Hi from the UK with questions....

[bartonz20let]

Hi from Leeds UK,

A bit of background (and it seems i'm not the only one doing this...), I made a custom centre console for my car a while ago and had it flocked (pics below) and since my car has been at shows i've been asked to produce these for people.

The problem is that the cost of the flocking absorbs quite alot of my potential profit margin (around 60%)

So I looked into getting my own flocking unit and obviously the outlay would take some time to recoup (if ever) then I came accross you guide to making your own, brilliant.

Now I can see one or two limitations in the design that I will be able to improve on, hopper size etc but my main concern would be that the ION generator wouldn't be capable of generating a static chage large enough to cover the whole console, am I correct or is it more than ample?

I'm sure once I get it up and running i'll have more questions but before I buy a neg ION gen I really need to know if its going to be up to the job.

Thanks in advance

[bartonz20let]

So further reaserch done, I notice your US power supply is 120v where as in the UK we have 240v mains, I assume I will need to add a transformer into the mix too?

[Ray (Flock Man)]

This is tough to say. I've had luck at times flocking larger items, but I have also had trouble with others.

I've added things like a larger hopper and a 24VDC input 30kV output generator and still had issues with deep pockets. For this I used a puffer bottle and added a 7.5kV generator with the high voltage lead attached to the bottle nozzle.

All this seemed to cover the base on many larger projects, but still on some seemingly easier projects it all failed. Granted I'm not really set up for most flocking projects past GIjOE type so, the failures may just be how I've gone about it.

I do feel that if a person is motivated he or she can get past bumps in the road.

This being said, I do suspect, as is the case with me... if you can't do the project accurate and fast it's not worth doing it. This is something that a commercial model can offer.
On that note, I've tried a commercial handheld model and noticed some of the same issues.

Will these homemade models be the end all. For me, they have done wonders for my GIjOE projects. On bigger projects I'm at a 60/40 success/failure rate. Normally the failures would eat at me until I worked them out, but my GIjOE work tends to prevent my O.C.D. on these outside Joe project failures.

On the input voltage difference I know some items are made to run at higher voltage, but I would research this more before melting the unit.

Ray

[Ray (Flock Man)]

Sorry, also welcome and nice work on the dash in the picture.

[bartonz20let]

Apr 11, 2012 0:29:41 GMT -5 Ray (Flock Man) said:

24VDC input 30kV output

Thanks for the info, and as you say, I am quite motivated to make this work.

There are items in the uk that will create a 60kv output but upwards of £1200GBP.

Can I ask what you used to generate a 30kv output?

I have seen this type of ion generator and have requested the output from the supplier:

www.quasarelectronics.com/3057-mains-positive-negative-ion-generator-110-230vac.htm

[bartonz20let]

Should have guessed, they won't advise me as i'm not using the unit for its intended use.

I've seen the scooter static stic for £85 ($135) which is quite reasonable and produces 13-18kv although i'm quite sure they are not complicated, any idea how to generate this sort of field power?

Edit;

Think an Oakley IONB2 should do it.

[Ray (Flock Man)]

The 30kV came from here:

www.amazing1.com/hv-dc-power-supplies.htm

[ck]

what size flock and adhesive do you use

thank you

[Ray (Flock Man)]

I'm pretty sure the flock for a dash would be .030-.050 mm.

[ck]

Jun 3, 2012 13:30:24 GMT -5 Ray (Flock Man) said:

I'm pretty sure the flock for a dash would be .030-.050 mm.

i was expecting (or hoping ) 1mm,

mainly because the supplier i have been passed on to have the same colours/nylon fibres iv seen used they only stock them in 1mm (also cheaper than other sizes) and only stock other colours from 0.50mm

[Ray (Flock Man)]

1mm should work fine. If you buy Rayon Fibers they are a tad shy of 1mm and they work the same as nylon.