On Sep 5, 9:59 pm, "Karl Townsend"
wrote:
I need to bond a small stip ofUHMWplastic to 304 stainless steel. How?

Karl

Hi Karl,

I sell offcuts of UHMW on ebay and in major woodworking chains like
Lee Valley and Woodcraft.

You can't actually glue UH to anything if you want a durable, strong
joint, because UHmw is a closed molecule that won't even absorb water,
let alone the glue components you're trying to create a bond with.

The best you'll ever be able to achieve is an "atmosphere bond" with
self-adhesive tape. As has already been noted, if you don't have a
lot of shear strength needed, that may do all right for you.

You CAN weld UHMW, but it takes special equipment and a specialized
skill. Probably not worth it for a single job.

I think your original idea of using rivets is probably the best bet
for the job.

The idea of crazing the surface by etching it or using a propane torch
is iffy. UHMW melts almost at the same temperature that it ignites at
- you could have a real mess from that.

BTW, if the UH DOES melt, it smells like candles, but the drippings
are NOT wax. They'll cause 2nd and 3rd-degree burns. Be careful.

Eric