Transformer parts

[bahmili]

I am trying to do build my own transformer using
"U shape" and "C-Core" laminated irons like 3" * 4" or smaller.
Where could I find these laminated irons and winding jig or related tools in North America?

Thank you in advance
Bahmili

 

[davidbeach]

You will buy transformers for far less money than you will ever build them yourself.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

You will buy transformers for far less money than you will ever build them yourself.

And how... just try it once and you'll realize you spent all of that time and money putting stock and equipment together, only to realize you'll pay about as much as the materials themselves.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[waross]

Look for discarded transformers and salvage the laminations. Any rewind shop may sell you magnet wire.
Designing and building your own transformer is a good way to learn about transformers and materials. It is a BAD way to get a transformer.
For instance, just cutting the laminations to size is more demanding than you probably realize.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[sreid]

For transformer parts/equipment see

http://www.coilwindingexpo.com/chicago_exhibitor_list.htm

For laminations, see Tempsl Steel.

For insulation, go to EIS (Electric Insulation Specialties?)

 

[bahmili]

I really appreciate all the guys tried to help me regarding my thread.
I need the materials to build a simple (coil, is this the right word?) to generate certain amount of magnetic field. And this is for a tiny business I have. I can have it custom made, but it is expensive and also companies are reluctant to do this for me considering my low quantity order. So, the only choice for me remaining is to build them myself. I need to buy all the necessary materials such as U shape iron core, the plastic pieces go around the core, insulated wire and the right varnishing material.
Bahmili

 

[waross]

Transformers were around before plastic. Maybe you can find a small audio transformer or a small (50VA) control power transformer and get all the parts you need. Remember if you change the magnetic field, you will probably change the volts/hertz ratio.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[sreid]

http://www.cosmocorp.com/en/index.cfm

http://www.tempel.com/home.asp

http://www.mwswire.com/

http://www.dolphs.com/

http://www.eis-inc.com/

 

[davidbeach]

I think that you will still find that custom made will be less expensive than doing it your self, but I could be wrong. When you try to do it your self you will need a number of highly specialized tools. If you don't have the tools and need to amortize their cost over your "low quantity order" you will find that you have a very high per unit cost, even if the materials for each unit are relatively inexpensive.

Good luck.

 

[jimkirk]

If there's any chance you're going to be attaching mains voltage or anything like that, are you looking for UL or other safety certification? Another argument for not doing it yourself.

Can you modify your design to use a standard off the shelf part? If not, still, as others have said, find a transformer manufacturer that will work with you to design what you need.

Will you be vacuum impregnating varnish?