Gluing Nano LEDs?

[mike_lawyer]

I have some nano LEDs that I am going to use for steam engine headlights.  My question is what is the best way to adhere the LED to the headlight housing?

[RBrodzinsky]

I use Bondic, a UV activated epoxy. Just a small dab, and a quick flash of the UV, and the LED is held in place. I find it much quicker and easier to use than a CA based glue.

[Jim Starbuck]

I use clear Gallery Glass from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.
It goes on like white glue and dries quite clear in about 15 minutes to a vinyl like consistency.
Very easy to work with.

[craigolio1]

This morning I used Tacky Glue. It takes a while to dry but goes on easily and dried clear.



I like the idea of the Bondic. I’ll have to try that. Or I’d like to find something more like a gum that’s really sticky.

Craig.

[Onizukachan]

I use Krystal Kleer and it works just fine for me.

I’ve also used canopy glue and though it gives a slightly warmer diffuse look, that might be what you are after. It doesn’t shrink as much as Krystal Kleer either. With KK I’ve learned you have to leave it domed when wet to get a flat lens.

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[mike_lawyer]

What is canopy glue?  I like the diffused look of the lens.

[MK]

What is canopy glue?  I like the diffused look of the lens.

Used on RC airplanes for gluing on, well, canopies.  . It dries crystal clear which makes it ideal and it sticks to most material.

https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCX70&P=ML

[woodone]

I am with Rick on the Bondic. Very quick! I use a small jig to hold the LED by the wires and another jig to hold my 1.5 MM fiber optic cable to make a light and lens.

[craigolio1]

I am with Rick on the Bondic. Very quick! I use a small jig to hold the LED by the wires and another jig to hold my 1.5 MM fiber optic cable to make a light and lens.

I would live to see pics/ more info about your jigs and assembly aides.

 Craig.

[woodone]

I don’t have any phots, but I think that I can describe them for you.
First off is the holder. It is an clothes-pin that has had the two wood sections reversed so they now clamp on the long ends. Next is a small block of wood with a hole drilled into it so it holds the fiber optic fiber at the same height has the LED held by the clothes pin . Opps, forgot to tell you that the clamp must be glued to a heavy piece of metal so it does not move around too easy. If this is not clear, send me a PM and I can send you some photos. This is because I have a problem doing photos here. Make sure you give me your e-mail.
PS you will find many uses for the clothes pin clamp- if you make a few with out the weight, they will be useful in many applications.

[JMaurer1]

Canopy glue is also the only thing that you can use to glue brass roof walks to plastic boxcars. It has a bit of elastic to it so as the roof walk expands and contracts it doesn't break the glue bond.

[craigolio1]

I don’t have any phots, but I think that I can describe them for you.
First off is the holder. It is an clothes-pin that has had the two wood sections reversed so they now clamp on the long ends. Next is a small block of wood with a hole drilled into it so it holds the fiber optic fiber at the same height has the LED held by the clothes pin . Opps, forgot to tell you that the clamp must be glued to a heavy piece of metal so it does not move around too easy. If this is not clear, send me a PM and I can send you some photos. This is because I have a problem doing photos here. Make sure you give me your e-mail.
PS you will find many uses for the clothes pin clamp- if you make a few with out the weight, they will be useful in many applications.

I understand. So you are glueing the LED to the end of the fibre prior to installation?

[woodone]

Yes, the LED is attached before you install into the loco. I Also I use a short piece of heat shrike to cover the glue joint to reinforce the joint- be careful putting heat on the fiber cable. If overheated it will curl,up.