Automotive Plastics: Repair of the lugs (ABS plastic) on a car wheel dressrim, perforated metal sheet, car wheel

Question
Octavio,
Could you advise me on the type of adhesive that will satisfactorily repair broken ABS plastic, or if no satisfactory adhesive is available what procedure using heat will weld the two parts back together giving good structural integrety.
Thank you,
Gary.

Answer
Gary, heat-welding is the right way to repair ABS.The problem in doing this operation is that ABS(a thermoplastic),is usually transformed into useful pieces by injection molding. Injection requires both pressure and heat in order to get strong parts.Since by welding we can not handle pressure, as with a 40 watts soldering iron for instance,we get porous joints.However it is possible to improve these by adding more ABS if fitting permits.Another way to have good welding, is by inserting tiny pieces of perforated metal sheet, similar to the one you can see in a microwave oven door or in an automobile loudspeaker cover grille.This option is suitable only for thick walls.

Insert metal sheet with the iron tip by pushing in, as deep as possible and bend metal as required.A final advise:Do this in a well ventilated place. ABS welding generates vinyl cyanide (acrylonitrile) fumes which are very toxic. Thanks.