Gluing objects to a round surface question

[franz bolo]

I am customizing a toy to look similar to the SW Training Remote.

I want to add a 3.5" circular piece of plastic to the curved surface but naturally it won't work.

What is the best way to do this? It's a vinyl toy. What is the best thickness of plastic to use? I assume using a heat gun would work but have never used one.

Any tips would be appreciated.

FB

 

[Gigatron]

if I'm reading you right, you want to add a flat, disc shaped piece of styrene to a curved surface and have it lay flat?

First thing I would do is make a paper template. You'll find that a disc on a curved surface isn't a true circle when layed flat - a hard lesson I learned when making my training remote. As to what kind of styrene; .10 is going to probably be the easiest to get to conform to shape. I would glue the disc to the ball with some 5 minute epoxy. Once that's had a day to dry, use a hair dryer to slowly and evenly heat the styrene until it's maleable. Continue heating until it's taken the curve of the ball and then allow to cool off.

-Fred

 

[madrobot]

Or... You could go to Michael's Crafts, and pick up a clear ornament shell in the right size for about 2 bucks.

 

[darth_myeek]

FB what about vacforming this using the joewhite tutorial? I was thinking that would be a perfect first use for it.

-DM

 

[franz bolo]

Thanks guys! The surface was not uniformly circular and the parts I glued worked perfect because that area wasn't as curved as I thought.

Gigatron, what happens to the epoxy as you heat it up? Does it loosen up at all?

Thanks!

FB

 

[Gigatron]

I've never had it loosen up and I've purposefully tried to melt it (that's why you test fit twice and glue once :lol). If it does melt under direct flame, it's way after the styrene melts, that's for sure :cry.


-Fred