looking for thin wire to survive soldering temps

Hi,

helping out a local artist who's looking for a way to embed lights inside a leadlight sculpture. I figure the easiest way is to use the foil/lead frame for one common conductor, and then use a small guage (26 AWG wire for the other conductor. I hoped we could use Teflon insulated wire, and encase it inbetween the foils prior to soldering, but the only wire supplier I found said that won't work becuase the PTFE is only good to 350 degrees celcius.

Thoughts????

Des Brisbane OZ

Mineral insulated cable can easily handle those temperatures, but finding small quantities might be a problem. Eg.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

You want to check the solder melting point the person is using. 350C is well above 60/40 Sn/Pb at about 190C, pure Sn at 232C, pure Pb at 327C. The wire supplier in question may have got it wrong as this sounds like its not a problem for the Teflon. You might also query on rec.crafts.glass .

Des Bromilow wrote:

Agree. I've never seen teflon insulation degrade at soft solder temps.

Jim

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Some other options up to 1000C here...

They're good about selling small quantities.

Ned Simmons

You might also try

for high temperature insulated wire.

My understanding is that Teflon outgasses fluorine gas when heated to the

700-900F range, or burned. I don't wanna be the one to try it.....

rec.crafts.glass

Google "Teflon fume fever" for more info.

Excerpts from DuPont's MSDS for Teflon

10110PP DuPont Page 3Material Safety Data Sheet----------------------------------------------------------------------F IRE FIGHTING MEASURES--------------------------------------------------------------------

--Flammable PropertiesFlash Point : Extinguishes flameHazardous decomposition products including carbon dioxide,carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, toxic gases or particlesmay be formed during combustion. These products may causesevere eye, nose, and throat irritation or toxic effects

Avoid breathing decomposition products

Avoid breathing vapors or mist. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, orclothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not store orconsume food, drink, or tobacco in areas where they may becomecontaminated with this material. Avoid circumstances that producerespirable particles unless suitable ventilation and respirator

StorageKeep container tightly closed.Perishable if frozen. Keep away from open flames and heated surfaces above 200 degC (392 degF).

Gene

Be that as it may, I have soldered many a tfe insulated lead with nary a problem. Try it but keep the exposure time as small as you can.

Ted

Teflon is routinely used as a wire insulation for wiring that is soldered.

Jim

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I've watched my brother do similar type of work and was surprised at how easily the glass will slip out of the foil, even after soldered. Maybe a strategic selection of the soldering sequence and very careful application of heat will allow you to use the PTFE insulated wire by soldering, disassembling, placing the wire, re-assembling, and completing the soldering. Also may need to look for a lower melting point solder, maybe just in a few spots, depending on whether it will oxidize with a consistent look.

Des Bromilow wrote:

Just use some thin-wall brass tubing and run your leads in through those, avoid the whole problem. Usually the model and hobby shops around here have some pretty small-bore telescoping tubing, just solder that into the frame somewhere. If round tubing doesn't tickle your fancy, they've for other shapes available.

Stan