Boiling parts

[frogger]

I'm thinking of boiling a bunch of my son's front end parts for durability. What's the scoop, how long do I boil them for and does it really make a big difference in their eventual flexibility?

[CAClark]

That sounds mighty painful!

[Bathy]

Originally Posted by frogger

I'm thinking of boiling a bunch of my son's front end parts for durability. What's the scoop, how long do I boil them for and does it really make a big difference in their eventual flexibility?

Wow that brings back memories!!!

My very first 'proper' RC car, mini-mustang, had to boil the parts on that, thank god things have moved on... saying that, why are you boiling parts in 2008?

[jim76]

i was advised to biol parts on the lazer as the plastic was a little brittle. think i boiled them for around 10 mins then left to cool in the water.

to be honest, didn't notice that much improvement. If you hit something hard they will still break.

[frogger]

Boiling his CAR's parts!

I know that boiling plastic is still common on many consumer toys as part of the manufacturing process so it's still widely done today from what I'm told. I am hoping by doing it will it will make the parts on his car last a little longer without snapping.

I guess a little experimentation is at the order of the day then. 30mins on a slow simmer should be a good start

[RogerM]

I have often done this sort of thing, in fact the Kyosho cars I'm running now are the first for a long time where I've not felt the need to do this ..... including my rallyX cars!

The idea is that putting them through a heat cycle helps reduced the residual stresses left after the moulding process.

I've always done the same thing, as per the instructions I was given by Rory Cull's dad many years ago.

Bring a pot of water to the boil, drop the parts in .... heat till it reboils .... simmer for about 5mins then take the pot off the heat and let it cool to room temperature with the lid on.

Always worked a treat.

[frogger]

Thanks Roger, will give it a go.