What can glue condom material to hard plastic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of connecting hard plastic panels to a flexible material for the purpose of creating an expandable plastic cube. Participants explore potential adhesives for bonding condom material to hard plastic and consider alternative materials or designs that could achieve the desired expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using condoms as a flexible material to connect the hard plastic panels, seeking advice on suitable adhesives.
  • Another participant suggests JB Weld as a versatile adhesive, while also mentioning Gorilla Glue, noting its expansion properties during curing.
  • A later reply questions the durability and expansion capability of condom material, suggesting it may not be suitable for the project.
  • One participant proposes an alternative design where the top and bottom panels could move inward like pistons to change the volume of the cube, raising questions about sealing methods.
  • Another suggestion involves using a balloon as a flexible component, indicating that it could maintain a seal even if adhesive failures occur.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the suitability of condom material for the project, with some suggesting alternatives and others focusing on adhesive options. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the desired expansion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for materials that can withstand strain without failure and the importance of adhesive properties in relation to flexibility and rigidity.

WilkinzMicawber
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I am manufacturing a plastic cube out of six flat, hard pieces plastic, of the same consistency as water bottle plastic. The top and bottom sides of the cube will be connected to the middle 4 panels by condom rubber. I need some kind of bendable plastic that can expand so that the cube can grow larger, and my only idea thus far is condoms. Does anyone either know of an adhesive that binds condoms to hard rubber, or know of a better solution to my problem than condoms? Any help is appreciated.
 
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JB Weld will glue anything to anything. I've also heard that Gorilla Glue is good but I've never used it.
 
WilkinzMicawber said:
I am manufacturing a plastic cube out of six flat, hard pieces plastic, of the same consistency as water bottle plastic. The top and bottom sides of the cube will be connected to the middle 4 panels by condom rubber. I need some kind of bendable plastic that can expand so that the cube can grow larger, and my only idea thus far is condoms. Does anyone either know of an adhesive that binds condoms to hard rubber, or know of a better solution to my problem than condoms? Any help is appreciated.
By how much does the cube expand?

One needs an elastomer that can strain to the desired range, ostensibly without failure.

http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/plastics-polymers-resins/elastomers/articles/guide-to-elastomer-properties.html

If one uses an adhesive, then is must form a bond without being to rigid.
 
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phinds said:
JB Weld will glue anything to anything. I've also heard that Gorilla Glue is good but I've never used it.
Gorilla glue (polyurethane glue) expands quite a bit as it cures - it foams up. So there is that to consider.
 
Gorilla glue also gets hot as it cures.

BoB
 
WilkinzMicawber said:
I need some kind of bendable plastic that can expand so that the cube can grow larger, and my only idea thus far is condoms.

Condom material does not expand much, and is made thin on purpose so it's not very durable. I don't think it is a material you should consider for this project.

Is this device related to your other thread? https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...project-help-appreciated.834103/#post-5237814

Can the top and bottom instead move into the cube to change its volume? They would act more like pistons, and you would then just need to figure out how best to seal the edges of the top and bottom against the inner surface of the box formed by the sides. Or could you just change to a cylindrical shape to simplify the sealing of the top and bottom against the inner surface of the cylinder?

:smile:
 
If this must be an expandable box you could get a balloon that is the approximate size you need. Glue flat panels to it. When expanding, if there are small failures of the adhesive you will still maintain a seal.

BoB
 

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