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panhandle_shovelheadrider · Novice Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 59

I live on coast with high humidity.If I built an insulated box with a 100 watt light build to keep abs dry.Has anyone triad this ?

spektr · Master Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 425

I don't like the idea of an uncontrolled light bulb in a box..... you need a drying box to get to 100 degrees continuous to very slowly dry/store plastic. You really need 190 degrees f to dry material like lexan completely. A thermostat, cal-rod and a small fan gets you there.. And yes, I built one...

jdougn · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:11 am Post subject:

How big is your box? What thickness, sheet size, & type of plastic are you drying?

Spektr is right on the uncontrolled heat source. It may create enough heat to start melting the plastic (or worse) instead of just drying it. I used a couple of disc thermostats on my dryer. They're simple to use & cheap on eBay plus they would work for any heat source as long as the amp rating is not exceeded. The downside to disc thermostats is they usually have a wide range of temperature control. The ones I'm using have over 20 degrees variation between off & on but they work.

I would also suggest placing a thermometer and humidity meter in the dryer. That way you know if the plastic is okay, or if it needs more drying time. IMX, humidity should be below 25% for ABS and just guessing did not work. Plus, it saves on electricity since now I know if the dryer needs powered up, or if the humidity levels in the box are fine. For just a few sheets of ABS it usually takes 2-3 hours of drying. If the box is at capactity it'll take over a day. Of course, there is plenty of air gap around the plastic and a fan circulates.

hth,
DougN
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DougN - Just in case you're wondering, I got my "rating" legitimately... by posting aimless drivel, useless advice, and pointless questions.

panhandle_shovelheadrider · Novice Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 59

and 1/8 " abs headed box with controls

knightshade · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:58 pm Post subject:

Some time ago I had seen some photos of a drying box that someone put together...

Basically a cube slightly larger than 2' with some light bulbs as heating sources (as well as a heat dissipation layer between the bulbs and plastic)

I didn't have any luck with a search - but some excellent ideals with the disc thermostats.

Anyone have any plans for such drying units?