What glue is used for model etching?
In the field of model making, etched sheets are a common detail enhancement material and are widely used in military models, aircraft models, ship models and other scenes. However, how to choose the appropriate glue to bond etched sheets has always been a hot issue among model enthusiasts. This article will combine the popular discussions and actual measurement data on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the glue selection plan for bonding etched sheets.
1. Core requirements for bonding etched sheets

Etched sheets are usually made of brass, stainless steel or nickel-plated metal, and their bonding needs to meet the following requirements:
| demand dimension | Specific requirements |
|---|---|
| Bonding strength | Can withstand subsequent coloring and playing with |
| Cure speed | 5-30 seconds is better for initial fixation. |
| Liquidity | Penetrates small seams |
| Compatibility | Does not corrode plastic or metal |
2. Performance comparison of mainstream glues
According to the latest test data from the Model Forum (October 2023), common glues perform as follows:
| Glue type | Curing time | tensile strength | Applicable materials | reference price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA instant glue | 5-15 seconds | Excellent | metal/plastic | 20-50 yuan |
| Epoxy resin | 5-30 minutes | Extremely strong | metal/plastic | 30-80 yuan |
| white latex | 10-30 minutes | Average | metal/plastic | 10-20 yuan |
| UV glue | Solid when exposed to light | good | Transparent parts are preferred | 40-100 yuan |
3. Recommendations for practical application scenarios
1.Bonding of small parts: It is recommended to use low-viscosity CA glue with good fluidity (such as Tamiya 87004), and use it with an accelerator to shorten the curing time to less than 3 seconds.
2.Large area flat bonding: Two-component epoxy glue (such as AK interactive glue) is recommended, the final strength after 24 hours can reach 20MPa.
3.Transparent parts combination: UV glue is the best choice. The latest test shows that a certain brand of UV glue can be cured in 3 seconds under a 405nm light source.
4. Popular new products in October 2023
| Product name | Features | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Mr.Cement SP | Special glue containing metal particles | metal etching sheet |
| Mig Ultra Glue | Adjustable cure speed | Precision parts |
| Tamiya Extra Thin Cement | Capillary effect enhanced version | tiny seams |
5. Usage skills and precautions
1. Surface treatment: Lightly grind the bonding surface with 600-grit sandpaper to increase the bonding strength by more than 50%.
2. Glue amount control: It is recommended to use a precision dispensing pen and control the amount of glue dispensed within a single amount within 0.01ml.
3. Emergency treatment: When CA glue accidentally sticks to your hands, you can soak it in acetone-based nail polish remover (the latest test shows that 70% acetone solution dissolves the fastest).
6. Industry trend observation
According to recent trends in model exhibitions, glue technology presents three development directions:
1. Light-curing composite adhesive: combines the dual characteristics of UV curing and chemical curing
2. Nano-modified glue: Add carbon nanotubes to improve conductivity and strength
3. Reversible adhesive: achieve non-destructive disassembly through temperature changes
To sum up, choosing etched film glue requires comprehensive consideration of material, part size and operating environment. It is recommended that model enthusiasts have at least two types of CA instant glue and epoxy resin to cope with different production needs. With the development of new material technology, more breakthrough bonding solutions may appear in the future.
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