For STEM project I am making a heat cutter for foam and plexiglass using... a glow plug.
It’s being placed in a PVC pipe and it’s has to run for a few minutes. It will mostly likely be running at 12v 10amps.

I would like to install a power moderator as to not have it operate at its max temp 100% of time. But I don’t know what, or how to install a dimmer onto it. I’m thinking maybe like a dremel kind of thing. Any suggestions?

 

An LED PWM driver might work.

Or https://www.banggood.com/search/pwm-controller.html there are 10A versions there.
Pay attention to cooling requirements, eg. need for a fan, bigger heatsink....


Regards, Dana.

 

An LED PWM driver might work.

Or https://www.banggood.com/search/pwm-controller.html there are 10A versions there.
Pay attention to cooling requirements, eg. need for a fan, bigger heatsink....


Regards, Dana.

Ooo, I like these. The only problem I have is that I’ll have to find one that fits in a 1 1/4 size PVC pipe.

 

You will need airflow in the pipe for sure, small DC fan.....


Regards, Dana.

 

MOD NOTE: Thread moved from the Projects forum. Given the nature and purpose of a STEM project, Homework Help is a more appropriate forum.

 

You will need airflow in the pipe for sure, small DC fan.....


Regards, Dana.

Yeah, I’ve already done research on that and I know which one. How would I make an out outflow vent though? Cut holes in the side?

 

An LED PWM driver might work.

Or https://www.banggood.com/search/pwm-controller.html there are 10A versions there.
Pay attention to cooling requirements, eg. need for a fan, bigger heatsink....


Regards, Dana.

One problem with these is how do I fit them in the 1 1/4 pipe. Any suggestions?

 

None of those will fit inside a 1.25" ID pipe.

Regards, Dana.

 

None of those will fit inside a 1.25" ID pipe.

Regards, Dana.

So it would have to been external.
Is there anything smaller?

 

The power level/heat drives the size. You could always consider
fluid transport of heat, but the heat has to be sent somewhere.

Like a copper rod ending in a radiator at end of pipe. Or possibly
oil filled.....

I do not know what the thermal R is of PVC, thats a starting point
that will guide you to solutions. There are also finite element thermal
design software that can take objects and predict performance.


Regards, Dana.

 

How are you cutting foam and plexiglass with the element inside a PVC pipe?

 

How are you cutting foam and plexiglass with the element inside a PVC pipe?

 

Okay, that makes more sense.