Your feedback matters, take a quick survey Website feedback. There are several ways to bend guitar sides, including the traditional method of using a hot pipe. However, a faster and more cost-efficient method, which has become common, involves using flexible silicone heaters with a thermocouple and controller to measure and monitor the temperature of the silicone heater blanket throughout the bending process.
A second option for this application is to use the silicone heater without a temperature controller. In this scenario, the heater is plugged in, heated to the required temperature, and then turned off. However, we do not recommend this method as there is a risk of the silicone heater overheating, causing it to fail and the wood to burn.
The figure above shows the schematic of the guitar side bending process. The application is comprised of three products: SRFGA Series: Silicone rubber fiberglass insulated flexible heaters can improve heat transfer and speed the warm-up process required to bend wood. Two circuit designs are available: etched foil or wire wound. Available in varying sizes; the correct size will depend on the guitar size.
CN This temperature and process controller can handle the most demanding applications. Requires mounting in a box to protect electrical connections and to ensure safety, the controller has dual, 4-digit LED displays for local indication of process value and setpoint.
The dual-loop output control allows simultaneous heating and cooling. Mounting 5TC: These very thin, beaded wire thermocouples allow for easy placement between the silicone mat and the wood. They are made from class 1 wire in standard 1m and 2m lengths. The main advantage of silicone heaters is the low thermal mass, which allows for a quick and efficient thermal transfer. Thus, this precise heating solution makes it easier to bend the wood and consistently obtain the desired shape. When selecting a thermocouple, be aware that the smaller the probe diameter the faster the time response.
