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Registered Member #1337
Joined: Wed Feb 20 2008, 01:40AM
Location:
Posts: 2
I have been browsing around the forums for a while now, and finally decided to join the site. I have a recent project that i could use some advice on, so here I go.
I like to make luxeon led drivers, but i am always faced with the problem of finding a container for the circuit, something waterproof.
So here's the deal-I would like to make a small heating element to get up to around 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit to set a container full of plastic/glue sticks so that i can make a mold for which i will place my circuit in, remove from the heater to cool and have myself a waterproof container. I have browsed through the induction heating forums, but that's not really what i want. I don't want to use the 120 V AC current from a wall, i'd rather make it to be used with my 12V DC power supply. I would just use a stove, but i live in a dorm and would really like a project to build.
Anyone have any advice, I've been searching for a while, and cannot find anything, and my professors aren't much help either.
Registered Member #65
Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 06:43AM
Location:
Posts: 1155
A casting done in clear epoxy is more likely water proof. A two piece wax-mold negative, and minimal vacuum for degassing the bubbles is all you would need (tapping also helps.) Just about any ceramic or glass filler can be mixed into the epoxy. Fiberglass can keep the object positioned correctly while it cures.
Registered Member #135
Joined: Sat Feb 11 2006, 12:06AM
Location: Anywhere is fine
Posts: 1735
Okay, if you want to make a custom heater I would get some electric dryer re-string kits together (my other boss uses those for big power resistors) and get yourself some refactory cement or chimney or fireplace cement. The cement is really high temp. stuff and you'll be able to cast your heaters into the cement. This is good to keep them from oxidizing and it also keeps them in one place. You could also get an alumina crucible to melt the glue into, and also use the crucible as a former for your heater castings.
I would go for epoxy, but if you 'just have to' have the heater, I like my toys too ^^ , then casting a custom one might be your option.
Registered Member #1337
Joined: Wed Feb 20 2008, 01:40AM
Location:
Posts: 2
yeah epoxy would be better, but i like the wax/hot glue because i can break it apart easily if i want a part from it/something gets fried. I still really want to build a small electric heating plate, and i can see myself really excited about it, plus it would just be bad a**, right?
Registered Member #316
Joined: Mon Mar 13 2006, 01:30PM
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 212
You don't really need to use refractory cement just to melt wax or hot gule. What I would do is wrap a camping cup with fiberglass and then wind stainless or even nichrome wire around that as a heating element. You can either find the amount of resistance you need or make a PWM controller for it.
Registered Member #162
Joined: Mon Feb 13 2006, 10:25AM
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 3141
For potting in hot-melt glue I have a little information for your consideration;
1) The glue contracts as it cools, usually forming a depression in the middle. This contraction could pull wires loose etc. 2) pre-heat the object to be potted, this allows the glue to flow into all parts easily, removing bubbles/air-pockets etc. 3) de-potting for repairs is a pain! IF practical make a well sealed box instead. 4) since you can't pot the luxeon for optical reasons, what is the benefit of potting the electronics?
Profesionally I sometimes have to service pcbs with conformal coatings of various thicknesses - what a pain!
P.S. A hot melt glue gun is very cheap and works well for potting !
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heating help
