Melt silicone?

[steve_s]

Iv this electronic trigger that's been sealed in a plastic case with silicone sealer I want to repair it if its possible is there something to melt it away or soften it ?

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Acetone might help lose the bond between the silicone and casing without causing too much of a mess

 

[bigegg]

Remove mechanically - ie, little bits at a time with a scalpel, metal pick, or needlenose pliers.
There are very few chemicals which will affect silicone and not affect other plastics.
The good thing is, silicone wont really bond to anything except itself, so its probably a mechanical or vacuum bond, rather than actually adhered/welded.

 

[rikrobson]

Acetone will dissolve some plastics including ABS, which is a populate case material

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Acetone will dissolve some plastics including ABS, which is a populate case material

Good point worth checking first

Acetone is used to remove silicone from moulds iirc

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Acetone is used to remove silicone from moulds iirc

Probably rubber or metal? Most plastics don't seem to like it [don't ask....].

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Probably rubber or metal? Most plastics don't seem to like it [don't ask....].

Isopropyl is my first choice for cleaning for this reason

 

[Dr.Al]

I've never used it, but perhaps something like this would be suitable?

https://amzn.to/2E5Ne10

 

[garethp]

I've never used it, but perhaps something like this would be suitable?

https://amzn.to/2E5Ne10

I've used something similar before and it worked. The Unibond one has the follwoing notes under the product description so may be no good if it can get onto the cables or circuit board.

The Product Benefits At a Glance

• Unibond Silicone Sealant Remover for the removal of old sealant
• Suitable for use on most common construction materials
• Removes up to 2 mm thick sealant
• No damage to underlying surfaces
• For sanitary items, glass, PVC, enamel and acrylic*
• Format: 1 x 80 ml tube

* Not suitable for use on polyamide, copper, brass, as well as other non-ferrous metals and zinc, lead, iron and tiles with iron or metal pigments.

 

[Agroshield]

I've never used it, but perhaps something like this would be suitable?

For discussion: most bathroom-type silicones are acetoxy-cure, based on acetic acid, hence the vinegar smell. Therefore most silicone dissolvers are likely suited to that chemistry.

I suspect that the silicones used in electronics are not acetic acid based as it seems to me that acid around electronic stuff might not be a good thing.

 

[Hopefuldave]

For discussion: most bathroom-type silicones are acetoxy-cure, based on acetic acid, hence the vinegar smell. Therefore most silicone dissolvers are likely suited to that chemistry.

I suspect that the silicones used in electronics are not acetic acid based as it seems to me that acid around electronic stuff might not be a good thing.

Indeed, the ones for electronics use a platinum catalyst as part of the formula, may be why they're so much more expensive...

Dave H. (the other one)