Attributes: The plastic ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylester) looks like polystyrene but is, much like ABS, somewhat more impact resistant and flexible. ASA is waterproof as well as resistant to oil, petrol and UV radiation. The ASA profile strips found on this and the following pages are further distinguished from the PS profile strips made by the Evergreen Company that follow in that they are not as finely made. And that is the reason that they are somewhat less expensive. The ASA and polystyrene profile strips are also less expensive alternatives to our BRASS PROFILE STRIPS.
Applications: Polystyrene and ASA profile strips are mostly used in architectural model making. However, more and more model train and diorama enthusiasts have turned to them when constructing their unique layouts. The connecting profile strips have found use in trade show models or in the creation of simple displays.
Treatment: These model making profiles are very easy to work with: cutting can be done with a COPING SAW, a model making CIRCULAR SAW or a CUTTER. Gluing work can be done with DICHLORMETHANE (a solvent) or RUDERER L 530. When using glues containing solvent, the pieces should be cut to the dimensionally accurate size and, if necessary, mounted with adhesive strips; after that the solvent should be applied into the channel and then just wait a bit. The solvent seeps into the channel, etches the plastic and the pieces then stick to one another after a short drying period.
