Identifying the Plastic 

The easiest way to identify the type of plastic you're working with is to look for the Plastic ID symbol the backside of the part. Simply match the symbol on the part with the table below and look at the suggested repair method. See the next page for tips when you can't find the Plastic ID symbol.

PETE PP - polypropylene

HDPE - high density polyethylene PS - polystyrene

PVC - polyvinyl chloride Resins not mentioned above, or a combonation of plastics.

LDPE - low density polyethylene  

Symbol & Type How to identify Typical UsageSuggested Repair

Method Repair TipsPUR, RIM, RRIM Thermoset polyurethane

Usually flexible, maybe yellow or gray,bubbles and smokes when attempting to melt.

Flexible bumper covers (esp. on domestics), filler panels, rocker panel covers, snowmobile cowls.

Method A w/ urethane rod or Method C w/ Uni-Weld FiberFlex

Don't try to melt the base material! Just melt the rod into the v-groove like a hot melt glue.

SMC, UP, FRP Fiberglass

Rigid, polyester matrix reinforced with glass fibers, sands finely

Rigid body panels, fenders, hoods, deck lids, header panels, spoilers

Method E - two-part epoxy repair withfiberglass reinforcement.

Use backing plate over holes, layer in fiberglass cloth for extra strength and to approximate thermal expansion

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Rigid, often white but may be molded in any color, sands finely. Very pungent odor when heated.

Instrument panels, grilles, trim moldings, consoles, armrest supports, street bike fairings.

Method B w/ ABS rod (5003R3), orMethod D Insta-Weld adhesive repair, orMethod E Two-Part epoxy repair

Weld repairs may be backed with epoxy for extra strength.

EEBC (Ether Ester Block Copolymer)

Flexible, off-white in color, similar in appearance to PUR (Lomod by GE)

Rocker cover moldings, bumper extensions (91-96 DeVille)

Method C w/ Uni-Weld FiberFlex (5003R10)

 

EMA (Ethylene Meth- acrylic Acid)

Semirigid, molded in a variety of colors, unpainted (Bexloy W by DuPont)

Bumper covers (Dodge Neon 1st generation base model)

Method C with Uni-Weld FiberFlex (5003R10) or Method B with slivers cut from scrap.

Sand entire bumper for refinishing, restore texture with Flex Tex (3800).

PA Polyamide (Nylon)

Semirigid or rigid, sands finely

Radiator tanks, headlamp bezels, exterior trim finish parts

Method B w/ nylon rod (5003R6)

Preheat plastic with heat gun before welding, mix rod completely with base material.

PC + ABS Pulse (Polycarbonate & ABS)

Rigid, sands finely, usually dark in color

Door skins (Saturn), instrument panels, street bike fairings

Method B w/ Polycarbonate rod (5003R7), or Methods D or E adhesive repairs

Preheat plastic with heat gun before welding with Method B.

PC + PBT Xenoy (Polycarbonate blend)

Rigid, sands finely, usually dark in color

Bumper covers (primarily Ford products, 84-95 Taurus, Aerostar, some

Method B w/ polycarbonate rod (5003R7), Method C, or Method Eadhesive

Preheat plastic with heat gun before welding with Method B.

Mercedes and Hyundai's)

repairs.

PE Polyethylene Semiflexible, melts & smears when grinding, usually semi-translucent.

Overflow tanks, inner fender panels, valences, interior trim panels, RV water storage tanks, gas tanks

Method B w/ polyethylene rod (5003R4)   or Method C w/ FiberFlex (5003R10)

Applying filler or painting is nearly impossible.

PP Polypropylene

Semiflexible, usually black in color, melts & smears when grinding

Bumper covers (usually blended with EPDM), inner fenders, radiator shrouds, interior panels, gas tanks

Method C with Uni-Weld FiberFlex (5003R10) or Method B withpolypropylene rod (5003R2)

Use 1060FP Filler Prep adhesion promoter when applying two-part epoxy filler

PPO + PA Noryl GTX (Nylon blend)

Semi-rigid, sands finely, usually off-white in color.

Fenders (Saturn & GM), exterior trim

Method B w/ nylon rod (5003R6), orMethods D or E adhesive repairs

Preheat plastic with heat gun before welding with Method B.

TEEE (Thermoplastic Ether Ester Elastomer)

Flexible or Semiflexible (Bexloy V by duPont)

Bumper covers (especially on domestics, filler panels, rocker panel covers.)

Method C w/ Uni-Weld Fiberflex (5003R10) or Method B w/ slivers cut from scrap.

 

TPE Thermoplastic Elastomer

Semi-flexible, usually black or gray, melts & smears when grinding.

Bumper covers, filler panels, underhood parts.

Method C with Uni-Weld FiberFlex (5003R10)

Use 1060FP Filler Prep adhesion promoter before applying two-part epoxy filler.

TPO, EPM, TEO Thermoplastic Olefin

Semiflexible, usually black or gray in color, melts & smears when grinding

Bumper covers, air dams, grilles, interior parts, instrument panels, snowmobile cowls.

Method C with Uni-Weld FiberFlex (5003R10) or Method B w/ PP or TPO rod.

Use 1060FP Filler Prep adhesion promoter when applying two-part epoxy filler

TPU, TPU - Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Flexible, sands finely Bumper covers, soft filler panels, gravel deflectors, rocker panel

Method B w/ urethane rod (5003R1) orMethod C w/ Uni-Weld

 

covers FiberFlex (5003R10)

 

 

On solubility

The following is an incomplete list of the most common plastics used in Nerf and their compatibility with common solvents. A "Y" indicates that the solvent will dissolve the plastic in question. A "N" indicates that the solvent is not recommended for use with that plastic. Either it does not dissolve the plastic at all or does so poorly.

Polymethyl methacrylate (Acrylic)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: N- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: N- Tetrahydrofuran: N

Polyacetal (Delrin - POM)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: N- Acetone: N- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: N- MEK: Y

- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: N

Cellulose acetate butyrate (Butyrate)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Cross-linked low density polyethylene (PEX)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y (at 100%)- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: N- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Low density polyethylene (LDPE)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y

- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: N- Tetrahydrofuran: N

High density polyethylene (HDPE)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: N- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: N

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: N- Acetone: N- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: N- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: N

Nylon- 1,2 Dichloroethane: N- Acetone: N- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: N

- MEK: N- Methyl benzene: N- Tetrahydrofuran: N

Polycarbonate- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Polyester (Polyethylene terephthalate - PET)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: N- Methyl benzene: N- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Copolyester (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol - PETG)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y

- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Polypropylene- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: N- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: N

Polystyrene- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: Y

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)*

- 1,2 Dichloroethane: Y- Acetone: Y- Cyclohexanone: Y- Dichloromethane: Y- MEK: Y- Methyl benzene: Y- Tetrahydrofuran: Y*Includes PVC in pipe and flexible tube, as well as CPVC as we use it, since our CPVC is simply Copper-sized PVC and not Chlorinated PVC.

Teflon (TFE)- 1,2 Dichloroethane: N- Acetone: N- Cyclohexanone: N- Dichloromethane: N- MEK: N- Methyl benzene: N- Tetrahydrofuran: N

On solvents 1,2 Dichloroethane: Also known as Ethylene dichloride. Found in paint removers. Acetone: Found in small quantities in nail polish remover. Also found in various plastic

cements. Also found in acrylic paint thinners and varnishes. Can be bought pure. Cyclohexanone: Found in plastic cement, particularly ABS and PVC pipe cement. Dichloromethane: Also known as Methylene chloride. Found primarily in paint stripper.

Used as an industrial solvent. Banned in Europe. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK): Also known as Butanone. A large component of almost all

plastic cements especially ABS and polystyrene cement. Can be bought pure.

Methyl benzene: Also known as Toluene. Used mostly as a paint thinner or paint remover. Found along with MEK in polystyrene model kit cement.

Tetrahydrofuran: Found almost exclusively in PVC cement. Can also be in some varnishes.

Plastic cement is generally comprised of a solvent (or mixture of solvents) along with dissolve plastic resin of the plastic in question. Thus PVC cement will contain dissolved PVC along with the solvents.Examples:Genova ABS cement is around 20% Acetone, 60% MEK, and 20% ABS resin.Oatey Green Transition cement is around 40% Tetrahydrofuran, 35% Acetone and MEK, 10% Cyclohexanone, and 15% PVC resin.Look either on the can or search for Material Safety Data Sheets for the ingredients and quantities, and then look up which plastics these will work with.

PLASTICS RECOGNITIONSo that you can recognize which plastic you are dealing with, the following simple test is recommended:

1. A short test weld with the available welding rod. If the welding rod or tape is fixed firmly,the problem is solved.

2. Take a small sliver or shaving of the material to be welded and light it with a match,observe the flame and smell the smoke.On PVC blackish smoke and acrid smellOn Polyethylene no smoke, the material drips like a candle and also smells of waxOn Polypropylene no smoke, the material drips like a candle and smells of burnt oilOn Polyamide no smoke, pulls to form thread, smells of burn hornOn Polycarbonate yellowish sooty smoke. Sweetish smellOn ABS blackish smoke, soot flakes, sweetish smell

The welding rod and tape has the following colors: Welding temperature in °CHard PVC rod grey and red 300°CSoft PVC rod transparent 400-500°CSoft PVC tape grey 400-500°CHard Polyethylene rod black and white 300°C

Hard Polyethylene tape white 300°CSoft polyethylene rod black 270°CSoft Polyethylene tape transparent 270°CPolypropylene rod grey 300°CPolypropylene tape natural 300°CPolymide rod black 400°CPolycarbonate rod transparent 350°CXenoy tape grey 350°CABS rod white 350°CABS tape white 350°C

Because containers, pipes and foils are available in many different colors, it is not possible to judge from the color of an Article from which thermoplastic it is made. Since however 50% of goods are made of types of polyethylene this eases your recognition problem.

If contrary to expectations you have problems when welding, contact the service center at the address

1999-2000 GMC Truck Jimmy/Yukon (full Size) Denali Rear TPO or TEO (Thermo Plastic Olefin)2005-2009 GMC Truck S15Jimmy/Envoy w/denali model Front TPO or TEO (Thermo Plastic Olefin

E

Repairing Plastics with Two-Part Epoxies Sand backside of area to be repaired with 50 grit paper or coarser. Heavy grooving of the plastic is desirable to maximize the

mechanical strength of the bond. Afterward, sand lightly with 80 grit for finer grooving which will further improve adhesion. If the material is TEO, TPO or PP, you must apply 1060FP Filler Prep Adhesion Promoter. Brush onto the sanded area and allow

to flash off. Apply Fiberglass Reinforcing Tape over the damaged area. If part is SMC, cut a backing panel from a scrap piece of SMC. Make

sure the backing panel extends at least 2" beyond damage in all directions. Choose a two-part epoxy adhesive system to match the hardness of the substrate.

Flexible 2000 Flex Filler 2 (gray)

Rigid 2020 SMC Hardset Adhesive Filler (gray)

Mix epoxy adhesive in equal parts, apply over fiberglass reinforcing tape on backside of repair. Allow 15 minutes to cure before handling. On SMC, apply a bead of 2020 SMC Hardset Filler to the backing panel and press into place. Allow epoxy at least 20 minutes to cure before handling.

Sand frontside of damaged area with 50 grit paper or coarser and v-groove away from tear. The deeper and wider the v-groove is, the stronger the repair will be. Remove paint in the surrounding area and radius into the v-groove with 80 grit in a DA.

Again, if the material is a TPO or PP, apply 1060FP Filler Prep Adhesion Promoter. Mix and apply selected epoxy adhesive. Build up slightly higher than the surface to allow for sanding. Allow at least 20 minutes

to cure before sanding. On SMC, layer pieces of 2043-U Uni-Cloth fiberglass cloth into the v-groove between coats of epoxy. Use a saturation roller if necessary to fully wet the cloth with epoxy.

Contour and smooth the surface with 80 and 180 grit paper.

Repairing Plastics with PlastiFixRigid Plastic Repair Kit

The PlastiFix Rigid Plastic Repair Kit is a revolutionary plastic repair system that allows you to repair cracks, fill gaps, rebuild tabs, and fix stripped threads. The most unique feature of the PlastiFix Rigid Plastic Repair Kit is the FlexMold flexible molding bar. The FlexMold bar allows you to replace a broken tab by forming a mold from an undamaged piece, then casting your new part using the PlastiFix acrylic adhesive system. This system does not work on olefinic plastics like PE, PP, TEO, or TPO.

Getting Ready

 Dispense powder into cup Use pipete to dispense liquid into the dropper bottle.

 Insert dropper tip into bottle and place applicator needle onto dropper tip.Application

 Squeeze one drop of liquid into powder. Pick up liquid/powder mix with tip of needle.

 Squeeze bottle to apply liquid/powder mix to repair area.FlexMold Molding Bar Use

Place FlexMold bar in very hot water until softens. 

Shape FlexMold bar over pattern. Caution! Very Hot!

When FlexMold bar cools position in repair area 

Fill mold with PlastiFix powder/liquid mix, allow to cure, remove moldReinforcing

Cut fiberglass cloth to cover damage on backside. 

Cover fiberglass cloth with thin layer to PlastiFix powder.

Saturate powder with PlastFix liquid. 

Cover with plastic sheet, press to shape, allow to cure.Repairing a crack with PlastiFix

Sand away the paint surrounding the crack

V-groove along the crack line using a Dremel tools

Smooth out sharp angles with sandpaper

Apply aluminum tape to the backside to prevent PlastiFix from flowing out.

Repairing Stripped Threads

 Drill or file threads from hole. Apply lubricant to screw threads

 Apply PlastFix powder/liquid mixture to screw threads. While adhesive is wet, insert into hole.