Chipping is a limited area loss of a piece of glass. Often accompanied by short cracks along the edges. As a rule, a chip slightly reduces visibility and almost does not impair visibility. However, subsequently, cracks can spread from the chip in different directions. And the windshield will immediately become unusable. Most often, cracks form on uneven roads or during the winter season. Consequently, the chips on the glass need to be repaired as soon as possible.
It is necessary
- 1. Polymer (resin, optical glue).
- 2. Ultraviolet lamp (if available).
- 3. Bridge and injector.
- 4. Pump.
- 5. Cleansing and moisture-removing liquid, wipes.
- 6. Scriber (a device for removing small particles of glass from a chip), a mirror and a flashlight.
- 7. Blades for removing excess polymer.
- 8. Protective covers and gloves.
- 9. Micro drill.
Instructions
Step 1
For chip repair, it is preferable to use a polymer with a high penetration ability, which has almost the same transparency as glass. However, it will not be possible to remove the chip so that no traces remain. Firstly, due to the inevitable ingress of dirt and dust. Secondly, due to the frequent damage to the middle plastic layer in triplex glass. And thirdly, because of the differences in optical properties between a specific polymer and a specific auto glass.
Step 2
The polymer hardens when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In the conditions of a car service, special ultraviolet lamps are used. If there is no such lamp, you can use sunlight instead, which includes ultraviolet radiation. In this case, the curing time of the polymer will greatly increase. Polymers are one-component and multicomponent. The latter require mixing of components during the repair process. In any case, choose a resin with the shortest cure time.
Step 3
The injector and bridge are designed to precisely fill the cleavage with polymer. The bridge is attached to the windshield just above the chip. An injector attached to the bridge injects the polymer into the damaged area. For reusable bridge and injector use, do not purchase plastic products. The pump is necessary to remove air from the cleavage and create additional pressure for the injected polymer. In other words, the pump improves the quality of the chip repair.
Step 4
If the chip is shallow, drill it with a micro drill to create the correct cavity for the resin and also to relieve stress. To do this, make several shallow holes around the chip so that later, with light pressure, the chip will acquire the correct shape with smooth edges without microcracks. Take precautions against condensation. Blow out the formed cavity, clean it, dry it, but do not rinse it. If dirt has already got into the chip, it is necessary to rinse, but subject to careful subsequent drying.
Step 5
Install a bridge with an injector in place of the cleavage so that the gander of the polymer outlet exactly matches the shape of the cleavage over which it will move. Secure the bridge with a suction cup. Determine the exact volume of the polymer. Pump air into the hose to the bridge. If it is not possible to completely fill the cavity with resin, move the bridge to a new location and perform additional filling.
Step 6
After filling the chip with polymer, remove the bridge and injector. Remove excess polymer with a blade. Place the UV lamp over the repaired chip for 10 minutes. Or provide a stream of sunlight for 40 minutes. After the polymer has completely solidified, polish the glass.
