[How To] get the ferrite cores from PC PSU

metal

New member
Hi,

This is my first post here on the forum. Thanks to microsim for inviting me and destroyer X as a referrer to this forum. I think things will be better here, highly controlled, and in a stable climate.

Many times I tried to disassemble the two parts E ferrite cores that come with power supplies, and guess what, each time I tried, I ended up smashing the cores. Finally, I found a nice way to do it:

Get a small can and fill it with water.
Tie the transfomer with a string and hang it at least 3 cm from the can bottom.
Start boiling on a moderate temperature and wait till the water starts boiling.
Lower the temperature and wait 10 minutes.
Remove the transfomer, wear gloves and gently try to separate the E parts.
If it works, then you are done, otherwise throw it back in the water and boil it for another 5~10 minutes.

I did this two times, first time it dd not work for me because it was first time. Second time was a full success.

I always think about these transformers for CAR SMPS. I think microsim will help us on this project in the future.

The End
 

erhan739

New member
are you making car smps ? if is real ; ı can help you because my friends are makes so much more... at last, this ferrite's model ei 33 ar above ?
 

metal

New member
Can I use ITL100 from Wilco? Explain to me how to correctly build the transfomer part any way, what schematic would you suggest, as long as you built this, you know what to do, and where to go.

Thanks
 

erhan739

New member
we use 5.6cm2 ferrite cores. and we convert 12v to 2x 35v 60 v up to 2x70v. my friends doing it. i'm dealing amps some more.
 

metal

New member
Can you recommend schematics to start with? Ask your friends, they will give you required info.
 

metal

New member
Yes please, I want to power 4 amplifiers rated @ 100 watt each in the car, this sums to 400 watts.
 

metal

New member
Of course. I need all details, even the tiniest ones are important in SMPS building.

Thanks a ton.
 
Hi metal you should consider a bigger psu than 400Watts for 4X100Watts if you want to use the amps at full power if you are going for class AB and if you use mosfet in the output stage you will need to add around 7% to your voltages. It also depends on what load the amplifier will have to handle . From there you should have an idea of the toiroid size you need. Try to search for push-pull dc-dc converters based on SG3525 (voltage mode control) or UC series (if you want to work with curent mode control) on the net. You can have a look at this article though its based on TL594 it should give you an idea of what you will need to prepare for: http://www.bcae1.com/switchingpowersupplydesign/switchingpowersupplytut01.htm. Its for making a push-pull dc-dc converter for powering car amps. Am sure erhan will give you great deals of info too
 

Rogelio

New member
Hi Metal,

I've also get ferrite core from PC PSU. But I soak the ferrite transformer in container filled w/ lacquer thinner for 1 hour. This will softhen the coated varnish on the transformer then I carefully separate the E I cores and bobbin. Hope this help.
 

Rogelio

New member
Just learned another technique of salvaging ferrite transformer or separating the EI cores. I used Hot Air Solder tool ( Quick850 ) and set gradually every minute the Heater adjustment from 300 to 500. Apply hot air around 4 side of core only. Avoid pointing hot nozzle to the plastic bobbin. Heat will soften coating that bind EI and therefore easily separated. Use cotton gloves to protect your hand when separating. Don't use too much force to avoid breakage. After core was separated. Allow it to cool down slowly. Don't soak in water to cool down. This process will only take around 5 minutes. No need to wait from 1 hour to 1 week using lacquer thinner soak technique.

Hope this help.
 

congobg

New member
Hi,

This is my first post here on the forum. Thanks to microsim for inviting me and destroyer X as a referrer to this forum. I think things will be better here, highly controlled, and in a stable climate.

Many times I tried to disassemble the two parts E ferrite cores that come with power supplies, and guess what, each time I tried, I ended up smashing the cores. Finally, I found a nice way to do it:

Get a small can and fill it with water.
Tie the transfomer with a string and hang it at least 3 cm from the can bottom.
Start boiling on a moderate temperature and wait till the water starts boiling.
Lower the temperature and wait 10 minutes.
Remove the transfomer, wear gloves and gently try to separate the E parts.
If it works, then you are done, otherwise throw it back in the water and boil it for another 5~10 minutes.

I did this two times, first time it dd not work for me because it was first time. Second time was a full success.

I always think about these transformers for CAR SMPS. I think microsim will help us on this project in the future.

The End

as i pointed in here http://www.diysmps.com/forums/showthread.php?79-1kW-smps-project-(based-on-MicrosiM-design)/page7 post 68, this method works almost every time. :)
 

Redwire

New member
This works for me - put the ferrite transformer in my oven at 150°C/300°F for about 20 minutes. While hot, I gently pull the E-core apart with pliers. This temperature seems to soften the varnish without melting the bobbin or the magnet wire.
 
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