Introduction: Fixing Up Broken Plastics or Joints by Reinforcement

There many articles (plastic / fiber) which could be broken and we find no way other than replacing them. Sometimes replacing such articles might be too expensive. Opting simple gluing techniques might be useful in many cases. But for articles that are subjected to frequent loading condition, an advanced gluing methods are essential. Here is one such technique which can used in fixing up the broken articles- Apart from gluing an additional reinforcement should be provided to strengthen the joint in-order to withstand the loading.

The fixing job is done on a ABS plastic article - Front wheel 'Mud guard' of a two wheeler. This instructable provides a detailed step by step process in fixing such articles.

Step 1: Technique of Reinforcement and Tools Required

Based on the loading, required reinforcement is done at the joint. If the joint in the article is subject to medium or large forces, then it is better to provide an additional material as a bolster to the joint. On the other hand, when the forces are small providing an additional material might not be necessary.

This technique is explained by an example on which I performed the same steps.

The tools required are-

  1. Glue-( Araldite Standard Epoxy Adhesive Blue)
  2. Reinforce material -(Aluminum sheet or a tin (/softdrink's ) Can sheet)
  3. Snips
  4. Drill / Punch
  5. Sketch
  6. Pointed tool (like a nail)
  7. Candle or a burner
  8. Wire
  9. Stitching needle

Step 2: Procedure

1: Firstly collate the pieces to be joined and glue (Araldite is used) them together to the feasible extent. The glued article is then allowed to cure (14 Hours of complete curing time).

2: After curing, the reinforcement sheet (either tin sheet or aluminium sheet ) is taken and trimmed to require size using snips.

3: In trimmed out sheet holes are made, either by using a punch or a drill [ A (1-1.5 mm) drill is preferred to prevent burr formation].

4: The holed sheet is then placed on the article and its position is marked using a sketch.

5: Holes are made at the marked positions on the article using a heated pointed tool (nail).

6: Using a wire (fuse wire) the metal strip is stitched to the article so as to strengthen the joint.

7: The Araldite Standard Epoxy Adhesive mixture is then prepared and applied on the sheet joint stitched. The epoxy mixture is applied so as to stiffen the joint.The article is then allowed to cure.

8: After curing, a well reinforced joint is obtained that can withstand large forces.

Step 3: Images of the Final Assembly of the Mud Guard of a Two Wheeler

All the images from the reinforced part to the assembled stage are shown. Hope this type of reinforced fixing be helpful in fixing up your damaged articles.