[redgrandam]

Has anyone uses the Stahl's heat press temperature test kit? I got it the other day, and their directions say 8 seconds only to test the temperature.. At 8-10 seconds I get no result at all. When I've pressed for an additional 25 seconds, it actually shows something. Then after another 15 seconds it goes up even higher.

I've contacted them and after two days and a few messages I got a response saying that sometimes this happens with strips that are over a year old. I haven't received a response as to what result then I should be looking at, or is any of the tests/times accurate.

Anyone have any tips or experience this as well with test strips? Not sure what the amount of time I should be pressing them for.

I had a laser thermometer, but it seemed to be off 10-20 degrees.

 

[webtrekker]

Do you suspect that your heat press temperature is uneven across the platen? That's the only reason I'd ever want to know the exact temperature,otherwise I'd just experiment with different temperature settings to get the results I was after.

 

[LancerFlorida]

I would get a RAYTEK laser temperature reader. The high end units have calibration protocols to maintain accuracy, some simply suggest calibrating to 100C my pointing to the surface of boiling water within 100 feet of sea level.

The problem is, all of the products used in transfer operations are sensitized and are subject to degradation from age, exposure, environment and storage.

It is a good idea to be able to establish what IS working right by doing temp checks and perhaps pressure verification. (Fluke has pressure probe)

I am unfamiliar with sensitized temperature test strips. I am familiar with coated products and they are time and exposure sensitive.

Stahls, I believe is onto to something good. I hope they can find a reliable distribution system (or JIT system) to support those with qc mindset.

Let is know the outcome when you receive your replacement strips. Consider a picture with strips in place.

 

[socceronly]

What kind of heat press is it?

The platen type will determine if you can use a temp gun or need a contact pyrometer.

 

[Amw]

This is the most accurate way you will be able to test the heat platen of ANY press.

If taken care of it will last.

https://www.heatpress.com/products/digital-pyrometer-and-surface-probe-kit

$85.00 is a small price to pay to KNOW your temps are accurate.

 

[LancerFlorida]

This is the most accurate way you will be able to test the heat platen of ANY press.

If taken care of it will last.

https://www.heatpress.com/products/digital-pyrometer-and-surface-probe-kit

$85.00 is a small price to pay to KNOW your temps are accurate.

Without a doubt, a contact probe offers the highest accuracy. And, you are right, $85 is not a budget buster for the assurance provided.