UV curing glue - any good? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2019, 12:52:26 pm
content: Has anyone used UV curing glues in electronics work?Something like this:https://www.amazon.com.au/Second-Repair-Plastic-Welding-Liquid/dp/B07QB2BKCR/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=ultraviolet+Liquid+Plastic+Welder&qid=1554381682&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0There's a brand called Bondic which seems the same but much more expensive.Aldi have it on special occasionally.Is it any good for tacking down green wires or bodging up prototype boards?Being UV cure I imagine its not useful to stick something down onto a flat surface.I thought it might be a nice alternative to CA / super glue and the horrible bloom that comes with it.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2019, 12:56:42 pm
content: Very useful. Buy it cheap off EBAY.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2019, 01:04:57 pm
content: Hey do you have any recommended sellers / links?What sort of uses have you found for it?Thanks

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2019, 01:09:16 pm
content: I just buy the generic type (as in your link picture) with the detachable UV light at the end; it should be super cheap and have used a number of sellers. Had a problem once in that it arrived squished and had leaked badly but I think I was unlucky on that occasion.I've used it to hold wires down, sit things in place, ... it's just like super glue only you can control when it sets so get the position right and then shine the UV.Fun stuff.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 04, 2019, 03:38:22 pm
content: We use the real stuff from Norland all the time for optics. I've never used the cheap stuff, but conceptually it's all the same, and very useful to be able to place, partially cure, tweak, cure a bit more, and then do a full cure. Some of the Norland stuff also has a heat catalyst, so you can use UV for an initial tack and then oven cure to ensure that even adhesive between opaque objects gets cured.

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2019, 01:33:56 am
content: Thanks guys. I'm off to eBay to order some.

author: The Electrician
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2019, 02:15:35 pm
content: Here in the states, I've seen this at a couple of places besides eBay where it's available to consumers. I've used the Home Depot version and it's very handy:https://www.homedepot.com/p/FiberFix-0-18-oz-Total-Repair-Adhesive-857101004440/301232093If a very strong 365 nm UV light is shined on it, the cure is so fast that the glue becomes hot and smokes!The other place I've seen it is:https://www.allelectronics.com/item/sh-220/light-cure-super-glue-w/uv-light/1.htmlAnd, of course, there are the expensive professional suppliers such as Loctite.

author: Skashkash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2019, 04:20:44 pm
content: I've been using it a lot lately. Works great.You do get some variation between manufacturers.Some of the glue sets up hard and clear, and some remains a little tacky.I've had best results with the rapid fix brand.https://www.amazon.com/RapidFix-UV-Liquid-Plastic-Adhesive/dp/B0186N6ABU/I just buy the refills, and use a strong UV light for fast setting.This Convoy S2 flashlight with a nichia 365nm UV led works great.https://us.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_277704.htmlYou can find it from a few different dealers for a little cheaper .Be sure to use proper eye protection with these higher power UV light sources.

author: The Electrician
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2019, 06:36:57 pm
content: Gear Best has the Convoy on sale now for $24. I don't think anybody else can beat that! I bought one a year ago when they had it on sale for $19. This flashlight needs a lithium 18650 battery and it's very powerful--it can make the Fiberfix glue smoke when held an inch away from the glue!One of the major complaints in the reviews on Amazon regarding the UV glues was the wimpiness of the supplied UV light source. Get one of these Convoys and that won't be a problem!Edit: I do see one on eBay for $23, so Gear Best got beat!

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2019, 07:29:36 pm
content: you have locktite tak pak with an accelerator ?