Can you suggest a source for new transformer laminations?

[Dukes]

Hello, I would like to find a source that will accept small orders for transformer laminations. I have already been down the route of salvaging from donor transformers, but once you have passed the educational stage it is not very effecient timewise, nor can you repeat the same results. I am designing a special output transformer, and success would be needing about 250 pounds of laminations per year. Thanks, Bill (Dukes)

[Enzo]

Have you contacted the various transformer makers and asked if they'd sell you some?

[Dukes]

Hello Enzo, I was hoping to save some time by finding someone currently buying small lots from an established source. My wife and I dabbled in transformer mfg. about 25 years ago, and our experience was exasperating in trying to establish new accounts. We literally spent thousands of dollars supplying prototypes, before giving it up. The only way at that time to get supplier's attention was to promise large volume. I can not do that, and I am assuming it is worse today. If I have to, I will play their game, fill out sample requests, estimate annual needs, and get ignored by many until I find an obliging supplier. I thought the forum might be a short cut. Thanks for asking. Bill (Dukes)

[Enzo]

Are you talking about the people who supply laminations to transformer makers? I was talking about the transformer makers themselves, they already have them waiting to become trannys. You would wind up with their dimensions, not your custom specs, but wouldn't that serve? SInce you were already using donor carcasses, I figured it would be OK for you.

Like asking Hammond if you could buy a pile of their laminations used in their model XYZ123 transformer.

[Dukes]

Enzo, that is a good idea. I will try to find smaller company though to ask. I know that when we were in business, I would have reciprocated with a small request that was a cash deal, and if I had plenty of inventory. Thanks, Bill

[Diablo]

Contact Tempel Steel in Chicago IL. They have a site on the web. They will sell transformer laminations in small quantities. I would suggest M6 steel.

[Gregg]

Like asking Hammond if you could buy a pile of their laminations used in their model XYZ123 transformer.

Few years ago I wrote to Hammond to ask them if they going to sell me couple of pairs of endbells for some of their transformers that were damaged. They answered that "under no circumstances" they would sell endbells to me.
If you locate a company that would sell laminations in small quantities /especially M6/ let us know.

[Dukes]

Thanks Diablo, I will give them a try, and let you know if successful. Bill (Dukes)

[Diablo]

Tempel Steel is in the lamination stamping and annealing business. They don't produce any steel, but buy coils from the large mills. E and I laminations are produced in several standard sizes and grades of steel. They sell laminations to transformer and motor manufacturers. I know for certain that they sell small quantites (or large quantities) of laminations. For example, Kafel amps in Chicago buys laminations from Tempel in small quantities.