How to Weld PBT

PBT welding can repair broken electrical connectors.

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is used extensively in the insulation of electronics but can be found in products as diverse as toothbrush bristles and automotive plug connectors. Welding PBT presents few difficulties when using a forced hot air plastic welder and an appropriate welding rod, but care should be taken after the part has been welded to avoid moving or touching the parts until the plastic has set. The reason for this is that PBT is extremely pliable at temperatures exceeding 120 degrees, and touching the part while it is in this pliable state could deform its shape.

Things You'll Need

• Welding clamps
• Forced hot air plastic welder
• PBT welding rod

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Instructions

1. Clamp the parts you will be joining or repairing into the position in which they are to be welded. The parts should just touch one another to allow the PBT weld filler material to penetrate the crack or joint.

2. Insert the PBT filler rod material into the hole at the tip of the forced hot air welder, and then plug the welder in and turn it on. Allow the welder to heat up to its full temperature. This should take no more than one to two minutes.

3. Position the tip of the welder at the leading edge of the PBT plastic parts being welded, allowing the forced air to gently warm the plastic. Once the parts exhibit a slightly shiny appearance, press the filler rod into the welder.

4. Run the bead of filler material along the joint that is being welded, drawing it toward you at a 45-degree angle. You will notice that the molten plastic from the welder will bead up slightly on the surface and flow into the crack or any gaps between the two parts. As the plastic cools, it will conjoin with the surrounding plastic to connect the parts permanently.

5. Shut off the welder and remove the plastic welding rod after you have completed the joint. Allow the plastic to cool completely before attempting to handle the plastic parts. Depending on the surrounding air temperature, this should take between 10 minutes and 15 minutes. Attempting to handle the parts before this could result in deformation of the part.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not touch the heated PBT plastic with your bare hands. It could stick to your skin, causing a severe burn.

References

• "Plastics and Composites Welding Handbook"; David Grewell; 2003
• "Welding For Dummies"; Steven Farnsworth; 2010
• "Welding Fundamentals"; Roger Jellison; 1995

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish