Project Logs

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• Selecting a Strip Heater

  Supplyframe DesignLab • 04/28/2022 at 18:11 • 0 comments

  Mica Insulated Strip Heater, Heater Voltage 120V AC, Overall Length 6 in, Mounting Dimension 5 3/8 in, Element Width 1 1/2 in, 100 W Watts, Watt Density 23W/sq in, Terminals Tandem at One End, Sheath Material Rust Resistant Coated Steel, 1 Phase, Max. Sheath Temp. 900 Degrees F, Slotted Hole Length 9/32 in, Slotted Hole Width 3/8 in, Screw Size 10-32, Standards UL Recognized

  There was a totally different concept for the internal support system of the frame.  It was initially going to use steel grid pattern, but we discovered that it would make the wiring near impossible to thread throughout the heating elements.  The Elements were also on a great sale at the time.

  https://www.zoro.com/tempco-ins-strip-heater-120v-6-in-l-900-deg-f-msh02260/i/G2033193/#specifications
  

  The first iteration of the BAD setup.

• Creating the Brackets for Eboxes

  Supplyframe DesignLab • 04/28/2022 at 17:26 • 0 comments

  We wanted to mount the Eboxes to the frame in a way that would be relatively easy to mount and also remove... using hose clamps seemed to be a good option... so far so good!  The brackets did require a mill to machine the grooves for a well for the Press Frame and a little recess for the width and thickness of the hose clamp itself.

• Frame Locks

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 23:42 • 0 comments

  These are the fixtures that lock the Bolt together frame.  Unfortunately, there IS a mismatch along the front face.  You will put in the effort to mill or drill it already on a preexisting hole.

• Working with PLA

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 18:38 • 0 comments

  Knowing that we wanted to grind them up and reuse them- we've been holding onto discarded 3D prints for years!

• Working with LDPE sheet material

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 18:29 • 0 comments

  Here are some results using LDPE sheet and shredded material.

• Working with HDPE pellets

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 18:26 • 0 comments

  This is a test of HDPE pellets, which are meant for weighted blankets.  They melted great! Even and consistent, but difficult to pile up because the nature of them rolling around and getting everywhere.

• Working with a Heavy Duty Paper Shredder

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 18:19 • 0 comments

  We figured out that a heavy duty Paper Shredder, used for Credit Cards and CDs, also works great for plastics.  It isn't perfect, most bottles and materials need to be cut into smaller flat-ish pieces, or crushed into manageable sizes; material also needs to be run through the shredder about three times to get to a particulate consistency.

• Wiring the Heating Elements - Setup & Testing

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 18:11 • 0 comments

  A familiar face at the Lab, Emily Velasco, was available to help test the wiring and setup to the Solid State Relay, Temperature Controller,  and Rocker Switch.

• Working with a Frame Mold

  brucejdii • 04/27/2022 at 17:49 • 0 comments

  I drilled and tapped a basic aluminum frame to make a small test mold. Two steel plates are being used as platens to avoid direct contact with the heating surface.  Wiping Silicone Oil on the surfaces of the plates was initially used, but Mold Release Spray was easier, more convenient and work better.

• Power Plug + Wiring Crimping

  brucejdii • 03/17/2022 at 18:30 • 0 comments

  I ended up switching from regular terminal rings to high temp ends.

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