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Guide 1 - Acrylic Cementing

Written By: OpenROV (Sofar)
  • Comments: 14
  • Favorites: 0
  • Completions: 55

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

46

Time Required

02:00:00

Sections

1

Flags

0

Introduction

We will introduce the usage of acrylic cement in this guide. This is a little tricky at first, but you will get a feel for it. Take your time to get good at this, as it will be more important in the future.

All of the acrylic pieces we use for OpenROV's structure and some of the other parts are clear. This is very hard to see in photographs so we've used a smoke-gray acrylic for the instructional.

  1. You will find the acrylic pieces you need in both the 6mm and 3mm bags of acrylic.

    • You will find the acrylic pieces you need in both the 6mm and 3mm bags of acrylic.

    • You may have some acrylic pieces that have some debris from the laser cutting process in the holes. They should come out easily pushing them through.

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  2. Before starting each section make sure to remove the paper backing from the pieces used only in that section.

    • Before starting each section make sure to remove the paper backing from the pieces used only in that section.

    • A knife or your fingernails can be used to start removing the paper from a corner.

    • Use caution when using sharp tools.

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  3. The cement is solvent based, meaning it is not sticky but as it cures it bonds like materials.

    • The cement is solvent based, meaning it is not sticky but as it cures it bonds like materials.

    • Before you start, watch this great video on how to use acrylic cement from TAP Plastics.

    • The best way to apply cement is to hold the syringe bottle upright (tip at the top) and squeeze out a bunch of air, so when you turn the syringe bottle upside-down (and don't squeeze the bottle), air will burble inward and not allow cement to flow out. When you're ready to apply cement, lightly squeeze the bottle to overcome the vacuum pressure.

    • Only a little cement is required to make a good bond. Use the capillary effect to apply cement to a joint and have the cement work its own way into the space.

    • The acrylic cement does drip and should be done over a surface that can get dirty. Paper towels work well for this.

    • When working with acrylic cement it is recommended that you wear gloves, safety glasses, and work in a ventilated area.

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  5. Remove these pieces from the bags.

    • Remove these pieces from the bags.

    • In order to increase the contrast in the pictures we will use smoke colored acrylic for this build. Your acrylic parts will all be clear.

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  9. Don't apply acrylic cement yet.

    • Don't apply acrylic cement yet.

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  20. Make sure it is flush in both directions.

    • Make sure it is flush in both directions.

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  22. Make sure it is flush in both directions and at a right angle.

    • Make sure it is flush in both directions and at a right angle.

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  26. The edge piece is pointing up.

    • The edge piece is pointing up.

    • The large opening is to the left.

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  29. This piece is on the same side as the semi-circle opening.

    • This piece is on the same side as the semi-circle opening.

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  33. We are going to use the motor as a centering pin for the endcap.

    • We are going to use the motor as a centering pin for the endcap.

    • Save these. You will need them later.

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  46. Do NOT glue these pieces together.

    • Do NOT glue these pieces together.

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  47. Continue your build by progressing to Guide 2.

    • Continue your build by progressing to Guide 2.

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Finish Line

55 other people completed this guide.

Author

OpenROV (Sofar)

Member since: 09/28/2013

28,675 Reputation

37 Guides authored

Team

OpenROV Internal Member of OpenROV Internal

Community

1 Member

37 Guides authored

6 Comments

Add a comment

How much acrylic cement is required for this entire project? 5oz? 10oz? 125ml? 250ml?

Tristen Harris - Reply

I don't have an exact number at this time but an offhand best guess is about 1-2oz (30-60ml) -Brian G.

OpenROV (Sofar) -

Just completed. Half an ounce is more than enough for this step, unless you spill it.

Sean Leary -

Just started making the ROV. Bought it over a month ago and have been busy.complete with part one. The acrylic can spilled when I popped the lid. Don't do this near your parts. So far....so good.

David Hunter - Reply

Very nice guide, so easy to follow. Pictures are very good quality.

I did all 46 steps in two afternoons. I am so happy to be building my ROV 2.8

Congratulations to all the people that participated in this guide, and thank you all very much!

Let's see how I do on part 2... Piagui5

Manuel Pintado - Reply

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