how to make ABS cement

[hailrazer]

I am also interested in whether or not you can use it for big gaps. Could one even make a mold to custom pour their own case?

No the problem with abs cement is that when it dries it leaves air pockets in it. You only want to use it for small gaps to fuse the plastic together. Then use epoxy or bondo to form the major contours and to fill the larger gaps.

If you use the abs cement for large areas, after you paint a few weeks later you will begin to notice air bubbles in the paint and then eventually a hole will form.

[gamemasterful]

I guess making a sheet of plastic and trying to vacuum form with it is out of the question then. Or does the melting get rid of the air pockets?

[hailrazer]

I guess making a sheet of plastic and trying to vacuum form with it is out of the question then. Or does the melting get rid of the air pockets?

Definitely out of the question.

[themadhacker]

It would make more sense to just buy a sheet of plastic.

[limpport]

Can the ABS cement be stored in the containers, after the 2 day mark?

[themadhacker]

Do you mean can the ABS cement last more than two days in a container? Or are you asking if after left out for two days, can it still be stores and mushy?

For the fist, yes. I have had ABS in small glass jars last for months.

As for the second one, again, yes. It will be a bit stiff, though, so you will need to add some acetone to sort of loosen it up.

[limpport]

Yeah, I meant making a batch and saving it for later.

[limpport]

Just for reference, a Yobo case will fill a Mason jar 2/3 of the way full.

[themadhacker]

ya know, I had a thought. cutting up the plastic can be a chore. so next time I see a cheap blender at the salvation army, I'm going to get one. That way I can just put a few chunks of plastic and some acetone in the blander and have almost instant goop. I wouldn't want to make shakes in the blander after that lol.

[collinE]

I suppose that would work, but most of the time you want it a little thick and the motor could burn out quick. also it would add air bibles into it which might make for a more holey texture. just a thought.

unless you just mean blending the plastic and adding the acetone later.

[OMGpedobear]

i tried this but the plastic just sits in the acetone for hours getting a little squidgy at the corners and nothing else, do i need stronger acetone? Im 99% sure i am using abs as the little recyling symbol on the box (its a big plastic storage box) says abs.

[joeyjoe9876]

it takes more than a few hours to make ABS cement, mine took a few days to get ready

[themadhacker]

yeah, it takes at least a day before it is all melted. it also depends on the size of the plastic pieces you use. The smaller they are, the faster it melts.

For best results, every few hours get a stick from an ice cream bar or something and stir it.

[Erlex]

I did this, but wasn't very happy with the result. The resulting goo was very spongy with lots of air pockets. Not to mention it took several days for it to dry completely.

[joeyjoe9876]

erlex it is supposed to take several days to dry