Material Thinking:
lectrical Wire
Heat Treating Electrical Wire
This experiment tested how electrical wires, including both their casings and internal components, respond to heat treatment. While some casings melted and fused together as expected, others resisted melting, indicating that different plastics have varying heat tolerances.
Using the heat press and heat gun, I attempted to melt the outer plastic of different wires to see if they would bond. Some wires fused easily, while others maintained their structure despite prolonged heating. This suggested that certain casings are made from plastics with higher melting points.
Not all wires react the same way to heat, which means understanding material composition is crucial. A more systematic approach is needed to identify which types of wire are most suitable for heat-based manipulation. The next step is to conduct a controlled study to determine which plastics melt and which do not.