[Lab] Plastic Bending Strips

[Michael Grant]

That power supply is also known as an autotransformer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autotransformer

Care should be taken with an autotransformer, while the voltage can be set
low, there is no, none, zero galvanic isolation.
Meaning the full current of the service is available (20amps). Treat the
output as you would treat 120VAC direct from a receptacle...

I've never seen one in the lab, but they do have a variable  DC supply that
is maybe 3amps and 30v max.
Depending on the load, the heating element, you might be able to use one of
those twisty things for lights...
Alternatively, an AC thermostat for bang bang control with hysteria should
also work if you keep the thermal loop tight.

The last and best option would be a ~$14 PID controller from ebay, that
would give the best thermal regulation.
Sometimes they come in a kit with an SSR (solid state relay) and a
thermocouple for a little more dough...
Here's one kit for $24...
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/100-240V-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-max-40A-SSR-K-Thermocouple-Probe-/290825156892?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b687b91c


Michael
--
http://krazatchu.ca/


On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 4:07 PM, Henri Kuschkowitz <
henri.kuschkowitz at gmail.com> wrote:

> So, I am still getting some more costs tomorrow, but I think I might go
> with this quick/dirty setup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVEf7PfuKxo
>
> What do you guys think? This leads me to my next question, would anybody
> know if the lab has an item similar to this:
>
> http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Variable_Transformers/TVT001.html?utm_source=temcotransformer.com&utm_medium=Banner%2BAd&utm_campaign=Variac%2BTVT001<http://www.temcoindustrialpower.com/products/Variable_Transformers/TVT001.html?utm_source=temcotransformer.com&utm_medium=Banner+Ad&utm_campaign=Variac+TVT001>
>
>
> Cheers all,
> Henri
>
> On 2013-07-04, at 7:54 AM, Alex <alexbarbour at bell.net> wrote:
>
>  Henri
>
> Angle iron is a common name applied to steel angles. some are extruded in
> the heavier sections and have a sharp outside corner.
>
> Some are bent from flat stock and have a radiused corner.
> These are better for use as formers for plastics.
>
> Home depot. Hardware dept.
> CTC ect.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Henri Kuschkowitz <henri.kuschkowitz at gmail.com>
> *To:* Alex <alexbarbour at bell.net>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 03, 2013 9:12 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [Lab] Plastic Bending Strips
>
> Hey Alex,
>
> I have a very particular type of acrylic we are going to be using that I
> doubt comes 'bendable'. Angle iron? I haven't seen those before. Got a
> reference or suggestion?
>
> Cheers,
> Henri
>
> On 2013-07-03, at 8:03, Alex <alexbarbour at bell.net> wrote:
>
>  On the other hand they do produce an acrylic sheet that can be bent cold
> .
> Have done small pieces by hand. For larger OR thicker ( say 1/8 inch +
> )one needs a former for the edge. Angle iron with a round egde serves well.
> Alex B
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Henri Kuschkowitz <henri.kuschkowitz at gmail.com>
> *To:* lab <lab at artengine.ca>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, July 02, 2013 3:09 PM
> *Subject:* [Lab] Plastic Bending Strips
>
> Hey guys,
>
> I figured it's a good time to start asking the collective for some
> feedback. We are planing on bending larger sheets of acrylic (they will
> definitely not fit into the laser cutter) and I am looking at bending
> strip heaters<http://www.briskheat.com/p-152-rh-plastic-bending-strip-heater.aspx> to
> build a custom heating element for our purposes. Before I go ahead ordering
> the pieces I was wondering if anyone had ever used such a thing and/or
> knows of a good local source? For saving some money, I wonder if reusing a
> baseboard heater could do the trick :P
>
> Cheers all,
> Henri
>
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