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Plastic Identification: Performing a Weld Test
Sometimes, you may encounter the need to repair a type of plastic that is unmarked. Because matching plastic types is imperative for a quality repair, you must perform a weld test to know for certain what kind of plastic you are repairing. Whichever rod peels easily is not a match.
Always wear proper safety gear while working!
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Helpful Resources:
- For plastics with ID symbols, view our our Plastic Identification Chart for identification help.
- Text and photo tutorial: Fusion welding thermoplastics with the nitrogen plastic welder
- Video: Nitrogen/Hot Air Welding
- We have a huge selection of welding rod available to match a variety of plastics. View our Welding Rod List to see all of our options.
- Polyvance's current selection of nitrogen plastic welders
Video Notes:
- English Closed Captions have been provided for this video. Click on the CC button to turn them on or off.
- The length of this video is in no way representative of the actual time required to perform a complete repair and therefore should not be used for estimating purposes.
English Transcript:
This liftgate spoiler has no plastic ID symbols, so we will have to identify the plastic by performing a weld test.
Begin by grinding v-grooves into an area that will not be visible on the vehicle. Weld passes of the plastics that you suspect the piece could be made of. Here, we're testing TPO and polycarbonate. Leave excess welding rod protruding from the base, as you see here. Once the plastic cools, tug forcefully on the rod. If it peels easily, as demonstrated by this TPO, you know that it isn't a match. If your weld holds, as did this polycarbonate, you know that you have true fusion with a plastic rod and the base.
Look to Polyvance for all of your plastic repair product and training needs. We offer I-CAR Industry Training Alliance courses as well as other hands-on classes in addition to the video resources you can find on our website and on our YouTube channel.
