Atkins Digital Thermometer and Dryer Probe

Digital Thermometer and Dryer Probe

FEATURES

• Convenient and easy to use
• Accurate temperature readouts
• Measures the temperature of the ink, not the shirt or air in the dryer
• Measures in fahrenheit or celsius

APPLICATIONS

• Calibrating dryer temperatures and belt speeds
• Measuring dryer heat profiles
• Adjusting temperature, distance, and time for flash cure units

Series: ACCX-PROB

General Information

With the Atkins Digital Thermometer and Dryer Probe, you can be absolutely certain you're reaching the proper ink cure temperature. No more guess work. No more need for temperature strips. This rugged digital thermometer is now equipped with membrane switches to reduce the risk of damage by dropping, and to protect from dirt, grease, ink or moisture from entereing the unit. All temperatures below 200° F. are shown in 0.1° resolution. Temperatures 200° F. or greater are shown in 1° resolution.

Instrument Specifications

• Temperature Range: 112.0° F. to 1999° F., switchable to 80.0° C. to 1100° C.
• Accuracy: + 1% of reading + 1 digit
• Battery Life: 500 hours per 9V battery, capacity for 3 batteries.

Operating Instructions

The Atkins Digital Thermometer may be used:

1. To spot-check current dryer conditions, i.e., to determine if the current dryer settings are allowing the ink film on the shirt to reach the required curing temperature.
   
   • To spot check current dryer settings, plug the donut probe into the digital thermometer and select either the celsius or fahrenheit setting. Working with a disposable sample, place the printed garment on the dryer belt and then place the donut probe directly over the printed ink layer with the wire crosshairs firmly in contact with the ink. As the shirt and donut probe travel through the dryer, watch the digital temperature read-out and note the highest number shown. This will be a good approximation of the actual maximum temperature reached by the ink film.
2. It may also be used to determine the heating profile of the dryer.
   • To determine the heating profile of your dryer under a specific set of variables you need a clipboard, a pencil, a piece of graph paper, and an assistant in addition to the Digital Thermometer and a printed sample.

   First, note the following variables:

   • Dryer number
   • Dryer chamber length
   • Nominal belt speed
   • Time in dryer chamber
   • Nominal dryer temperature setting
   • Substrate description
   • Ink type
   • Mesh count
   • Ambient temperature
   • Printing procedures (number of squeegee strokes, details of flash if any, etc.)

   Set-up the donut probe as explained above, but as the probe travels down the dryer, read out the temperature every five seconds. Have your assistant record the temperature readings.

   Repeat this procedure several times, each time with a different printed sample, running the probe down the left, center, and right sides of the belt and recording the temperature variations.

   Chart the results of these tests on the graph paper. These charts will give you a heating profile of the dryer under the conditions recorded. These charts will be valuable for checking dryer operating conditions, maintenance, and testing other ink and substrate combinations in the future.

   rev 9/98

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   ALWAYS TEST BEFORE USING IN PRODUCTION

   While Union Ink believes that the Atkins Probe is of great value in achieving plastisol cure, the company repeats its belief that the true test of plastisol cure is a satisfactory end result after wash tests.

   While Union Ink Company believes that the data contained herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of qualified experts regarding the results of the tests conducted, the data are not to be taken as a warranty or representation for which Union Ink Company assumes legal responsibility. They are offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Pretest inks on surfaces to be printed.