I want to make my own Kapton heater elements from NiCr foil ( Nichrome ) sandwiched in Kapton tape. I read, the NiCr foil is usually etched into the desired shape. But I want to know if there are other ways to produce low numbers of elements? Could it be lasered? Which laser would do? You can sure cut it with scissors, but is it repeatable? Can I solder wires to the foil or do I have to weld or crimp it? Does anyone have a source for various NiCr foils? I only found them on alibaba with minimum order of 1-50kg. BTW: These elements wouldn't get very hot, what foil other than Kapton would you recommend? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838822#msg-838822 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:25:13 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,870525#msg-870525 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,870525#msg-870525 VDX Reprappers Fri, 10 Apr 2020 03:43:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838974#msg-838974 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838974#msg-838974
With wire, you will be able to get a consistent dissipated wattage over the length of the wire, to within the wire's tolerance. Then it's all up to having good thermal connection to your heated object.]]> SupraGuy Reprappers Mon, 19 Nov 2018 10:53:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838952#msg-838952 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838952#msg-838952
Look for old toasters (although the new chinese ones are again made with found wire or even flat strips)]]> MKSA Reprappers Mon, 19 Nov 2018 06:38:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838919#msg-838919 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838919#msg-838919 I thought of using Polyester foil ( UL approved upto 130°C ), but I'm afraid of hotspots then...

Instead of cutting, it would be possible to make long strips of NiCr foil and fold it in shape. A bit fiddly, but it's a start.]]> o_lampe Reprappers Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:50:24 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838836#msg-838836 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838836#msg-838836
But you can use NiCr-wires too ...]]> VDX Reprappers Sun, 18 Nov 2018 06:31:15 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838823#msg-838823 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838823#msg-838823
have you thought about a cheap paper cutting machine? uses a blade.. should be able to cut it...]]> Dust Reprappers Sun, 18 Nov 2018 02:50:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838822#msg-838822 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,838822,838822#msg-838822 Could it be lasered? Which laser would do?
You can sure cut it with scissors, but is it repeatable?

Can I solder wires to the foil or do I have to weld or crimp it?

Does anyone have a source for various NiCr foils? I only found them on alibaba with minimum order of 1-50kg.

BTW: These elements wouldn't get very hot, what foil other than Kapton would you recommend?]]> o_lampe Reprappers Sun, 18 Nov 2018 02:24:53 -0500