Drymount press problems

[Puppyraiser]

We buy Fusion 4000 by the big roll. This lasts us about 2 years. We are at the end of the 2nd year for the roll. It is stored in the basement, where the press, matboards and the rest of the frame stuff is stored. There is a dehumidifier in the basement, but it still has the issues one finds in a basement.

We have recently had problems with areas of non-adhesion when we drymount. For a while, we could fix it by running at a higher temperature. Then it also took a longer dwell time. Now we aren't getting good results even with any of our 'patches'. We cool on our concrete floor under glass and weights, but this technique hasn't changed.

Any good ideas?

 

[SusanG]

Call WENDY at D&K. She is the best! :smiley:

 

[Jim Miller]

Get a digital thermometer and check the temperature in several spots on the press's platen. A heating element problem could cause cool spots and lack of adhesion.

If the platen is heating properly, then it must be an adhesive problem. However, I still have part of a Fusion 4000 roll purchased about 5 years ago. I don't use it much anymore, since pre-adhesive dry mounting boards are so much cheaper and easier now, but last time I needed to pre-trim a dry mount to float, the old Fusion 400 worked just fine.

 

[Puppyraiser]

Thanks Jim. We have a glass topped Hot Press, but I'll try that...

 

[stcstc]

is the press pulling enough of a vacuum

i have had in the past where the air extraction got slightly clogged and the vacuum was not quite enough and had areas not quite stick

i just stuck the hoover on the port, and cleaned the blockage, it sorted it no probs

 

[tedh]

If Ellen's using a Hot Press, she has a vacuum gauge that shows pressure, and I'll bet the pressure's OK. When I've had problems with adhesion on my HP, it was either heat or dwell time. Since I keep the heat at a constant 92, the issue is dwell time. I really don't think aging or storage is an issue with Fusion. I've got some that's really old (90's vintage), and it still works.

What I don't know, and would like to, is how long the glass heating element lasts on a Hot Press. Mine's 25 years old, gets only occasional use, but still works well. Am I on borrowed time?