Surface
Preparation
Following these simple preparatory steps will insure a successful repair.
Plastic
components can be repaired from the front or rear according
to ease of access. Reinforcement welds can be used across
the rear of a front repair to restore strength to areas
designed to withstand impact. The photographs on the following
web pages demonstrate a repair on the front of a component.
If the damage passes behind a decorative or protective trim, this must be removed from the damaged component to provide complete access to the repair area.
Trims are usually
fixed with an adhesive that softens with heat treatment.
Attempting to remove a trim that is cold can damage it
beyond repair.
The LEISTER TRIAC hot air tool can supply 230 liters of air per minute at a precise temperature between 20°C and 700°C. For trim removal, the hot air tool is used without a welding nozzle at a temperature setting of 300°C. The temperature charts on the tool body show the rotary control setting to achieve the correct air temperature.
Whenever the hot air tool is in use, the end of the element housing becomes extremely hot. Always rest the tool on its stand when not in use.
Moving the hot air tool over the trip surface aids even heat absorption to soften the adhesive. It also prevents localized heat build-up. When the adhesive is soft, the trip should pull away neatly and allow for reuse after the repair.
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