Thermeld Strip

Thermeld Strip
TBD
Type	Explosive
Tech Level	TL–10
Cost	Cr50
Size	0.225 liters
Weight	0.3 kg
Manufacturer	Various
Reference	TBD

Thermeld Strips operate in much the same way that Linear burning ropes do, but to weld surfaces together in an emergency, rather than cut them. Thermeld is not a substitute for conventional welding equipment, but is a handy emergency substitute.

Thermeld comes in 15cm long x 5cm wide x 3 cm deep strips of mildly flexible bright pink putty-like material, wrapped in yellow and black striped cellophane-like material, with a pull-strip on the base to expose a mildly adhesive base. Each strip is further wrapped in a vacuum-sealed transparent wrapping that also contains two piezo-electric initiator plugs.

After removing the strip from the outer packaging, and securing the initiators in a safe place, the bottom peel-off strip is removed, and the strip affixed to the joining surfaces to be welded together.

Two initiators are supplied for times when stress is high: It is not uncommon for an initiator to go 'walkies' and having a second initiator to hand is a measure of insurance against stress-induced forgetfulness. One initiator is sufficient to ignite an entire length of Thermeld strip; the initiator is pushed into a convenient place in the Strip, much like a plastic explosives detonator plug might be. The red and yellow striped tab is peeled off, to reveal a bright red and yellow pull ring. the ring connects to 1mm thick by 30cm long cable leading to a wind-up detonator within the body of the initiator, which then charges a high-charge capacitor, which on reaching full capacity, discharges after five seconds into the strip, which then ignites.

The rope burns extremely brightly (in a similar way to magnesium) and with very high temperature within the material being burned through; surrounding temperatures are high, but not excessively so. It takes about ten seconds for a weld to be conducted, and the welded surfaces will be exceedingly hot to the touch for about half an hour after burning.

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• Roger Stenning - [www.travellerrpg.com/CotI/Discuss/showpost.php?p=523604&postcount=20 COTI]