Possibly
world’s first liquid plastic welder.…
© 2015 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
There are many remedies to fix damaged items.
Typically different materials require different solutions. Some work, some
don’t. Most often the results are less than satisfactory.
I recently tested a product called Bondic. It differs
from most other processes in that it solidifies only by exposure to UV light,
not by outside air, thus making an immediate secure bond. While it works best
on rough surfaces, its applications are not necessarily limited to that and can
include sealing all kinds of materials. In most applications you have to work
in layers and make sure the first layer goes inside the crack or hole to get a
perfect lining. The more layers you create the more sustainable the repair will
be. Once hardened you can smooth it out by using conventional methods.
(TIP: This
product builds, fixes and fills most any material be it plastic, metal, glass,
etc., and cures in just seconds. It fills, repairs, fixes leaks, and connects
where glue can’t. It rebuilds broken material and makes new plastic in 4
seconds just to mention a few possibilities. It can be sanded and painted.)
So, how do you use it? Bondic comes as a kit that
contains a pen cartridge with applicator and a mount for a supplied UV light.
The applicator allows for a thin stream of bonding agent to be slowly ejected
by simply squeezing the black plastic housing. It’s black to prevent exposure
to light eliminating the possibility of curing in the pen. I found this process
to be a great feature compared to glues and other agents that are not easily
controllable. Once satisfactorily applied, you flip the applicator around, turn
the UV light on and aim the light to the bonding material. The bonding agent
must be visible for this to work and can also be cured in this manner under
water. This process only takes seconds and the repair is complete. The bond is
waterproof and offers electrical insulation for low voltage applications.
This
means you can repair various computer related cables where the insulation or
strain relief tears or breaks loose. While certainly not a substitute for
soldering it can be used to join and insulate low voltage cable ends and hold
items in place on circuit boards.
(TIP: I have not tried this, nor seen it
work, however, the manufacturer has had an independent testing lab confirm the
successful use of Bondic in repairing a hole or crack in a normal home water
line.
According to these tests it can withstand a water pressure of up to
120psi and a temperature range of 0c ~ 100c [32° ~ 212°f]. You
must create a wedding band around the hole/crack that covers the circumference
of the pipe - reaching around and touching itself again and then follow the
curing process as previously outlined. Check your local water utility for the
PSI rating in your area and understand it could vary.)
Bondic is a great repair solution. One pen size cartridge
applicator can last a long time depending on what you are repairing. Pen
cartridges and/or UV light replacements are available separately so you don’t
have to repurchase an entire kit. To put it mildly, Bondic is a great repair
solution. New uses are just a project away…. I’m extremely impressed!!!
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: Bundle $24.99 ~ Replacement Cartridge $12.59 ~ Replacement
UV Light $6.59 (Available on line by the manufacturer, at Amazon, HSN and at
various retail locations in the USA and Canada)
Graphic
credits: Bondic, Google Images
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
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