Mini TPE Melter

[AIMD]

For melting small amounts of TPE at a time this could be used. It melts slowly so patience is required but the melted TPE is available when needed.

Copper wire for better heat transfer can be used since it is wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent the TPE/copper/heat degradation issues.

*Note* With the tools I create I keep referring to the heating tool as a soldering iron but it is actually a woodburning/soldering iron combination.

The felt pen cap is not necessary, it was just convenient as a form.

Copper_wire_cap_aluminum.jpg (495.3 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Wrap the cap with aluminum foil

Wrap_cap.jpg (266.5 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Close the end.

Close_end.jpg (138.3 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Wrap wire around form (loose enough the form can be removed)

Copper_wrap.jpg (241.7 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Put another layer of aluminum around the crucible, also inside if necessary

Aluminum_wrap.jpg (202.48 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Crucible attached to woodburning tool

Crucible_attachment.jpg (177.57 KiB) Viewed 129 times

Melted TPE

Melted_TPE.jpg (212.08 KiB) Viewed 129 times

TPE pour

TPE_pour.jpg (161.85 KiB) Viewed 129 times

The TPE might melt slowly according to the wattage of the heating tool and the higher the wattage the bigger the crucible could be used. The TPE should be cut into small pieces so it will melt faster.
Mineral/baby oil might be able to be put in the crucible and TPE introduced into it but I have not tried it.

This could possibly be used for "cast in place" or for putting extra TPE into repairs.