[Amps] 3D Printed ABS Plastic for Chimneys?

[Dieter Kedrowitsch]

Heat is a very good point I completely failed to consider.  While the tube never seems to get very warm, I don't normally operate more than 600 watts or so.  It would seem silly to use a chimney material that could melt down after lengthy QRO use, so I definitely need to reconsider.

The silicone tubing material is an interesting idea, but as silly as it may sound I'm not thrilled at the idea of how it may look.  Perhaps I could find a way to secure it around the tube in a tidy way with an ABS clamping mechanism that's far enough below the heatsink to avoid any heating issues...

W3DRK

    On Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3:02 PM, Jeff AC0C <keepwalking188 at ac0c.com> wrote:
 

 There's not an issue with RF as you suspect assuming the pigments or any 
additives in the ABS are not RF conductive - but the heat is a problem. 
Pure ABS is a low temp material and that tube is going to melt that about 
the first time you warm it up.  And ABS resin with common additives is still 
going to have a melt temp (HDT) way too low.

The safe bet is to use automotive silicon turbocharger hose.  You cannot 
melt it and it's not RF conductive.  About $20 for a 1' length of 4" at the 
performance car parts jobber near you.

73/jeff/ac0c
www.ac0c.com
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