Magnetic V Pneumatic Presses

[Calvin.Turner]

I’ve seen both but only used a magnetic one once or twice, and a pneumatic one for about an hour or so when my kind supplier let me use his when mine had problems.
The magnetic one was ok but was a clamshell so right away that would be a no-no for me, also when it lifted it was quite vicious – this was an oldish press though so maybe thats why.
The pneumatic one was the geo knight DK20 version and had the extra long base that slides along. The DK20 is a swinger and once pressure is set its pretty good. The sliding base would be very handy for large runs, this is basically a bed thats just over twice the width of the press with two press bases, so one is under the press, and one is at the side so you can load up your next lot ready to slide under the press.
The only real downside really IMO is that you dont raise the press once its set and in the few times I used it (I was doing bags at the time) I found that I would have liked to have been able to raise it or at least have more than the couple of inch gap because when I slid the bed under the press, I kept on cacthing the teflon cover sheet on the edge and thus knocking my transfer out of alignment.
Would I buy one if I had the spare cash? Maybe, but I’d still keep my manual. As you are probably aware, sometimes when you close the press, the pressure just isnt quite right to the feel so a quick tweak on the knob whilst the press is closed is possible – with an air operated one this of course couldnt happen and may be an issue, for eg if you are pressing plaques or tiles, an indent is temporarily left in the bed so this would of course affect the pressure (the pressure on the one I used didnt measure pressure as in actual downforce, but moved a preset distance which would obviously affect the "pressure" if the bed had an indent.
Hopefully that makes a bit of sense, almost one oclock and I’ve been up since 4 so I’m not 100% with it!

[Peter Normington]

quote Colin@BECC:

Does any have any experience of automatic heat presses?

In particular the benefits of one over another. Our manual swing press has served us well but increased use is causing operator fatigue (moans) and I wondered if anyone had advice prior to visiting sign uk tomorrow.

Cheers

Colin

You may be out of luck Colin, it finished today!
Peter

[Colin Crow]

sorry meant today! it wasn’t past midnight when I started the post.

Visited today and was disappointed to find neither of the main types on show but one or two mild discounts.

The pneumatic seems to offer easier use but now have to decide if the programable functions of the hotronics model is worth the extra £500 over the more basic magic touch offering. I am trying to standardise the press routines for times/temp/pressure on various items and the 9 programmable settings on the hotronics press and accurate pressure gauge would mean that different operators should get repeatable results with little fuss.

Cheers

Colin

[John Cooper]

We have a Pneumatic press – it’s so easy to use.

[Colin Crow]

Following all the advice we have bitten the bullet and ordered a pneumatic Air Swinger from Target which is due next week. Busy now altering the pressing bench to accommodate the compressor but will report in a week or two in case anyone else is interested.

Cheers

[John Cooper]

and ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 😀

[Colin Crow]

Excellent – is the verdict by the users. Simple to use and no effort for the operator.

On the plus side:

1. The accurate consistent timing and pressure means that the trickier processes are easily exchanged between operators.

2. Each process can have two separate timings which alternate automatically.

3. The 9 customisable programs are a huge boon when switching between short fabric settings and longer hard substrates.

4. Heat up is much faster and quicker recovery times than previous Atkins type manual press.

5. Auto up at end of time means you can get on with other work on longer press runs.

6. Simple to switch to tack mode and also cancel press.

Down side:

1. Noisy up/down operation

2. Very heavy for installation

Wish List:

1. A buzzer to advise when up to temperature (from cold)

2. Automatic on/off of compressor with heat press (simply achieved with a computer type master extension socket)

I would definitely recommend these to anyone who does a fair amount of pressing.

Colin