Coating Steel Wire - V1 - Heat Shrink Tubing¶
Goal¶
To make the nose clip comfortable and safe for the skin, the steel wire needs a few protective layers. The goal is to create a firm but soft contact surface that won’t leave marks or cause irritation.
Reference Images¶
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| Heat Shrink Tubing at room temperature | Heat Shrink Tubing after heat treatment |
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| Apply Liquid Rubber | Let Rubber Cure |
Time needed¶
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Implementation | 0.25 h |
| Waiting | 12 h |
Bill of Materials¶
| Material | Quantity | Unit Cost | Line Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Electrical Tape Consumable Insulating Black Rubber |
0.5 50ml tube | £4.99 per 50 ml tube | £2.50 |
| Heat-shrink tubing - 1st layer Consumable 3.5mm thick |
2 tubes | Inexpensive | |
| Heat-shrink tubing - 2nd layer Consumable 5mm thick |
2 tubes | Inexpensive | |
| Total | £2.50 |
Tools Required¶
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lighter | Apply heat to the tubing |
| Small paint brush | Apply the liquid rubber |
Instructions (step-by-step)¶
Step 1 – Add the Inner Shrink Tubing
Slide a piece of 3.5 mm heat shrink tubing onto each of the nose contact loops. Use a lighter to heat it evenly until it grips the wire snugly. This gives a good base layer that holds tightly to the metal.
Step 2 – Add the Outer Shrink Tubing
Now slide a second layer, this time 5 mm heat shrink tubing, over the first one. Heat it again with the lighter until it forms a firm and even surface.
At this stage the pads should feel solid but still a bit too hard. The only issue is that heat shrink tubing tends to leave small creases that could press uncomfortably on the nose.
Step 3 – Smooth with Liquid Electrical Tape
This final layer fixes that problem. Using a small paint brush, apply liquid electrical tape over the shrink tubing.
Let it cure for about 5 minutes, then lightly shape it with your finger into a smooth, rounded surface. Make sure the contact area that touches the nose is perfectly smooth and seamless.
Step 4 – Let It Cure
Leave the coated clip to cure for at least 12 hours before testing it. Once fully cured, the surface should be flexible, grippy, and comfortable to wear.
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| Complete Nose Clip |