Maven Polyolefin Bonding Torch (Fuel Not Included due to Hazmat regulation)
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Regular price
$25.00 CAD
3 units available
The Maven Polyolefin Bonding Torch is a small butane-fuelled blue-flame torch that enables you to perform flame treatment to hard-to-bond plastics, transforming them to be easily bondable with most standard adhesives. So after blue-flame treating the surface, you can likely use your favorite or go-to glue to bond that hard-to-bond plastic.
Glues that work well with Blue-Flame Treatment:
Epoxies, Acrylics, Superglues, Urathanes, Polyurethanes, UV Glues
Plastics that respond very well to Blue-Flame treatment:
- Polyethylenes (PE, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, UHMW, as well PE blends)
- Polypropylenes (PP, PPCO, PPHO, as well as PP blends
- Thermoplastic Polyolefins - TPOs (for example, soft rubbery plastics like flexible PVC, etc)
- Polybutylene - PB (for example some plastic pipes, Hot Melts)
NOTE: Due to regulatory issues, this torch ships without the butane fuel cartridge. You will need to purchase any butane fuel cartridge separately.
About Flame Treatment
Flame treatment is a surface preparation technique used to improve the adhesion of adhesives, coatings, and inks to polyolefin plastics like polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). It works by increasing the surface energy of the material, making it more receptive to bonding.
How Flame Treatment Works
Polyolefins are non-polar polymers, meaning their surfaces lack the electrical charge needed for strong bonds to form with most adhesives. This results in a low surface energy. Flame treatment introduces a controlled, oxidizing flame to the surface. This high-temperature, oxygen-rich environment breaks the long polymer chains at the surface and creates new functional groups, such as carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. These groups are polar and increase the surface energy of the plastic. The higher surface energy allows the adhesive to "wet out" or spread more effectively across the surface, creating a stronger, more reliable bond.
How to Perform Flame Treatment with a Handheld Torch
This process must be performed carefully to avoid melting the plastic or creating a fire hazard.
Materials Needed:
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Fire Extinguisher
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Butane fuel (as needed)
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Polyolefin plastic part to be treated
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Safety glasses and gloves
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Well-ventilated area
- Handheld butane torch
Why a Blue Flame is Necessary
The goal of flame treatment is to oxidize the polymer surface. This requires an oxygen-rich flame. A blue flame is a sign of a high fuel-to-air ratio, meaning there's sufficient oxygen for complete combustion.
In contrast, a yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion due to an insufficient oxygen supply. The yellow color comes from glowing soot (unburned carbon particles) within the flame. Using a yellow flame for flame treatment would deposit this soot onto the plastic, contaminating the surface and resulting in a weak, unreliable bond.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
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Preparation: Ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Make sure the plastic part is clean, dry, and free of any dirt, grease, or mold release agents.
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Fuel the Torch: The torch is not pre-fueled, fill it with butane according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Adjust the Flame: Ignite the torch and adjust the flame to a sharp, blue flame with a light blue inner cone. This indicates an ideal fuel-to-air mixture for an oxidizing flame.
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Application: Hold the torch so the tip of the light blue inner cone gently touches the surface of the plastic. Move the flame quickly and continuously across the entire area to be bonded. The speed should be about 10-12 inches per second. Avoid holding the flame in one spot to prevent melting or warping.
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Duration: The treatment should be very quick, typically a few passes is enough. A slight glossy sheen or "wetting" effect on the surface indicates a successful treatment. Do not overheat the plastic. Over-treatment can degrade the surface and lead to a weaker bond.
Inspection and Bonding: The treated area will retain its increased surface energy for several hours, but it's best to apply the adhesive or coating as soon as possible after treatment, typically within 30 minutes. Once treated, do not touch the surface with your bare hands, as skin oils can re-contaminate it.