Shrinky Dinks Control Horns

by BabyBrit_FPV | November 25, 2014 | (0) Posted in Tips

Theory:

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to quickly produce the FT Control horns, or even design your own, here is a quick tutorial tip to design your own using Shrinky Dinks Thermoplastic.

Shrinky Dinks is a thermo plastic designed to shrink 3x its size, and become about as think (if not a little thicker) than a gift card. This allows you to quickly design plastic components for airplanes, put them in the oven, and hey presto, you can fit it to an aeroplane! So far I have used this technique on all 3 of my planes and it works beautifly each time. The technique is super simple and you can pick up a packet of Shrinky Dinks for about 6 bucks! enough to make at least 45-50 horns of various shapes and sizes.

I am using the white shrinking plastic, perfect for taking sharpie. I am almost certain the technique will work with both the translusant type and transparant type. There are even versions that can be used in ink jet printers.

*DO NOT PLACE PRINTABLE VERSIONS IN A LASER PRINTER!!


Instructions:

 

Step 1: using either an image editing software or simply use print scaling to increase the size of your control horn to 300% of its original size. This will allow it to shrink to its size of your actual control horn.

Step 2: using a sharpie or permenant marker, trace out your design onto the plastic, avoiding getting any sharpie onto your wifes dinning room table.

Step 3: using your favorite pair of scissors, cut out your design. Once complete you will want to preheat your oven based on the instructions that are inside the shrinky dinks pack. Mine recomended 325 Degrees F.

Step 4: Place in oven and lt bake for 4-6 Minutes, keep on the oven light and observe how the plastice deforms and regains its shape.

Step 5: Let cool, and it available flatten under a heavy cook book.

As you can see, there is a big diffrence in the size and diffrence from the complete horn and the uncooked one. you can drill into the plastic, however I strongly recomend cutting out the center before cooking. This will allow you to install the horn right after it has been cooled down.

Install your horns onto the plane and your all set!

I hope this has been helpful to those looking for an easy way to replicate FT horns or even create your own. be sure to add your own designs and post them in the comments bellow.

Be on the lookout for more jacRC designs, Fly Safe and have fun!

COMMENTS

rick_harriss on November 26, 2014
The good news for people in various parts of the world is that most vacuum formed plastics with shrink in the manner. the most common at home is Yoghurt pots. Use them in just the same way after peeling any paper label off printed labels won' matter.


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ttprigg on November 26, 2014
Great idea! I have used gift cards in the past but I am never completely satisfied with my "fine cutting skills" with that material. I will give it a try (along with some recycling- Thanks rick_harriss)
I'm wondering where else I can use this technique...
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Bayboos on November 26, 2014
This sounds as a perfect method to produce very small (mini-micro scale) parts with lots of tiny details. I hope I'll find such material on this side of the Pond :)
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rick_harriss on November 26, 2014
Although you can buy shrinking plastic in the UK as I say above you can use a yoghurt pot or similar plastic. Your looking for a plastic that has a number 6 in the recycling symbol. 6 means it is Polystyrene.
Actually many plastics will shrink back - a so called plastic memory.

Set the oven to about 130 deg C and put the plastic onto a square of foil to keep the oven clean. Watch it! Do not leave it in the oven.
initially the plastic curls and shrinks then flattens. When it is flat remove and allow to cool.
We used to do this as a school project and make keyrings.
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Rhudson1960 on November 26, 2014
Great idea! I happen to have 2 packs of the printable stuff that I bought at a $ store years ago. It finally has a practical use! (this is why I never throw anything away, which is also why I am still single)
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BabyBrit_FPV on November 27, 2014
Thank you all for the great comments! I'm glad this has opened up the door for some other creative ideas, I'd love to see what you guys all come up with!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Shrinky Dinks Control Horns