Homebrew PCBs

While at the local Wal-mart I picked up a Scotch (3M) TL901 9"
laminator for $US25.00. After taking it apart and verifying its
usability for toner transfer, I decided to make it part of a
documented project.

So far, I've taken a bunch of pictures of the laminator's insides, and
I've ordered a PID temperature controller from
http://www.auberins.com for $US35.00.

In the coming weeks I'll try to throw together a brief discussion of
what I did to make it a toner-transfer device.

P.S. I was surprised to find that the 3M laminator had genuine
electronics controlling the temperature (100 and 105 degC setpoints
only), instead of a bi-metal thermostat. However, I decided to replace
the controller rather than hack it, mostly because it wasn't isolated
from the mains voltage.

Later,
Marshall

Well, as threatened, I wrote up my inexpensive laminator modification.
You can find it in the Files sections as "CheapLaminatorModification.pdf"

I hope this helps "give back" a little to the community.

Josemj1

 

I'm very interested in you project entitled
"CheapLaminatorModification.pdf", and I'd like to try it myself.  Since I'm
a software engineer, my hardware knowledge is sometimes hit-and-miss.  I
certainly know the principle behind thermocouples but I don't know what type
"T" thermocouple cable is.  Would someone be so kind as to explain what this
is to me and give me some idea where I could get some?  

 

Thanks a lot.

Mark

 

  _____  

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of josemj1
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:09 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Cheap laminator project

 

Well, as threatened, I wrote up my inexpensive laminator modification.
You can find it in the Files sections as "CheapLaminatorModification.pdf"

I hope this helps "give back" a little to the community.

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Nice setup, the same thing could be used to modify a laser printer or
copier laminator, which are usually designed a bit more heavy-duty in
regards to heat tolerance (mine is mostly metal construction).

I used a much more primitive circuit for the temperature regulation,
but if i had to do it again i would also use an industrial controller.
They are cheap on ebay and have a nice display built in.

ST

On Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 3:09 AM, josemj1 <kerwoodderby@...> wrote:
> Well, as threatened, I wrote up my inexpensive laminator modification.
> You can find it in the Files sections as "CheapLaminatorModification.pdf"
>
> I hope this helps "give back" a little to the community.
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Mark,

Most of the more popular thermocouple pairs have been given letter
designations. The T-type is the copper/constantan pair, which has a
fairly high sensitivity but is limited to relatively low temperatures.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocouple for some good info.

I have seen short lengths of different thermocouple pairs for sale
online. I was distressed to see a bit of price-gouging among the Ebay
sellers, so be careful. I noticed that the fellow who sold me the
controller (Auber Instruments) also sells assembled thermocouple
probes. Also, since the controller accepts many different types of
thermocouples, perhaps you may be able to get a useful scrap or two
from an acquaintance who works with industrial controls.

Marshall

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Mark Mickelsen"
<mark.mickelsen@...> wrote:

> I'm very interested in you project entitled
> "CheapLaminatorModification.pdf", and I'd like to try it myself. 
> Since I'm a software engineer, my hardware knowledge is sometimes
> hit-and-miss.  I certainly know the principle behind thermocouples
> but I don't know what type "T" thermocouple cable is.  Would
> someone be so kind as to explain what this is to me and give
> me some idea where I could get some?

www.omega.com is a vendor.  Thermocouples should use
"extension wire" designed for the thermocouple. 
Thermocouple connectors are also designed for each
type.

Thermocouple instruments depend on the terminals to
the instrument to be isothermal. Sometimes this isn't
the case and drafts around the instrument change the
measured value.

--- josemj1 <kerwoodderby@...> wrote:

> Mark,
> 
> Most of the more popular thermocouple pairs have
> been given letter
> designations. The T-type is the copper/constantan
> pair, which has a
> fairly high sensitivity but is limited to relatively
> low temperatures.
> See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocouple for
> some good info.
> 
> I have seen short lengths of different thermocouple
> pairs for sale
> online. I was distressed to see a bit of
> price-gouging among the Ebay
> sellers, so be careful. I noticed that the fellow
> who sold me the
> controller (Auber Instruments) also sells assembled
> thermocouple
> probes. Also, since the controller accepts many
> different types of
> thermocouples, perhaps you may be able to get a
> useful scrap or two
> from an acquaintance who works with industrial
> controls.
> 
> Marshall
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Mark
> Mickelsen"
> <mark.mickelsen@...> wrote:
> > I'm very interested in you project entitled
> > "CheapLaminatorModification.pdf", and I'd like to
> try it myself. 
> > Since I'm a software engineer, my hardware
> knowledge is sometimes
> > hit-and-miss.  I certainly know the principle
> behind thermocouples
> > but I don't know what type "T" thermocouple cable
> is.  Would
> > someone be so kind as to explain what this is to
> me and give
> > me some idea where I could get some?  
> 
> 
> 



      ____________________________________________________________________________________
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Anybody know if Marshall's mod. would work with a laserjet printer?

I got an old HP LaserJet IIIP that doesn't print.   Am wondering if I should tear it apart to see if I can use it for this purpose, or just go buy a cheap laminator   ?