Poly-Zap for Delrin, etc.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Micro-Mark sells Poly-Zap cyanoacrylate that is supposed to be good for Delrin and other “space age” plastics. Has anyone had any experience with this product? Is it effective on Delrin or acetal plastics as advertised?

Joe

2

Dupont says no. http://plastics.dupont.com/plastics/pdflit/americas/delrin/230323c.pdf See pages 57 and 58. text

3

Lee

Thanks for the link. I thought it was too good to be true.

Joe

4

Joe,

Delrin is a great material to machine because it gives you nice, smooth surfaces. However, this is one reason why it doesn’t make a good material to adhere to. Actually, silicone (RTV) would be a better adhesive to use on plastics like Delrin.

Tom

5

Tom:

From the information included in the link Lee provided it appears that the only way to get a bond with Delrin is the first roughen the surface. I’ll try some silicone-based adhesives after sanding and see what happens. Thanks for your information.

Joe

6

I read thru that whole thing and couldn’t find anything that said a “Poly-Zap” type adheasive wouldn’t work…

I have however used Poly-Zap to glue broken handrails and it does work some. You’r never going to regain the stength of the unbroken part, but if handled gently it will work ol. I have some handrails that were repaired a couple of years ago and are still holding up.

7

Joe,

Yes, roughing up the surface will help with the Delrin. I wasn’t sure if that was an option for you or not. If you do use a silicone-based adhesive like RTV, make sure you let it cure thoroughly.

The curing agent for most silicone adhesives is acetic acid. (That’s why it has a slight vinegary smell to it.) The adhesive draws moisture from the surrounding air as it cures. So, the more water in the air; the faster the adhesive will cure. If you can submerge the item(s) in water - all the better.

Tom

8

There’s a product called cyanopoxy that will work on Delrin and other engineering plastics.

Here’s a LINK

If I recall correctly, it’s rather expensive but works very well. RMC had a write-up on it a few years back.

Wayne

9

Thanks for all the added info guys. Now I’ve got a few more alternatives to consider.

Joe