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Step 4Thread the Flexinol
To calculate the length of Flexinol, start by measuring the inside distance from bottom to top of the frame, and multiply it by 2.
Next, attach the crimps to the Flexinol by threading the Flexinol into the crimp hole and pinching it closed. To do this I used the space on a pair of pliers between the handles (See 2nd Picture), instead of buying a crimping tool. Do this on both ends.
Now to attach the Flexinol to the frame, cut a piece of threaded rod (metal to conduct electricity) slightly wider then the channel bar. Locate the lower Flexinol hole drilled and tapped earlier, and as you thread the rod into the lower hole slip one Flexinol crimp over to attach it.
Now take a bamboo skewer (electrically insulating) and push it into the upper threaded Flexinol hole and turn it. This is so it forms threads as it comes out the other side. Now cut the extra off each side so it is stuck in the hole.
Finally, Loop the other end of the Flexinol over the bamboo skewer and pull it down.
If the Flexinol is the right length, the loose end should not be able to touch the lower part of the frame.
Also, there is no need to worry about bending the Flexinol over the skewer. The skewer won't burn at 90 degrees Celsius (the temperature the Flexinol contracts at) and it won't hamper it contracting fully.
Next, attach the crimps to the Flexinol by threading the Flexinol into the crimp hole and pinching it closed. To do this I used the space on a pair of pliers between the handles (See 2nd Picture), instead of buying a crimping tool. Do this on both ends.
Now to attach the Flexinol to the frame, cut a piece of threaded rod (metal to conduct electricity) slightly wider then the channel bar. Locate the lower Flexinol hole drilled and tapped earlier, and as you thread the rod into the lower hole slip one Flexinol crimp over to attach it.
Now take a bamboo skewer (electrically insulating) and push it into the upper threaded Flexinol hole and turn it. This is so it forms threads as it comes out the other side. Now cut the extra off each side so it is stuck in the hole.
Finally, Loop the other end of the Flexinol over the bamboo skewer and pull it down.
If the Flexinol is the right length, the loose end should not be able to touch the lower part of the frame.
Also, there is no need to worry about bending the Flexinol over the skewer. The skewer won't burn at 90 degrees Celsius (the temperature the Flexinol contracts at) and it won't hamper it contracting fully.
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