| The
following pages contain detailed information on how to weld plastic.
The examples given are in regard to car bumper repair, but all of
the information is pertinent to all forms of plastic welding.
 HOW
TO WELD PLASTIC WITH
THE LEISTER #100.726 TRIAC S ELECTRIC WELDING TOOL
Plastic components
that would be expensive to renew can be repaired by welding with the
LEISTER 100.726 ELECTRIC WELDING TOOL. Almost every motor vehicle
today has components manufactured from a variety of plastics.
Bumpers, grilles, light surrounds and even complete body panels
enable designers to enhance aerodynamic styling and cosmetic appeal
while retaining impact resistance and eliminating corrosion.
Plastic offers the
structural strength of steel by virtue of its greater elasticity.
Minor impacts that could deform steel beyond repair can be absorbed
by plastic. Where damage is incurred it is capable of repair by
welding with no loss of component strength. Cracks, splits, warping
and even the loss of material can be remedied with the aid of the
LEISTER TRIAC hot air welding equipment. Where a steel component
with equivalent damage would be renewed at some cost the repair of
the plastic part can save time and expense, particularly when winter
accidents periods make great demands of the repairer's parts stock.
Welding plastic does
not produce fumes when the correct procedure is followed. A
plastic component can be quickly restored to an 'as new' condition
without the need for fillers or special treatments. The combination
of welding and recommended paint procedures will show no trace of a
repair that should last the life of the vehicle.
The majority of
plastics employed in vehicle manufacturing are thermoplastics.
Heated until they soften, they can be molded or welded. There are
different types of thermoplastics, each having a specified
temperature for welding operations. Some vehicle manufacturers mark
plastic components with material identification codes. ABS and PP/EPDM
are easily welded.
Following the simple
preparatory steps will ensure a successful repair. Plastic
components can be repaired from the front or rear according to ease
of access. Reinforcement welds can be used across the rear of a
front repair to restore strength to areas designed to withstand
impact. The photographs demonstrate a repair from the front of a
component.
Follow the step by step procedures on the following pages |
