Varieties of Star adhesives for models, instructions for use and replacement mode
Model building is one of the techniques for developing spatial thinking. Modeling is in demand at different stages of engineering or computer design education. Objects are constructed using sets of different parts. To connect the elements of the models, glue from popular manufacturers is used: Zvezda, Kristal KLear and others. The formulations have different characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Basic requirements for model glue
Model glue is the basis for a high-quality assembly. With the help of adhesives, structural elements made of various materials are held together.
Several types of requirements are imposed on the compositions, which ensure the proper functioning of the models and compliance with the established standards:
- Operation. The basis involves the creation of a reliable glue joint, ensuring a strong connection of the parts, matching the sides in shades.
- Process technology. Compliance with standards on the toxicity of chemical compounds, comfort of use thanks to the viscosity of the composition.
- Ecology. Reduced corrosivity of the adhesive base, no chemicals harmful to health.
- Special Terms.The ability to create a seamless seam, resistance to oils and other liquids.
Varieties
Adhesive bases are classified according to several main characteristics. When modeling, a suitable option is selected that meets the requirements.
Usual
A standard all-purpose construction adhesive consists of several parts of butyl acetate and polystyrene. The bonding effect is achieved by partially dissolving the plastic particles on the bonded surfaces. For reliable connection of parts, both sides are treated with a compound, pressed together and left for some time.
superfluid
The fluidity of the bases is due to the increased content of butyl acetate. Such foundations are used for working in hard-to-reach places. The peculiarity of the composition is instant setting, so you need to work with glue quickly and accurately. It is customary to use a brush for application.
Transparent
Clarity, as a physical characteristic, is important for adhesives. Some models, when designing small-sized objects, involve gluing with bases invisible from the side without a clear definition of the boundary of the glue joint.
The peculiarity of the glue is a dull white color, which when dried becomes completely transparent. A similar composition is used when gluing transparent or small-sized parts.
Cyanoacrylate
The composition is based on cyanoacrylate. With its help, the parts are quickly glued together, but with the mobility of some elements, insufficient strength of the joints is noted. Liquid cyanoacrylate bases cure faster than thick formulations. The difficulty arises when storing the glue.Optimal storage conditions imply maintaining the temperature regime at the turn of +5 to +10 degrees with simultaneous low air humidity.
Epoxy
Epoxy is used to bond wood, glass, resins and similar materials. They are unable to connect plastic parts due to the nature of the structure. Most often, the glue is produced with a solvent. It is used to dilute resin in a 1:1 ratio. Both formulations are available in convenient syringes with an applicator. Before starting work, they are mixed on a prepared clean surface. It should be remembered that resins promote active hardening. Therefore, the modeler has about 5 minutes of free time to process and assemble the parts.
What glue is suitable for paper models
Paper or cardboard models are glued with PVA glue. Stationery glue is used to glue paper, but if necessary, it can be replaced with a universal compound. It successfully glues cardboard elements as well as thin wooden elements.
PVA makes it possible to quickly assemble parts with simultaneous processing on both sides. When applied, it is white, of medium viscosity. After drying, it becomes almost transparent, but with careless use it leaves visible traces.
Advice! When working with PVA, it is pressed on a special medium, diluted with water until a liquid composition is obtained.
Examples of Effective Adhesives
When working with parts, models take into account different characteristics. Moving parts involve sticking with a subsequent change in the angle of rotation. Connecting parts to which additional elements are attached involves the use of high-strength compounds.
Kristal Klear
A one-component compound produced by a Swiss company for bonding materials of different structures. Glue is used on construction sites. It is used when connecting a volumetric part with a larger base. For solidification, no additional solutions are used, the glue hardens under the influence of moist air. The adhesion of the parts has a high level of resistance.
K-19
The composition is characterized as superfluous, with the ability to connect small parts. It penetrates into hard-to-reach elements, glues cracks, seals joints. After drying, it becomes transparent, it is used for adhesion of transparent parts, since the seam does not have pronounced boundaries, it is not visible from the side.
Star
The adhesive base does not have a pronounced odor, it washes off easily, unlike superglues based on butyl acetate. It is purchased for gluing plastic parts of folding models. He glues paper and small pieces of wood.
Information! The disadvantage of the composition is considered inconvenient packaging. The glue is produced in small bottles of 12 milliliters. Users note that the containers are unstable, prone to tipping over and leaking.
Rules and characteristics of use
When working with adhesive substrates, it is recommended to follow the basic rules for bonding parts. In this case, the material from which the glued surfaces are made is taken into account. When gluing a small part to a large base, the glue is applied to one side of the smaller part. The model assembled with a different number of parts is glued together in stages. Before starting work, the prepared parts are laid out, the order of assembly is determined.
Application rules depend on the type of adhesive base: some adhesives are applied on both sides, resistant compounds drip on part of the part and press against the base for several seconds. In this way, the adhesive force is ensured.
Warning! A modeling error is the poor distribution of the order in which the collection is performed. Experienced modelers are advised to distribute the elements not only according to the proposed schemes, but also taking into account their own convenience.
Additional tips and tricks
Modeling is a meticulous job that requires a systematic approach. It usually takes about 3 minutes to glue the two parts together, but it takes about 1 hour for these elements to dry completely.
Modelers spend more than a day creating volumetric models. The quality of work depends on compliance with the basic rules. There are various nuances that are not immediately apparent:
- Too much adhesive liquid is not poured on the joint, because the excess will flow on the surface, staining the elements and the hands.
- When a drop of glue hits a part of the model, the glue is not erased, but left to harden, in order to then remove it by sanding the area.
- The superglue bonded places are additionally degreased to minimize the risk of disengagement.
- When gluing, take into account the structure of the surfaces to be joined, follow the instructions on the packaging.
- When working with toxic formulations containing volatile compounds, use a protective mask and gloves.
- The work surface is covered with oilcloth or special films to prevent material damage.
- Applicators don't always help apply base precisely, so designers often use cotton swabs or toothpicks to distribute the drop.
- When using ultra-strength compounds, they work as precisely and quickly as possible so they have time to set the composition before it has time to set.
For some adhesives, it is common to use brushes, which can be purchased from the office supply department.