Potting, beginner to advanced

QMT93 · 2019-07-28T18:10:42.000Z

Hi,

I don’t know how to pot flashlight, and would love a complete beginner’s course on it (intermediate and advanced welcome): where in the head of the light I can pour epoxy in, compatibility with specific chemicals, drivers, etc. if any.

I’m planning on potting my C8+, hence this thread.

I’m not just looking for potting material option, but rather, a guide of where, and how to pot.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Corvette · 2019-07-28T18:56:25.000Z

this is a great idea, I would love the same input. looked through youtube but found varying degrees of success on there. a guide focused on flashlights would be great.

QMT93 · 2019-07-29T18:46:14.000Z

Guys, any thoughts? It’s a bit dark in here.

freeme · 2019-07-29T19:11:54.000Z

Topic reminds me of Pflexpro company. These guys are expert in potting lights.

QMT93 · 2019-07-29T20:24:10.000Z

I’ve never had the chance to try one from them. However, based on the photo, I’d say they pour epoxy even on the driver itself? Is that applied to the entire head of the light?

arek98 · 2019-07-29T20:41:03.000Z

I used MG 832 epoxy Black Epoxy

Be aware that whatever you potting you need to seal all gaps to make sure potting compound gets only where you need it.
For example this MG epoxy seems thick but it will get into smallest voids and leak if not properly secured.

Also this one is permanent, hard stuff, impossible to remove without braking whatever was potted.

You may look into some urethane based potting compounds, these are soft and flexible.

Stay away from stuff that is not meant for potting. Some epoxies shrink or expand too much when curing. It may cause electronic components to dislocate and break circuit.

f0xx · 2019-07-29T20:49:00.000Z

Utilizing the search button, I found several threads already here on BLF.

Here are a few:

How to pot? Looking for knowledge resources about potting Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

Hi there, I'm looking for more information about potting (how to do, what for, etc.). Any information would be greatly appreciated. https://www.pflexpro.com/Potted-Flashlight-and-P60-Drop-In-s/1841.htm Cheers, Thomas

Potting Drivers - Budget reversable option? Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

[image] Update: So here are the 2 recipes that have been developed. They have not been tested for safety or effectiveness. They are very cheap way to reversibly pot your driver or what ever: Very easy, low cost, no wait recipe: Ground Silicon Carbide (Both Medium and Fine Grit) - Suggested by TexasPyro Duct Seal - Suggested by Leaftye Complete removal after being in a light for an extended period is not an easy task. Pull off what you can by hand and then us an alcohol to clean off t…

Potted flashlight LED Flashlights – General Info

All this talk about potted flashlight like Fenix E01 made me wonder so I took a picture of one of my other AAA flashlights (Inova XS). I hope the picture is clear enough to see, that black substance is that epoxy? [image]

Hope this helps

KawiBoy1428 · 2019-07-29T21:00:43.000Z

My 4000lm XHP-70 light never gets HOT………. as the LED fries?

It will now…

QMT93 · 2019-07-30T01:24:36.000Z

Ah, thanks! I didn’t have the chance to open further links because I was on a cellphone. Will check them out.

QMT93 · 2019-07-31T04:02:04.000Z

@KawiBoy1428: I’m sorry I really can’t follow what you’re saying. Can you elaborate?

QMT93 · 2019-07-31T04:04:39.000Z

arek98:

I used MG 832 epoxy Black Epoxy

Be aware that whatever you potting you need to seal all gaps to make sure potting compound gets only where you need it.
For example this MG epoxy seems thick but it will get into smallest voids and leak if not properly secured.

Also this one is permanent, hard stuff, impossible to remove without braking whatever was potted.

You may look into some urethane based potting compounds, these are soft and flexible.

Stay away from stuff that is not meant for potting. Some epoxies shrink or expand too much when curing. It may cause electronic components to dislocate and break circuit.

Hi,
Thanks for your input! Is it correct to say that I can pour the potting material directly on the driver, and it still works?

KawiBoy1428 · 2019-07-31T09:39:02.000Z

QMT93:

@KawiBoy1428: I’m sorry I really can’t follow what you’re saying. Can you elaborate?

The whole heat sink is filled with Alum-Fast. just drilled tapped holes to mount board and drilled for pass thru leads. Cheap and it works.

I also use MG Chemicals…

This whole head (module) is potted with MG Chemicals thermal potting, driver, copper sink, reflector.

The head can go on different battery tubes I made…

QMT93 · 2019-07-31T22:33:09.000Z

That looks awesome! You made those lights?

KawiBoy1428 · 2019-07-31T23:30:51.000Z

Mostly……can’t buy them like that…based on the M3 Combat Lights and 961/962 weapon lights, had some help from a couple friends…

Battery tubes, M3 bezel adapters, modified Surefire tail caps, I had the reflectors custom by Dan Chan HK and copper pills made by Sinner, the original design for the pill/sink Randy Brogden.

Had a spring named after me……

QMT93 · 2019-08-04T03:18:45.000Z

They look amazing! I’m drooling.

I realize that all of the dropins are potted. What are the three dots on those potted dropins?

The Lambert spring is actually awesome!

KawiBoy1428 · 2019-08-04T03:35:56.000Z

QMT93:

They look amazing! I’m drooling.

I realize that all of the dropins are potted. What are the three dots on those potted dropins?

The Lambert spring is actually awesome!

That is where you select your mode groups, with conductive paint, sort of like soldering the stars on Q-Lite driver……

QMT93 · 2019-08-04T05:49:02.000Z

I see. Thanks!

Matjazz · 2019-10-29T10:53:30.000Z

I’m planning on potting headlamp drivers. I got my self a Electrolube “ER2074RP250G - Epoxy Resin, Thermally Conductive, White, Packet, 250g” that is packed in a single plastic bag with resin and hardener separated. I haven’t tested it yet but a compound in two separate cans seems more convenient.
Which potting compound do you use?