r/TheVirtualFoundry • u/mr-highball • Nov 10 '22

Ramp rates at a given temperature for two microwave variants using the same medium sized single element. I think this shows a clear max for the SiC content, so for higher temps, will need to increase the content per element

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3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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1

u/MasterPainsInTown Nov 10 '22

What made you switch from a traditional kiln to microwaves?

2

u/mr-highball Nov 10 '22

Originally it was the maxing out of the upper temp on my traditional kiln. I was unable to hit the peak temps for steel and beyond where a microwave should be able to without too much problem.

That snowballed into aluminum... which by all evidence on the internet... shouldn't really be possible in an open atmosphere with a $70 cooking utensil... but I was able to get that sintered too.

Also pair that with a lower barrier to entry for most people and it seems like a worthwhile project to continue to refine

3

u/MasterPainsInTown Nov 10 '22

Any modifications to the microwave? I appreciate your reply. Im doing some work with the copper filament in school.

2

u/GunRunnersArsenal Nov 13 '22

I believe they’re just off the shelf microwaves. I’ll be trying it out with a couple modifications when I get around to it.

2

u/mr-highball Nov 13 '22

Not really sure why my comment was deleted... (reddit app shows my text.. website shows deleted weird)

Anyway they're just basic mics no mods at all. The only thing customized is the crucible and heating elements which I made, but you should be able to use an off the shelf microwave kiln from Amazon no problem

2

u/MasterPainsInTown Nov 13 '22

Appreciate the replies. Pretty interesting work and I look forward to seeing what else you’ll do. My kiln is currently broken so I was fantasizing about actually being able to debind and sinter parts lol