KoalaTees

Once the ink reaches say 330F, is it cured, or does it need to stay around 330F for 30 - 45 sec. I generally let it reach 280-330 and try to keep it there for 15 sec or so. The Flash keep rising the temp to 400 and I pull it back fearing it will scorch. Does anyone know what temp a white 100% cotton tee will begin to scorch?

Thanks
Jeff the Koala Bear

 

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splathead

The temperature just has to reach the cure temperature, it does not have to stay for any period of time.

I typically cure my whites 6 inches from the heat, for 40-45 seconds. If I keep it there any longer, I will get scorching.

You know about the stretch test to see if the ink is properly cured? Stretch the cured ink, if it cracks, its not cured enough.

 

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fdsales

The entire layer of ink from top to bottom thru & thru must reach 330 degrees to properly cure. Best way to check this is to get some heat strips rated at about 330 degrees, and cut them into long stripes, and tape to the underside of the shirt below the ink layer. Idea is that you want the heat strips to come up to 330, that way you know the entire layer of ink reached cure, all the way thru. You'll have to experiment with time & flash distance; also thinner inks will cure faster than thicker inks used for dark garments.

 

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KoalaTees

Thanks guys. Brian, do you have a brand of heat strips you can share (and/or supplier).

Jeff

 

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psi

It also depends what type of ink you are using.

From what I undestand plastisol just has to reach the cure temp and it cures whereas waterbased has to stay at the cure temp for an amount of time so all the water completely evaporates out.

I know that I have to use slower belt speeds and higher temps for waterbase.

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