IPC Weld On

[crazyjim]

I've been searching for a supply of Tenax 7R and most places are out of stock and don't know when they'll get any - if ever.

A google search came up with something called IPC Weld On #3 (fast) or #4 (slower) and I was wondering if anybody out there has ever used it. It's about $13.00 for a pint from Tap Plastics.

There's also something called Same Stuff from MicroMark that's supposed to be a direct replacement for Tenax.

[CAL]

Most of the Weld On PVC ABS cements are MEK, Tetrhydrofuran and Cyclohexanone.

Tenax 7R is METHYLENE CHLORIDE AKA Dichloromethane, found in hardware store paint strippers like Klean Strip.

Ambroid® PROWELD is METHYLENE CHLORIDE AKA Dichloromethane. exactly the same thing as Tenax 7R.

no data on MM Same Stuff

[crazyjim]

And if I remember correctly from previous posts, I want to stay away from MEK. I think I'll start looking for Ambroid. Thanks.

[jeffb]

i got the weldon #3 from a local plastic supplier. its a bit diferent than the tenax, but its pretty good. it seems to creep faster than the tenax, and i got a pint for just a bit more than the tenax.

[CAL]

And if I remember correctly from previous posts, I want to stay away from MEK. I think I'll start looking for Ambroid. Thanks.

You want METHYLENE CHLORIDE AKA Dichloromethane.

The smallest direct purchase of high grade is 4 liters of the stuff @ $140.00

[Art Anderson]

Most of the Weld On PVC ABS cements are MEK, Tetrhydrofuran and Cyclohexanone.

Tenax 7R is METHYLENE CHLORIDE AKA Dichloromethane, found in hardware store paint strippers like Klean Strip.

Ambroid® PROWELD is METHYLENE CHLORIDE AKA Dichloromethane. exactly the same thing as Tenax 7R.

no data on MM Same Stuff

WeldOn #3 is the liquid cement used in the fabrication of Acrylic plastic, AKA Plexiglas, and works just as well, exactly the same on styrene as do Tenax or Ambroid Pro-Weld at a fraction of the price. As for any "issues" with the stuff, when I consider how minute the amount I use of WeldOn, compared to the thousands of cubic feet of air in my home, I rather think that it's a non-issue. I have a quart can of the stuff here, decant that into an old Tenax bottle as needed (use an ordinary turkey baster for that), and always keep the vessels tightly closed when not in use.

Art

[PatRedmond]

Good to know, guys.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

I think you guys better do some research into methylene chloride before you start using it. I worked 29 yrs in a chemical plant that had large storage tanks full of it and other hazardous solvents. And I sure as h-ll wouldn't be smoking around it or burning it in any way. MECL2 when burned combines w/ carbon and makes COCL2 which is phosgene gas.

For your own safety and those of your family. You better pay attention to this post.

Edited December 30, 2009 by Gramps-xrds

[CAL]

WeldOn #3 is the liquid cement used in the fabrication of Acrylic plastic, AKA Plexiglas, and works just as well, exactly the same on styrene as do Tenax or Ambroid Pro-Weld at a fraction of the price. As for any "issues" with the stuff, when I consider how minute the amount I use of WeldOn, compared to the thousands of cubic feet of air in my home, I rather think that it's a non-issue. I have a quart can of the stuff here, decant that into an old Tenax bottle as needed (use an ordinary turkey baster for that), and always keep the vessels tightly closed when not in use.

Art

It's not exactly the same.

#3 is a cocktail of.

Methylene Chloride 90%

Trichloroethylene 9% Same thing as CA accelerator

Methyl Methacrylate Monomer 1%

Tenax and ProWeld was just Methylene Chloride

Probably works okay though.

I just don't really like the idea of Trichloroethylene, it has very high toxicity and has been banned from many uses and industry. It is also directly linked to Parkinson's

5ppm is considered the max safe level and #3 has 50ppm

[CAL]

I think you guys better do some research into methylene chloride before you start using it. I worked 29 yrs in a chemical plant that had large storage tanks full of it and other hazardous solvents. And I sure as h-ll wouldn't be smoking around it or burning it in any way. MECL2 when burned combines w/ carbon and makes COCL2 which is phosgene gas.

For your own safety and those of your family. You better pay attention to this post.

Yes, it is very volitile but it is the safest plastic welder solvents heathwise there is.

Actually I think it makes clorine gas which is very toxic at 500 degrees.

[crazyjim]

This is getting confusing to me. Even more confusing is going to the IPS Weld-On website. IPS lists their #3 & #4 cements to be used on acrylics, while their #4807 cement is for styrene. The typical model car kit is styrene - right? So why would #3 or #4 be used?

[CAL]

This is getting confusing to me. Even more confusing is going to the IPS Weld-On website. IPS lists their #3 & #4 cements to be used on acrylics, while their #4807 cement is for styrene. The typical model car kit is styrene - right? So why would #3 or #4 be used?

That might works, it is different yet from Tenax, ProWeld or #3, and has a lot less methylene chloride.

Methylene Chloride 30-60%

Methyl Acetate 30-60% which is okay: finger nail polish remover.

Methyl Methacrylate Monomer 5%

Edited December 30, 2009 by CAL

[MonoPed]

How does Plastruct Bondene compare to Tenax and the others?

[crazyjim]

I have about 1 1/2 bottles of Tenax 7R left so I ordered a bottle of Ambroid and the applicator kit.

I have also sent an email to Evergreen Plastics asking them if they can recommend an adhesive - Ambroid, IPS Weld-On #3, #4, or #4807. Or maybe something completely different. I'll post rersults if/when I get them.

[CAL]

i havent heard anything about Tenax being discontinued. several years ago there was a problem with finding it, something about the company having issues with the bottle supplier.

for Christmas i got a case of Tenax. i go through 6 bottles a year, that's how much i use it. i'm pretty well set now for two years of building and not have to worry about running out. that "case" came from two different area hobby shops where 6 bottles were found in each. in one location the employee didn't even know what Tenax was and my parents found it on the shelf themselves with all the other glues.

Tenax7R works awesome on kit styrene as well as that produced by Evergreen. it's absolutely worthless on anything made by Plastruct. if you need to glue Plastruct i'd recommend using one of thier glues meant for thier products. i avoid Plastruct unless they have a shape or size that Evergreen does not.

i'd recommend staying far away from M.E.K

Dave

That's probably because Plastruct is mostly ABS, they do some styrene but mostly ABS.

[CAL]

thanks Cal! in the rare case that i use Plastruct i use superglue as an adhesive. i just prefer to use Evergreen for scratchbuilding.

Dave

Me too, I have lots of Evergreen laying around. It seems you can never have too much of it.

[crazyjim]

Here's the reply from Evergreen.

Hi Crazy Jim,

Thanks for using Evergreen styrene products. I really like Ambroid. Bonding time is about the same as tenax. I think they're both methylene chloride based. In fact, if you can get your hands on on some straight methylene chloride, you'll appreciate it because it doesn't have much of an odor. I've never used IPS weld-on, so I can't really make a statement about it. MEK works good in a pinch, but it's a little slower, and doesn't evaporate as quickly (and it's odor is just too overpowering for me)

Best regards,

Mike

Evergreen Scale Models, Inc.

Phone (425) 402-4918

Fax (425) 402-7948

Toll-Free (877) 376-9099

E-mail info@evergreenscalemodels.com

Web www.evergreenscalemodels.com

[MikeMc]

Tower Hobbies lists Tenax as discontinued.

[MrObsessive]

Another vote here for Ambroid Pro Weld! I've used this for years now and have never had a problem with it losing its potency over time. Tenax for me was notorious for doing that, but it's sad to see another choice go by the wayside.

Edited January 1, 2010 by MrObsessive

[Guest snapper]

I just got a hold of some Ambroid Safe Weld. I'm not sure what the chemical make up is, but it is advertised as "non toxic". I haven't tried it yet, and I don't know if I can get any more.