How do you correct warped plastic parts

[John R]

I heard that you can immerse them in hot water but how hot does it have to be?

I didn't work very well for me even when the water was too hot to put my fingers in so I tried dropping the part into boiling water for a few seconds before fishing it out with tweezers but it nearly melted. It would appear that somewhere in between there is an optimum temperature. Does anybody know what it is or does it vary depending on the model manufacturer?

John

[PhoenixII]

I heard that you can immerse them in hot water but how hot does it have to be?

I didn't work very well for me even when the water was too hot to put my fingers in so I tried dropping the part into boiling water for a few seconds before fishing it out with tweezers but it nearly melted. It would appear that somewhere in between there is an optimum temperature. Does anybody know what it is or does it vary depending on the model manufacturer?

John

Hi John,

AFAIK hand hot is sufficient, but,

1. You may need to manipulate, depending what part, where the warp is etc. There may be recourse needed to 'mechanical' means,

i.e. 'pegs', clamps, masking tape et al

2. As soon as you have the part 'where you want it'! run the whole thing under COLD water, this will 'set' the plastic.

Kit plastics vary in their compound, hard, soft or brittle but in the end they are ALL Thermoformed, therefore all will react to a heat source.

BUT, this type of plastic has a memory, as far as 'remembering' its form after it left the mould, hopefully one 'bath'

should work, but repeated 'dunks' won't hurt......honest!

All the best,

Paul

[John R]

Thanks.

I was more cautious with the second wing and gradually raised the temperature until I was able to straighten it but it was a bit 'comfortable' before I could de-warp it. I let it soak to get the whole thing at a uniform temperature and cooled it running water. It was stable for a few days but then I found it had remembered how it used to be and the warp crept back in!!!!!

Why can't it remember that it came out of a straight mould?

John

[PhoenixII]

Thanks.

I was more cautious with the second wing and gradually raised the temperature until I was able to straighten it but it was a bit 'comfortable' before I could de-warp it. I let it soak to get the whole thing at a uniform temperature and cooled it running water. It was stable for a few days but then I found it had remembered how it used to be and the warp crept back in!!!!!

Why can't it remember that it came out of a straight mould?

John

Ah ha, the $64,000 question! Ask anyone who has de-moulded at Trun!!

Paul