it. Next prepared surfaces. Plastic and metal are necessarily cleaned, otherwise it is not possible to glue them in household conditions. Both surfaces should turn out slightly rough.
Next should stick to the following instruction.
- Mix two components of epoxy glue. The required proportion is indicated on the manufacturer packaging.
- The mixture is applied with a thin layer on both surfaces. For this use a brush.
- Glue hardened for two hours, sometimes it takes more time. To improve the result, you can hold the parts under the load.
- Excess glue after complete drying is removed. It is impossible to cover the object during the seizure period, since the seam requires air circulation.
What and how to glue plastic to metal, look in the video below.
