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Where to order NICHROME wire? — Parallax Forums

Where to order NICHROME wire?

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2001-02-28 01:34 in General Discussion
Several times I have seen nichrome wire in catalogs, but now that I need it
I can't seem to find any. Does anybody know where I can find some? I would
like to experiment with a couple of different gauges in the neighborhood of
28-30 gauge insulated nichrome, around 10 feet of each, and insulated. Can
anybody suggest a source?

Thanks,
--Dan

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 02:45
    Try www.omega.com and www.mcmaster.com . Not sure about insulated, but I know
    Omega has a good selection of bare nichrome. Good luck!
    Tom

    On Monday, February 26, 2001 8:23 PM, Dan Gustafson [noparse]/noparse]SMTP:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=NxWJCfQJXCe7VE4CWse2XvMYOQK_7YltNYPaDHbmVBpfsGlbyUbpLpD0lUKcLod9gj_UU2HZkpjfVyRmmQ]dankgus@e...[/url
    wrote:
    > Several times I have seen nichrome wire in catalogs, but now that I need it
    > I can't seem to find any. Does anybody know where I can find some? I would
    > like to experiment with a couple of different gauges in the neighborhood of
    > 28-30 gauge insulated nichrome, around 10 feet of each, and insulated. Can
    > anybody suggest a source?
    >
    > Thanks,
    > --Dan
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 03:17
    Why would you want insulated nichrome wire? It is usually used in cutting
    and sealing plastics. www.mcmaster.com has it and all the other hardware.


    ~\/~
    (@ @)
    ______ooO_( )_Ooo_______________________________________
    "If we all did the things that we are capable of doing,
    we would literally astound ourselves."
    Thomas A. Edison
    ______oo0_____0oo_______________________________________



    Sincerely;

    Stephen Holt

    http://the-interface.org/

    Original Message
    From: Dan Gustafson [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=qdNDJqx-ssN3UUUXBAfAlQ0quguLdEjnzbmyEak8lijkh0vDzvJgpAFmSBNdgpWE2XaHhjAlW1aSXQJo6w]dankgus@e...[/url
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 9:23 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?

    Several times I have seen nichrome wire in catalogs, but now that I need it
    I can't seem to find any. Does anybody know where I can find some? I would
    like to experiment with a couple of different gauges in the neighborhood of
    28-30 gauge insulated nichrome, around 10 feet of each, and insulated. Can
    anybody suggest a source?

    Thanks,
    --Dan




    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 03:25
    Well, I want to experiment with making some small heating elements and I
    don't want them blazing hot. I am thinking that I might want to make a
    tight coil and non insulated wire would not electrically make a tight coil,
    but rather just a chunk of nichrome. I am just experimenting, so a coil
    might not even be necessary, but it seems like a good idea in my mind right
    now. Any sources of nichrome wire are greatly appreciated. From the looks
    of it, McMaster sells ~1000 feet at a time in the gauges I am interested in,
    which is far more than I want. I will buy it if I have to, but I know I
    have seen smaller amounts for sale in other catalogs. By the way, does
    anybody know how to get McMaster to send you a catalog? From what I
    understand, it is nearly impossible.

    Thanks,
    --Dan

    Original Message
    From: Dream Systems One <dreamsystems@c...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 7:17 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?


    > Why would you want insulated nichrome wire? It is usually used in cutting
    > and sealing plastics. www.mcmaster.com has it and all the other hardware.
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 04:18
    Dan;
    I have used this type of wire for years in the printing industry. It always
    gets so hot that it glows red. Even the ultra high temp insulation melts
    after a short period of time. It is always SCR controlled to prevent
    electrocution hazard. My designs usually involve a shunt to prevent
    electrifying the entire machine if the conductor was to break.

    Since I have no idea of what you are trying to heat and how, can I at least
    assume you just want a low voltage solution?

    If you would please explain to me a few facts then I can help you.

    1. What do you want to heat?
    2. What temperature are you looking for?
    3. What is the temperature response time that you want?
    4. Do you intend to transfer the heat through a container or utilizing
    direct immersion?
    5. How would you like to control it?
    6. Will it be an automated repeat cycle or continuous duty cycle?

    If you can answer these questions I can help you with your experiment.


    ~\/~
    (@ @)
    ______ooO_( )_Ooo_______________________________________
    "If we all did the things that we are capable of doing,
    we would literally astound ourselves."
    Thomas A. Edison
    ______oo0_____0oo_______________________________________



    Sincerely;

    Stephen Holt

    http://the-interface.org/

    Original Message
    From: Dan Gustafson [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=hprd6bY97n1rZXMSjj0afc4s3ruAXrh9Zj5oet276WoOpZHd5HUp4Coov24mgT4or6vhI91RrNrF0NMsZA]dankgus@e...[/url
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 10:26 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?

    Well, I want to experiment with making some small heating elements and I
    don't want them blazing hot. I am thinking that I might want to make a
    tight coil and non insulated wire would not electrically make a tight coil,
    but rather just a chunk of nichrome. I am just experimenting, so a coil
    might not even be necessary, but it seems like a good idea in my mind right
    now. Any sources of nichrome wire are greatly appreciated. From the looks
    of it, McMaster sells ~1000 feet at a time in the gauges I am interested in,
    which is far more than I want. I will buy it if I have to, but I know I
    have seen smaller amounts for sale in other catalogs. By the way, does
    anybody know how to get McMaster to send you a catalog? From what I
    understand, it is nearly impossible.

    Thanks,
    --Dan

    Original Message
    From: Dream Systems One <dreamsystems@c...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 7:17 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?


    > Why would you want insulated nichrome wire? It is usually used in cutting
    > and sealing plastics. www.mcmaster.com has it and all the other hardware.
    >
    >





    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 05:51
    Hi Dan, As an alternative, I have seen several manufacturers supplying
    heaters that are embedded into flexible printed circuits. These are most
    often low power pcb's that are used for temperature stabilization of devices
    such as crystal oscillators or heating optical systems for example. What are
    you attempting to do? Burt
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 06:45
    I just ordered a 50 foot roll of 30ga nichrome wire from omega, they have a
    great website, many thanks to Tom for turning me on to them. My intention
    is to heat a fluid inside a small container to about 100° F and sustain that
    temperature using a stamp and a DS1620. The device will be use the lowest
    voltage that is possible, only your advice or my experimentation will tell
    the actual operating voltage. I will use the stamp to continuously check
    the current temperature, and turn on the heating element with a switching
    transistor if the temperature is below what it should be, and turn off the
    element when the temperature is sufficient. For both the DS1620 and the
    heating element, I would like them both to be directly immersed in the
    fluid, for the most accurate temp reading and for the most efficient
    heating. Any info on how the nichrome heating element will interact with a
    water based fluid with a ph of 4.8 - 7.8, both chemically and electrically,
    would be greatly appreciated. Any tips on electrically insulating the
    element from the fluid, if necessary, are also appreciated. My plan for the
    DS1620 right now, is to solder some leads to the pins and then coat all
    exposed metal surfaces on the IC with a liquid electrical tape found in
    hardware stores. Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

    Thanks,
    --Dan

    Original Message
    From: Dream Systems One <dreamsystems@c...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 8:18 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?


    > Dan;
    > I have used this type of wire for years in the printing industry. It
    always
    > gets so hot that it glows red. Even the ultra high temp insulation melts
    > after a short period of time. It is always SCR controlled to prevent
    > electrocution hazard. My designs usually involve a shunt to prevent
    > electrifying the entire machine if the conductor was to break.
    >
    > Since I have no idea of what you are trying to heat and how, can I at
    least
    > assume you just want a low voltage solution?
    >
    > If you would please explain to me a few facts then I can help you.
    >
    > 1. What do you want to heat?
    > 2. What temperature are you looking for?
    > 3. What is the temperature response time that you want?
    > 4. Do you intend to transfer the heat through a container or utilizing
    > direct immersion?
    > 5. How would you like to control it?
    > 6. Will it be an automated repeat cycle or continuous duty cycle?
    >
    > If you can answer these questions I can help you with your experiment.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 06:56
    Dan, I don't know what your application is but there's
    a pile of insulated nichrome in every electric blanket
    and old ones can be found in thrift stores for a few bucks.

    Wilber Driver [noparse][[/noparse]sp?] Co. makes a variety of heater and
    thermocouple wires. Look at Herbach & Rademan for surplus.

    For many low temperature heater applications copper wire
    is OK and available - higher temperature coefficient and
    lower resistance per circular mil but often just fine since
    often heater applications are thermostatically controlled
    and you can even use the wire to sense temp! [noparse][[/noparse]In between
    pulses to heat it...]

    >>>>
    Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 18:23:09 -0800
    From: "Dan Gustafson" <dankgus@e...>

    Several times I have seen nichrome wire in catalogs, but now that I need
    it
    I can't seem to find any. Does anybody know where I can find some? I
    would
    like to experiment with a couple of different gauges in the neighborhood
    of
    28-30 gauge insulated nichrome, around 10 feet of each, and insulated.
    Can
    anybody suggest a source?
    <<<<

    ________________________________________________________________
    GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
    Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 08:05
    California Fine Wire

    At 06:23 PM 2/26/01 -0800, you wrote:
    >Several times I have seen nichrome wire in catalogs, but now that I need it
    >I can't seem to find any. Does anybody know where I can find some? I would
    >like to experiment with a couple of different gauges in the neighborhood of
    >28-30 gauge insulated nichrome, around 10 feet of each, and insulated. Can
    >anybody suggest a source?
    >
    >Thanks,
    >--Dan
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 14:20
    gut out that old toaster sitting out in your garage that you havent got
    around to fixing ;-)


    richard


    Original Message
    From: "Dan Gustafson" <dankgus@e...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 8:23 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?


    > Several times I have seen nichrome wire in catalogs, but now that I need
    it
    > I can't seem to find any. Does anybody know where I can find some? I
    would
    > like to experiment with a couple of different gauges in the neighborhood
    of
    > 28-30 gauge insulated nichrome, around 10 feet of each, and insulated.
    Can
    > anybody suggest a source?
    >
    > Thanks,
    > --Dan
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 14:41
    I built something simular a few years ago (circuit board etcher). What I did was
    go to the local hobby store and get them to order some small glass tubes (abt 3
    ft ea). I put my wire through the tube and with a propane torch was able to heat
    them enough to bend them the way I wanted. Just a thought , Might work for your
    problem
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 14:58
    Many years ago, we all used to use aquarium heaters to heat our etchants.
    Time constant of this system wasn't too good, but that was before we could
    implement a PID controller as easily as we can today.

    Mike



    At 08:41 AM 2/27/2001 -0600, you wrote:
    >I built something simular a few years ago (circuit board etcher). What I
    >did was
    >go to the local hobby store and get them to order some small glass tubes
    >(abt 3
    >ft ea). I put my wire through the tube and with a propane torch was able
    >to heat
    >them enough to bend them the way I wanted. Just a thought , Might work for
    >your
    >problem
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

    _________________________________
    Mike Walsh
    walsh@i...
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-27 17:00
    Hi Dan,
    You can avoid the potential problems of altering the Nichrome wire and/or by
    shorting it electrically by using an off the shelf heat lamp to heat the
    sample to the desired temperature. By electrically insulating the DS1620,
    how will that affect the thermal time constant of the device? Is this a
    problem or not? What affect(s) will the insulation and water based sample
    solution have on each other?
    Burt
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-28 01:13
    Hi Dan,

    Have you thought about using off the shelf resistors for your heat
    source? For example, a 10 ohm resistor with 12 volts applied will
    develop 14.4 watts (e squared/r) which is ideally able to heat 3.4 cc
    of water one degree centigrade per second (if I remember my
    thermodynamics correctly). A resistor of this type could be switched
    with a Crydom DO061 (DigiKey CC1139, $13.85) but you could also use
    the Crydom AO241 series ($7.45) with 120VAC and a 100 ohm resistor.
    Both interface directly with Stamp output lines.

    You might want to look at the stainless steel tubes from Omega as both
    heater and temperature sensor mounting. Quarter inch (o.d.) tubes 6
    in. long are $6 and can support a TO-92 sensor such as the LM-34.
    There is a good paper on these tubes at
    http://www.dalsemi.com/news/resources/rcc5_1820.html although it
    relates to the Dallas DS1820 sensor (which is the same size). Larger
    tubes are available for inserting power resistors. You can use thermal
    compound (e.g. heat sink grease from Radio Shack) to conduct the heat
    from the resistor to the SS tube. This allows the use of a lower power
    resistor but the calculations for how much lower are not obvious.

    The LM34DZ ($2.28) and the Maxim MAX-187BCPA ($18.15) from DigiKey are
    a very good sensor/analog-digital converter combination. The sensor
    develops ten millivolts per degree F and the A/D converter is 12-bits
    and 1 mv per count. It is thus able to measure temperature with a
    resolution of 0.1 degF. Absoulute accuracy is quite good as well.

    The BS2 code for the MAX-187 consists of ten statements and has worked
    extremely well for me. The MAX-187 has internal clocking and
    sample/hold and is not sensitive to the BS-2 speed. The code I use
    takes about 20 milliseconds per reading. I'll be happy to email you
    (or anyone else) the BS2 code for this chip/sensor combination. The
    MAX-187 also allows an external reference voltage if you want to
    change its native conversion scale, but I have not investigated this
    feature.

    For best results you may want to have some kind of mechanical stirrer
    in the beaker so that the sensor can best respond to average solution
    temperature.


    --- In basicstamps@y..., "Dan Gustafson" <dankgus@e...> wrote:
    > Well, I want to experiment with making some small heating elements
    and I
    > don't want them blazing hot. I am thinking that I might want to
    make a
    > tight coil and non insulated wire would not electrically make a
    tight coil,
    > but rather just a chunk of nichrome. I am just experimenting, so a
    coil
    > might not even be necessary, but it seems like a good idea in my
    mind right
    > now. Any sources of nichrome wire are greatly appreciated. From
    the looks
    > of it, McMaster sells ~1000 feet at a time in the gauges I am
    interested in,
    > which is far more than I want. I will buy it if I have to, but I
    know I
    > have seen smaller amounts for sale in other catalogs. By the way,
    does
    > anybody know how to get McMaster to send you a catalog? From what I
    > understand, it is nearly impossible.
    >
    > Thanks,
    > --Dan
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: Dream Systems One <dreamsystems@c...>
    > To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 7:17 PM
    > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?
    >
    >
    > > Why would you want insulated nichrome wire? It is usually used in
    cutting
    > > and sealing plastics. www.mcmaster.com has it and all the other
    hardware.
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-02-28 01:34
    Dan,

    Check out www.minco.com for some interesting fluid immersion heaters (mica,
    silicone rubber, kapton, and nomex), along with controllers, in case your
    nichrome wire doesn't do the trick.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Dan Gustafson [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=n12Bwiba64kO3O_dj2A-ZAB2zr5SXSppEROr3I_rGAeMTGEGMjvzdswC2drzZ8VuvIDSmyQXMTOC_pu8FcfB]dankgus@e...[/url
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 10:46 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?


    I just ordered a 50 foot roll of 30ga nichrome wire from omega, they have a
    great website, many thanks to Tom for turning me on to them. My intention
    is to heat a fluid inside a small container to about 100° F and sustain that
    temperature using a stamp and a DS1620. The device will be use the lowest
    voltage that is possible, only your advice or my experimentation will tell
    the actual operating voltage. I will use the stamp to continuously check
    the current temperature, and turn on the heating element with a switching
    transistor if the temperature is below what it should be, and turn off the
    element when the temperature is sufficient. For both the DS1620 and the
    heating element, I would like them both to be directly immersed in the
    fluid, for the most accurate temp reading and for the most efficient
    heating. Any info on how the nichrome heating element will interact with a
    water based fluid with a ph of 4.8 - 7.8, both chemically and electrically,
    would be greatly appreciated. Any tips on electrically insulating the
    element from the fluid, if necessary, are also appreciated. My plan for the
    DS1620 right now, is to solder some leads to the pins and then coat all
    exposed metal surfaces on the IC with a liquid electrical tape found in
    hardware stores. Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

    Thanks,
    --Dan

    Original Message
    From: Dream Systems One <dreamsystems@c...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 8:18 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Where to order NICHROME wire?


    > Dan;
    > I have used this type of wire for years in the printing industry. It
    always
    > gets so hot that it glows red. Even the ultra high temp insulation melts
    > after a short period of time. It is always SCR controlled to prevent
    > electrocution hazard. My designs usually involve a shunt to prevent
    > electrifying the entire machine if the conductor was to break.
    >
    > Since I have no idea of what you are trying to heat and how, can I at
    least
    > assume you just want a low voltage solution?
    >
    > If you would please explain to me a few facts then I can help you.
    >
    > 1. What do you want to heat?
    > 2. What temperature are you looking for?
    > 3. What is the temperature response time that you want?
    > 4. Do you intend to transfer the heat through a container or utilizing
    > direct immersion?
    > 5. How would you like to control it?
    > 6. Will it be an automated repeat cycle or continuous duty cycle?
    >
    > If you can answer these questions I can help you with your experiment.





    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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