Temperature-Sensitive Prototyping

We tested out autoclave tape as a cheap means of sensing overheated circuit parts today. Shown here are two examples of autoclave tape subjected to heat from a soldering iron.

On the right is a piece of tape that had the soldering iron run over the entire tape to show that the only part that changed color on the tape is the temperature-activated stripes. (We were worried the color might be coming form the tape burning or from residual solder left on the iron.

On the left is the aftermath of our playing around with the soldering iron and autoclave tape.

This is a good example of how heat-sensitive materials would be useful in indicating overheated or blown out circuit components, as a soldering iron essentially uses its circuitry (in this case, a high-resistance circuit) to generate high temperatures.

In the context of our project, such heat-sensitive material would indicate when a circuit component has too much power running through it. We are still looking into safe ways to test this idea on actual circuit components, as someone (Stephan) pointed out to us that blowing batteries and resistors might not be ideal for our project or for our safety.

In regards to our search for temperature-sensitive materials, we are still in the process of finding affordable (and attainable) materials. Will keep you posted.