removing melting rubber from metal?

[Chuck Guzis]

On 11/1/20 5:43 AM, Guy Dunphy via cctalk wrote:
> At 12:14 PM 27/10/2020 -0500, you wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I have an EP-1 eprom programmer from BP Microsystems.
>>
>> The rubber feet melted.  It was in my closet.  I have no clue how it got
>> that hot, or if they
>> are just some composition for them to melt.
>>
>> My question is how do I clean this up?  Acetone, paint thinner?  I scraped
>> off the feet, so there is
>> just a few 'streams' of melted rubber down the sides, and a bit that
>> somehow got inside (also on the side, not on the electronics).
>>
>> Just looking for some ideas before I start applying chemicals...
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Kelly
> 
> 
> It's not heat. Just some rubber types degrade chemically over time. Cross links between the long
> chain hydrocarbons break, and the solid turns to a semi-liquid. Very sticky liquid.
> 
> I presume the body of your eprom programmer is painted metal or plastic. So 'acetone and hot air' - NO!
> 
> The gunky stuff is not terribly soluble. Mineral turps on a tissue pad, rubbing, kind of works.
> Mechanically scrape off what you can first. Use wooden or plastic spatula to avoid scratching paint.
> The rub with the pad. Solvents like turps, acetone, IPA etc - always try a little on your surface first
> to check the material isn't damaged by the solvent.
> 
> Guy
> 


-- 
--Chuck

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