Warped plastic parts - how do I flatten them out?

[bh1701]

The attached photos show the interior ceiling pieces for the Star Trek Galileo 7 shuttlecraft from Polar Lights. I had put the model aside for a couple of months and went to work on it last night. The ceiling pieces had been glued together a while ago, but they were now warped. I separated all of the parts and need some ideas on how to get these parts flat again, and to avoid warping issues when I put it back together.

For some more background, I was also using a piece of plastic mesh that is used with needlepoint to create a grid that replicated what was in the actual filming model. I also used some thin Evergreen or Plastruct plastic strips to create a frame on the interior portion of the ceiling to support the mesh and the original clear plastic insert. I probably just used Testor's tube glue to glue it all together. I am wondering if there was some interaction between the tube glue, mesh and/or plastic strips that caused the warping.

Thanks for your help!

Bart

 

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Warping of flat parts after gluing together is pretty much a given, even on not-so-big parts.

If I was trying to fix that, I'd first weight it (or otherwise hold it flat...maybe screws and little tabs around the edges) to a flat backing, and pour just-under-boiling water over the whole thing, give it a minute or so, then follow with cold water.

WARNING: Model kit "polystyrene" supposedly has a "plastic transition temperature" of right around 100C, which is 212F, where it deforms permanently, so CAUTION is in order, maybe working up from 160F, and see what happens.

If that didn't work, I'd get more aggressive with the heat, possibly using a heat-gun on it while holding the ends with leather-gloved hands (you may need to grow another one, as 3 are often required.

[yh70]

Boil you some water then set the part in it for 30 seconds. take it out and see how flexible it is. if it feels flexible enough set some heavy weight on it and let it cool on its on..if its not re pete for one minuet that should do the trick. but do test it as i dont know hot thick your part is, so the time may vary. i have straighten parts doing this before..as far as a heat gun thats a BIG NO trust me you dont want to even go their i ruined some parts using one..as far as glue get you some CA (super glue) medium or thick or some good liquid like Plastruct Plastic Weld..