Sofia Martinez
ATV fenders are typically made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials. These are considered oily plastic materials, or olefinic plastic materials, which allow dirt and mud to wash off and prevent paint or adhesives from fusing. Other materials used for ATV fenders include thermoplastic olefinic elastomer (TPO) and thermoplastic rubbers (TPE). TPO is a proprietary material that is resistant to chemicals, while TPE is a mix of plastic and rubber commonly used in ATV belt kits. When repairing cracks in ATV fenders, it is important to use welding rods made of the same plastic type as the fender to ensure a sturdy and durable result.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) |
| Polyethylene Type | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Welding | Possible with various techniques |
| Melting Point | 120-130 °C (248-266 °F) |
| Gluing | Difficult without pre-treatment |
| UV Radiation | Can become brittle from UV radiation, Carbon black used as a UV stabilizer |
| Paint and Decals | Don't stick well to the surface |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to most solvents, alcohols, dilute acids, and alkalis |
| Repair | Easy to repair by reheating to melting point |
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What You'll Learn
ATV fenders are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a denser type of polyethylene compared to other grades of PE. It is chemically resistant, meaning it is unlikely to be damaged by chemicals that it may be exposed to on an ATV. It has excellent resistance to most solvents, including acetone, and good resistance to alcohols, dilute acids like battery acid, and alkalis.
HDPE is also weldable, which is useful for repairing cracks in ATV fenders. Various welding techniques can be used, but a particular type of heat gun and PE-welding rods is most suitable for DIY applications. The low melting point of HDPE, between 120 and 130 °C (248 to 266 °F), makes it suitable for welding. However, it cannot be glued without pretreatment, as the chemically resistant properties prevent most glues from bonding. One method of pretreatment is flame treatment.
HDPE can become brittle from UV radiation in sunlight, so carbon black is often used as a UV stabilizer to improve UV resistance. Additionally, paint and decals do not adhere well to the wax-like surface of HDPE.
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Polypropylene is another plastic used for ATV fenders
Polypropylene is a good choice for ATV fenders because it is strong and durable. It can withstand impacts and is resistant to chemicals and UV radiation. Polypropylene can be welded using a variety of techniques, such as a soldering iron or a blow lamp, and it has a low melting point compared to other thermoplastics, melting at 120-130°C (248-266°F).
When welding polypropylene, it is important to use the correct type of welding rod and to pretreat the surface with a flame treatment to ensure that the weld is strong and durable. Polypropylene can also be repaired using a product like Plast-Aid, which is designed to adhere to this type of plastic.
Some ATV manufacturers, like Polaris, use polypropylene for their fenders and body panels. For example, the 1984 Honda ATC200ES "Big Red" and the 1982 ATC200E "Hondie" both have polypropylene fenders that can be welded and repaired.
Overall, polypropylene is a common and suitable choice for ATV fenders due to its strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. It can be easily welded and repaired, making it a convenient option for maintaining and customising ATVs.
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ABS plastic is used for the black trim on some ATVs
The black trim on some ATVs is made of ABS plastic. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, rigidity, and toughness. It is an excellent choice for ATVs as it offers superior impact resistance compared to other polymer plastics and is easy to repair.
ABS plastic is ideal for the black trim on ATVs because it is more rigid and brittle than other plastics used in ATV construction, such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Polypropylene is the second most widely produced plastic globally, and it is commonly used for ATV body panels and fenders. However, polypropylene is known to become brittle when exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, which can be an issue for ATVs used outdoors. Carbon black is often added as a UV stabilizer to improve its UV resistance.
Polyethylene, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is another commonly used plastic in ATVs. It is chemically resistant and offers excellent resistance to solvents, acids, and alkalis. However, it has a low melting point compared to other thermoplastics, and it is challenging to glue without pretreatment. Like polypropylene, polyethylene can also become brittle from UV radiation.
While polypropylene and polyethylene are widely used for ATV fenders and body panels, ABS plastic is a better choice for certain components like the black trim. This is because ABS plastic is inherently stiffer and sturdier, making it ideal for exposed areas of the ATV that require higher impact resistance.
Repairing cracked ABS plastic on ATVs is relatively straightforward. The damaged component can be reheated to its melting point and reshaped, similar to other thermoplastics. This repair process is crucial for parts more susceptible to damage, and it eliminates the need for costly replacement parts.
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Repairing cracks in ATV fenders
ATV fenders are typically made of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials. The type of polyethylene used in ATV fenders is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which has excellent chemical resistance and good impact resistance.
When it comes to repairing cracks in ATV fenders, there are several methods you can use:
Plastic Welding
Plastic welding is a common technique used to repair cracks in ATV fenders. You can use a soldering iron or a heat gun to melt the plastic and fuse the cracked areas. It is important to use welding rods made of the same type of plastic as the fender, as using different materials can make the weld brittle and more prone to breaking. You can also embed a stainless steel reinforcing mesh into the plastic to enhance the strength of the repair.
Drilling and Stitching
If you don't want to weld the crack, another option is to drill holes at the ends of the crack and on each side of it. Then, use zip ties to "stitch" the crack together by running them through the holes and tightening them. This method can help prevent the crack from spreading further.
Gluing
While gluing cracked ATV fenders can be challenging due to the flexibility of the plastic, some people have had success with specific adhesives like Loctite Super Glue, which is a two-part adhesive designed for plastics. It's important to test the technique on a small, hidden area first to ensure it works and doesn't cause any damage.
Heat Gun Treatment
Using a heat gun on a low setting, you can apply heat to the cracked area to bring the deeper layers of oil to the surface, creating a smoother and brighter finish. This technique requires practice and should be tested on a hidden area first to avoid causing further damage.
Sanding and Buffing
For minor cracks or scratches, you can use sandpaper with a grit of 1500 to wet-sand the affected area, buffing out the imperfections on the fender's surface.
It's important to note that repairing cracks in ATV fenders may not always result in a perfect, aesthetically pleasing finish. If function is more important to you than appearance, these repair methods can help get your ATV back in working order without breaking the bank.
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Different types of plastic welding techniques
ATV fenders are typically made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials. The type of polyethylene used in ATV fenders is high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
When it comes to repairing cracks in ATV fenders, welding is a common technique. However, there are various plastic welding techniques, and the specific type of plastic being used will determine the welding technique and tools required. Here are some of the most common plastic welding techniques:
Ultrasonic Welding
Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency (15 kHz to 40 kHz), low-amplitude mechanical vibrations to generate heat through friction. This melts the plastic polymers, creating a strong molecular bond between them. This method is highly safe because it does not use direct heat, making it suitable for materials like polyvinyl chloride that produce dangerous fumes when exposed to direct heat.
Spin Welding
Spin welding is a rotational friction welding process that uses pressure and friction between a stationary and moving plastic. The heat and pressure melt and bond the two pieces of plastic as they cool down.
Hot Plate Welding
Hot plate welding is a technique that uses a hot plate to melt the surfaces of the plastics. The pieces are then combined and form a strong welded joint as they cool. This method is preferred for welding large parts but has the drawback of not being suitable for plastics below 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in thickness.
Solvent Welding
Solvent welding uses a solvent or solvent blend (commonly methyl ethyl ketone) applied between plastic parts to create a strong weld joint. This technique forms a chemical bond and is simple and inexpensive. However, improper surface preparation or solvent application can cause stress cracking and weak joints.
Hot Air Welding
Hot air welding uses a handheld hot air tool with specially designed nozzles to soften and melt plastic. There are various techniques within this method, including speed welding, extrusion welding, and overlap welding.
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Frequently asked questions
ATV fenders are typically made of Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) materials. Polypropylene is more heat resistant with a higher melting point than Polyethylene. Polypropylene is also more flexible, but Polyethylene is more impact-resistant.
The easiest way to repair cracks in an ATV fender is to buy a new part. However, if you are on a budget, you can repair the damage yourself at home or at a body shop. To repair the damage, you will need to know what type of plastic the fender is made of so that you can purchase the correct welding rod.
The type of plastic welding rod you should use depends on the type of plastic that your ATV fender is made of. If your ATV fender is made of Polypropylene, you should use a Polypropylene welding rod. If your ATV fender is made of Polyethylene, you should use a Polyethylene welding rod.
