What's the difference between polystyrene plastic and ABS plastic ?

[Alan 45]

In the instructions of my T2 kit it tells me what glues to use for this kit and tells me it's ABS plastic can I use poly cement with this kit ?

[Ian M]

short version ...no.

[Ian M]

long version is that ordinary styrne glue will not react and form a weld. CA or a specialist glue.

[Guest]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile_butadiene_styrene

gives info but nothing of use to a modeller (but states that it is tougher and more expensive than others, so I wonder why it is used for your kit). I have never seen any mention of ABS in Internet traffic relevant to painting. In telling you what glues to use, if polycement (the more popular) is not mentioned, that might be for a reason—that it is not suitable. I suggest you try polycement to join two sprue bits to see what happens after a few days.

[Alan 45]

Thanks folks you've been a big help , it does say to use tamiya extra thin cement so I'll get some of that

Thanks again for your help

[Guest]

Yes I have had this problem recently . Tried the usual poly stuff etc but almost like trying to glue with water it does not stick at all.

I found this Alan which may help.

You only need acetone, no need for other products or ABS chips.

Just brush acetone on both pieces, join them and wait 5 minutes.

You will find that your two pieces now are literally one piece.

There is not anything stronger for abs plastic.

Laurie

[rickoshea52]

DC Kits make their models from ABS plastic and supply the glue to go with it. It smells like MEK so any glue based on this solvent might be good. Poly cement is no use.

[eddiesolo]

I do agree with Laurie, acetone does work well. Another method is to use off pieces on ABS-melt them and use that as a adhesive.

Si

[Guest]

Thanks folks you've been a big help , it does say to use tamiya extra thin cement so I'll get some of that

Just seen part of your post which I did not take in Alan. I did try Tamiya Extra Thin and that was no better than poly cement.

Laurie