I have been trying to glue up a handle which includes aluminum trim rings and poker chip trim rings, the adhesive used is rod bond. The bond between the aluminum and poker chip has failed for the third time. I have properly cleaned the surfaces and even drilled small holes in both with no success. I am at a loss on what to do.

Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh

Jeff, I believe our Ultimat Gel 15min will do the job for you. Give me a call and lets talk. Scott

Which piece is it separating from, the Aluminum or the Poker Chip ? You have to sand, rough up, the surfaces of each before they will bond, especially plastic material, which is petroleum based . You may have to put a ring of cork between the Alum. and Plastic to get a bond and the little holes you drilled are a must in my opinion. I think Rod Bond is going to be the best epoxy to use.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

There may be more to bonding dissimilar surfaces than most think:

Jay is correct about the Rod Bond - take a look - [vetteworks.tripod.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/31/2009 11:50AM by Bill Stevens.

The adhesive didn't fail - the bond did.

Never rough up the surfaces beyond a good scouring/deglossing. Deep scratches and grooves actually weaken the bond. Clean and then scour with Scotchbrite.

Some plastics are difficult to bond to. Hard plastic chips aren't generally one of those, however. When side of the adhesive is not bonding - the side to the aluminum or the side to the plastic?

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I have to agree with you Tom, the adhesive did not fail it is the bond. The adhesive appears to have bonded with the aluminum but not with the plastic. Both had been deglossed with 400 grit paper. Thanks for your replies gentleman.

Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh

This may be a dumb question on my part but, is the poker chip flat or shaped in some way (indented, etc.)?

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No telling what was used to "coat the chip" - I would almost bet a surface mold release agent is on the surface preventing bond.

There may also be a silicone element in the plastic to make it slide across the table easier. Is it a professional Vegas chip or a home style or worse the real inexpensive type from Wallly world.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

It is really hard get a bond to plastic from my experience, aluminum, no problem. No , the adhesive did not fail. The bonding surface is what gave way. I'm wondering about a cleaning solution such as Vinegar. I know Vinegar is used to "bonderize" galvanized metal before paint will adhere. Bill has probably had some experience with this also.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I am expecting MJ to issure an official proclamantion from the All In World!

Some of the professional type chips are made from a type of clay. It's the home or hobby chips that tend be more plastic.

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Gentleman,

These chips are sanded smooth to remove the decorated faces and I have used them in the past with cork and wood without problems. Jay, I will give the vinegar a shot. There must be a contamination of some sort working here, quite possible a small speck of wax from the mandrel getting into the bond. Thanks for the help.

Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh

Jeff, I had the same problem with aluminum to cork. I attributed the failure to heat generated from sanding or cutting the spinning aluminum. Ultimate Gel and a slow-n-easy approach worked for me.

Tom White
Rod & Reel Restoration