How sturdy is styrene?

[Burke]

I like making custom stuff and want to try my hand at a sci-fi Airsoft gun, but for it to be playable I need it to be sturdy. I want to use PVC but regular sheets arent bonding the way I want them to. How strong is styrene? Could it take the abuse if its built correctly?

 

[franz bolo]

What are you gluing the PVC with?

Maybe use wood.

FB

 

[Burke]

PVC Ive tried PVC cement, Model glue, and super glue. Im just not getting the bond I want. I was going to plastic weld the PVC but Im afraid of the toxic fumes. Im pretty sure I can plastic weld the styrene or at least super glue or MEK will provide a great bond.

Wood wont work in this application, plus Im terrible with wood lol.

 

[division 6]

Weld on #3 should work.

The thickness of the styrene will dictate how string it is.
Just remember once it's scribed or scratched that becomes a weak point where any flex can snap it.
Like all plastics UV light and the pollutants in the air will weaken it over time.

 

[Gorgot3000]

try with this

Loctite Super Glue All Plastics : Read reviews and compare prices at Ciao.co.uk

 

[Knightjar]

Depends what you're trying to make it do. If the glue or weld is holding it in shape, it probably won't be strong enough (for example rolling a sheet into a tube and gluing it). Wherever possible heat-form it. It's possible to make quite complex polyhedra that are very strong by heat-forming single sheets of thick styrene instead of assembling each face individually.

I think you'd probably be better off using resin to fabricate a custom airsoft shell, but we need to know what you have in mind in order to advise properly.