Measuring/testing heat press actual temperature

[spencer_L&KC]

Been seeing folks saying that Geo Knight heat presses are hotter than the displayed/input temp on the controller. Is there a standard practice on how to measure the actual temp of a heat press? Do you press something and then hit it with a temp gun as soon as it opens? Or would shooting the laser on the heated top panel itself display the actual temp?

Any of you tried to really dial in your temps on a GK press? If so, what technique did you use? Any input is appreciated!

[blue moon]

Been seeing folks saying that Geo Knight heat presses are hotter than the displayed/input temp on the controller. Is there a standard practice on how to measure the actual temp of a heat press? Do you press something and then hit it with a temp gun as soon as it opens? Or would shooting the laser on the heated top panel itself display the actual temp?

Any of you tried to really dial in your temps on a GK press? If so, what technique did you use? Any input is appreciated!

you'll want thermal strips. they change color once certain temp is reached so you can tell exactly. Might want to put in several different areas on the heating element to check for hot and cold spots. Should be available at most screenprint supply stores. I think Stahl's has them and they are likely to be pretty accurate.
pierre

[whitewater]

We used to have the oldest heat presses here before we got the MEM..

We used to struggle sometimes. Well it was a metal thermometer in there.

I used a temp gun finally and realized it was waaaayyy hotter than it should have been. So I adjusted and it helped so much.

I have not used temp strips, but im sure that will work also.

[spencer_L&KC]

you'll want thermal strips. they change color once certain temp is reached so you can tell exactly. Might want to put in several different areas on the heating element to check for hot and cold spots. Should be available at most screenprint supply stores. I think Stahl's has them and they are likely to be pretty accurate.
pierre

Yeah I have seen those. Guess Ill order some and give it a go.

We used to have the oldest heat presses here before we got the MEM..

We used to struggle sometimes. Well it was a metal thermometer in there.

I used a temp gun finally and realized it was waaaayyy hotter than it should have been. So I adjusted and it helped so much.

I have not used temp strips, but im sure that will work also.

When you used a temp gun, how did you use it? Did you shoot the heat panel itself or shoot the substrate as soon as you opened the press?

Thank you both for the replies.

[Maxie]

An idea for testing your heat press.
Some heat presses have a few elements and if one is not working it will be hard to tell.
I found the best way to test is to push up the temperature of the press and then press a piece of white printing paper, or lay a few down to fully cover the platen.
The paper will turn yellow from the heat and if there is a problem with a element then it will stay white under the faulty element.