Using acetone to glue ABS parts

[Keith Doyles]

Hi,

In a few of the InMoov blogs, there is mention of using acetone to glue the ABS parts together.

I searched online and it looks like people are using acetone to smooth the surface of 3D prints.

Can anyone provide directions on how to use acetone to glue ABS parts together? I was originally thinking of using Super Glue or Plastic Epoxy Bonding, but I'd like to know if there is a better way to glue two ABS pieces together.

Thanks in advance,
Keith.

[gael langevin]

Acetone is great for ABS, it disolve the surface creating a very strong bonding between parts. If the parts are nice flat in contact, you can just use pure acetone with a brush, it will infiltrate between the parts very well. I also made a small jar (should close very well) in which I put acetone and drop pieces of used ABS, the pieces will disolve very rapidly, you will then have a sort of slimmy glue, which you can apply with a brush. In the gear casings or on gears, I brush pure acetone which seals the sratifacations together avoid grease to leak between the the layers.
Of couse you can also bath ABS parts in acetone for a a minute or two, but It isn't necesseray for InMoov.

[Anton Fosselius]

"Of couse you can also bath ABS parts in acetone for a a minute or two, but It isn't necesseray for InMoov"

This makes the layers stick together better as well (they will melt together). Be careful, the part might become "soggy" or melt to much.

[Keith Doyles]

Gael,

Thanks for the prompt response. This answers my question.

BTW, congratulations on the fantastic mechanical design. I can see InMoov becoming a great development platform to explore fundamental concepts such as motion control to higher level abstractions such as Human Robot Interaction (HRI).

Regards,
Keith.

[gael langevin]

Glad we've been of help on this subject.

[Alan Braga]

Here in Brasil is difficult to buy acetone, because is prohibited by the government laws.

But we can buy from internet of other countries. Does anyone can help me with some store that sells acetone and ship it to Brasil?

Thanks a lot.

[RobotGuy6]

Can you buy ABS (yellow) plumbing pipe cement? It is acetone based and works awesome as a glue. Half of my inMoov is made with it...

[Roger]

Hello Gael, All, 

Do you have a link for me on where to buy ACETONE online?

currently I'm using some J-B Weld plastic bond for PLA but is black...and makes InMoov hands looks dirty..., 

Thank you for your help as always, 

Kind Regards, 

Roger

[Ray Edgley]

Hello Roger,

Acetone will not work on PLA.

Most builders here using PLA use CA glue, also known as super glue or a similar product.

I found plastic welding using a 3D Ped works better for me when using PLA.  This gives a joint that is far stronger than CA glue, and can be filed flat to form a seamless join.

I did create a video of the welding process, it's not the best quality video but i think it demonstrates it ok.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b109xL2KMQU&t=1417s

If you choose to use ABS, the Acetone will be your best friend, it acts a solvent with the ABS and when set gives you a join as strong as the original material.

Regards,

Ray.

[Roger]

Hi Ray, 

Sorry I wasnt clear enough, I was using PLA before and now I'm printing InMoov in ABS, 

so do you have a link to where I can buy it online? I have tried amazon and ebay with no luck instead the results 

are actone for nail polishing...., scratching my head. 

Thank you for your help, 

Kind Regards, 

Roger

[Ray Edgley]

Hello Roger,

The Acetone i have here is Diggers Brand and was purchased from my local Miter10 hardware. it's in a 1 litre container.

Now having said that, I'm in Country Victoria, Australia.

I have also seen it in Bunnings Warehouse, another hardware store.

In both cases, it was in the paint section with all the other thinners.

Regards,

Ray

[gael langevin]

Hello,

I do not have a link online. Solvent for nail polish is acetone based in most cases.

In France we can buy acetone from the drugstore, which sells all the product for the house.

We also can buy it in the paint shops as Ray says.

Gael Langevin

Creator of InMoov

InMoov Robot

@inmoov

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[wilco van toorn]

Acetone from paint supply is also way cheaper. And stronger. Not diluted

[Roger]

Hello Gael, Ray, Wilco, 

Thank you for all your great advises :), I also looked back at your answers Gael, about that you made a small jar of acetone with pieces of ABS in it, I will definitely try it. 

Hi Ray, 

I will get them from Bunnings :), I saw your Diggers Brand Acetone on their website as I'm in Australia as well NSW. 

Thank you for all your help, 

Kind Regards, 

Roger