Thermoplastic Welding Rods
Thermoplastic welding rods are widely used in the automotive industry, for such things as car bumpers and motorcycle parts. They also have a vast range of uses in other areas, both domestic and industrial, for such items as kayaks, containers, toys, oil tanks, small household appliances and so on. They are essential for repairing many of the goods we use every day.
Our thermoplastic welding rods are available in an extensive range of colours and materials, as well as in numerous sizes and shapes: triangles and flat strips, for example. We can customise our products to suit your specifications. Rods come in different sizes - it could be 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm etc., this being the width of a strip or the length of one side of a triangle. There is a tolerance of +-0.3mm. This slight variation in size is an acceptable and normal part of the manufacturing process. We also supply domestic customers and small businesses with easy-to-use Hot Air Welders for carrying out repairs to items such as car bumpers and fenders and bicycle guards. We are also able to offer rods on coils.
Plastic Identification
Please first try to find a code on the plastic you want to repair. For example, inside car bumpers there is usually a stamp with a code on it which refers to which type of plastic it is made from. Usually it is inside or on the bottom of the bumper or other item. There may be letters such as ABS, PC or Xenoy etc. Different types of plastic are sometimes known as resins and there will be numeric symbols known as Resin ID Codes.
If you are unable to find any code or manufacturer’s mark, however, then you will need to carry out a test to determine what type of plastic you need to do the repair.
Based on a short weld test:
If the welding rod stays firmly affixed to the base material after it is thoroughly cooled, you have a successful material match.
Based on burn test :
A burn test is a simple procedure but needs to be done carefully in a safe location. Some plastics may not burn, but after a period of seconds you can identify the colour and smell of the plastic, as well as whether or not it drips. Ignite a small piece of material intended for welding and observe the flame. You will need to identify the smell and colour of the smoke produced.
PE - no smoke, burning material drips like a candle and smells of wax
PA - no smoke, burning material is stringy and smells of burned egg white
PC - yellowish smoke, smouldering, somewhat sweet smell
ABS - black smoke, flakes of soot, somewhat sweet smell
PP - melting, smell similar to paraffin but with perceptible flavour of acidity.
PS - melts dripping and burns with smouldering flame; acrid smell after extinguishing
