Why would you glue Lego with MEK? Of course, there could be several reasons, but imagine the following situation..

Building a beautiful Lego creation, such as a castle or a large airplane , is a lot of fun and can be very satisfying. You follow the instructions step by step and press each brick in the right place to achieve the desired end result. After hours of work, you are done and put the creation in a nice place to admire it.

Weeks pass and every day you enjoy the view of your beautiful Lego creation. However, then suddenly your 10 year old nephew comes along. He also thinks it is a beautiful creation and wants to play with it. You look the other way for a moment and before you know it your nephew has grabbed the plane and throws it on the ground. It shatters into hundreds of pieces and you have to start all over again.

How can you prevent this in the future, so that the plane doesn’t blow apart as soon as it hits the ground? Fortunately, there is a solution for this, and that is gluing Lego with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) – Butanone .

Gluing Lego with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) – Butanone

Bonding Lego with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a technique that can provide a very strong bond between the bricks. This is because LEGO bricks are made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, better known as ABS plastic. ABS is strong, lightweight and durable, making it a perfect material for the production of building blocks. The way LEGO bricks are bonded together with MEK is directly related to the chemical properties of ABS.

How does MEK work with ABS?

MEK is a solvent that, when applied to the surface of ABS, dissolves the outer layer of the plastic. When two MEK-treated ABS surfaces are then pressed together, the dissolved surfaces mix together and form a strong chemical bond. Over time, the solvent evaporates, creating a strong, permanent bond.

Benefits of MEK when gluing Lego

• Strong Bond : Because MEK actually melts and joins the surfaces of ABS, it creates an extremely strong bond that is nearly as strong as the original material.
• Accuracy : Using MEK can allow for very precise joints, which is important for complex and detailed LEGO constructions.

Disadvantages and Precautions

• Health hazards : MEK is a strong solvent and can be harmful by inhalation or skin contact. Therefore, good ventilation and wearing protective clothing is essential.
• Brick Damage : Excessive use of MEK can permanently damage LEGO bricks by dissolving too much material.

Alternative Adhesives for ABS

Due to the disadvantages of using MEK, in some cases it may be better to choose an alternative, especially when professional and careful use cannot be guaranteed, such as when working with children.

Fortunately, there are other adhesives that work well with ABS, such as:

• Plastic Glue (Model Building Glue) : Specifically designed for bonding plastics such as ABS Lego, without the aggressive properties of MEK.
• Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate Glue) : Fast-drying adhesive that can create strong bonds, but must be used with care to prevent bleeding.
• Epoxy Glue : Very strong adhesive that works well for permanent bonds, although it may take longer to cure.

Conclusion

Bonding LEGO bricks with MEK uses the chemical properties of ABS to create strong, durable bonds. While MEK is effective, it requires careful handling and safety precautions due to potential health risks. For those looking for alternative methods, other types of plastic glue, superglue, and epoxy glue offer safe and effective options. By following the proper techniques and precautions, you can create strong LEGO structures that won’t be easily destroyed by your nephew.