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Microwave for heating plastic?

 
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linkxsc
Newbie


Joined: 16 Aug 2010
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:52 pm    Post subject: Microwave for heating plastic? Reply with quote

Hey so I'm building a vacuum former again, instead of a flip flop liek my previous ones I'm doing an oven over the platen one. What I'm wondering though, sicne i dont feel like tearing apart a bunch of waffleirons and toaster ovens again. Could one cut the end off of a microwave and use that as the source for heating the plastic (ofcourse, it would be controlled remotely, with the operator on teh other side of a wall and a couple motors to raise and lower the plastic)? or would that be considered too dangerous?
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IMMark
Expert


Joined: 18 Nov 2010
Posts: 189
Location: Columbus, Ohio

PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would say no.
High on the dangerous scale, and some plastics won't absorb microwaves.
They pass through it without heating it. The way most plastics "melt" in a microwave, is from the food inside them getting over heated and thus melting the plastic...not from the microwaves themselves.
I am sure there are others that can get more technical, but I think you would be better off, going with the tried and true nichrome wire method.
Mark
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linkxsc
Newbie


Joined: 16 Aug 2010
Posts: 9

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 2:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Figured as much, Guess back to goodwill to buy used toasters and stuff again.
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jdougn
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Joined: 18 Mar 2009
Posts: 714
Location: Louisville KY area

PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 6:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Nichrome wire is a great suggestion. It's not very expensive and gives nice even heat when installed properly. Maybe a little more time consuming overall though.
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