Drytac HOT PRESS HGP220 User manual

HOT PRESS USERS MANUAL
HEATED GLASS TOP
VACUUM PRESS
USERS MANUAL
This users manual applies to the
following Hot Press models.
HGP220 25” x 37” (635mm x 940mm)
HGP260 35” x 47” (890mm x 1194mm)
HGP360 42.5” x 66.5” (1080mm x 1689mm)
HGP560 50.25” x 98.25” (1276mm x 2496mm)
Model Working Area
Revised 7/30/05

HOT PRESS USERS MANUAL
2
Table of contents
Overview
....................................
Page 2
Safety considerations
................
Page 3
Press set up
..............................
Page 4
Stand assembly
.........................
Page 4
Connecting vacuum pump
.........
Page 5
Electrical connection
.................
Page 6
Main controls
.............................
Page 7
Temperature controls
.................
Page 8
Operating vacuum pump
...........
Page 9
Principles of operation
.............
Page 10
Key processing factors
............
Page 10
Fundamentals of dry mounting
Page 11
Fundamentals of laminating
....
Page 12
Preparing substrates
...............
Page 13
Routine maintenance
..............
Page 14
Troubleshooting, vacuum
........
Page 15
Troubleshooting, electrical
.......
Page 16
Technical Specs
......................
Page 17
Replacement parts
..................
Page 18
Warranty
..................................
page 19
Overview
Thank you for purchasing a Drytac Hot Press
TM
Glass
Top Vacuum Press.
The Hot Press Glass Top Vacuum Press incorporates a
proven, high technology heating system. The top panel
of the press is made up of two sheets of reinforced
tempered glass. The inner surface of the lower sheet has
a transparent conductive coating applied to it. A controlled
electric current is passed through this conductive fi lm
creating a highly effi cient heating system. A sensor
on the glass monitors and controls the temperature
by means of a digital thermostat. The transparent top
offers a high level of operator confi dence as work can be
viewed throughout most bonding processes. The glass
is extremely smooth and scratch resistant.
The Hot Press Glass Top Press handles a wide range of presentation
materials from foam board and wood to photos, art prints and delicate
fabrics. The Hot Press brand is well regarded by picture framers and
other fi nishing professionals for its ability to produce consistent, high
quality results.
All models feature an electronic timer with a manual override switch
and vacuum pressure adjustment capabilities. Upon completion of the
cycle, vacuum pressure is automatically released and the timer resets
itself.
To ensure operator safety and to achieve the best results from your
Glass Top Vacuum Press, the machine must be set up and operated
in accordance with the instructions in this manual. Please review the
entire manual before using the press for the fi rst time.
We maintain a policy of constant improvement to our products. This
means that you may fi nd that some illustrations and descriptions will
vary from the equipment you are using.
If you have questions concerning applications of the Glass Top
Vacuum Press, please give us a call. Expert assistance is available at
no charge. We can also supply many of the adhesives, overlaminates
and other materials used in conjunction with this equipment. For more
information, please contact our Customer Service Department (see
page 19 for contact information).
Introduction

HOT PRESS USERS MANUAL
3
Safety Considerations
This product should only be used for the purpose and manner for
which it was designed. Before installing and using the equipment,
please read this entire manual and be sure that you understand
all the aspects of proper use. Some of the more important safety
considerations are listed below.
• Ideally, the vacuum press should be used with a metal stand
(available from Drytac). If a stand is not used, the press
must be located on a sturdy table or countertop capable of
supporting its weight (refer to Technical Specifi cations on page
17 of this manual). The largest model (HGP560) is supplied
with a stand, which must be used due to the weight of the unit.
• Connection of the equipment to the power source must be
handled by a qualifi ed electrician familiar with local and
national electrical codes. It is mandatory that the equipment be
properly grounded.
• The gas struts which support the lid are a critical safety item.
They must be fully extended (in other words, the lid must be
open completely) in order for them to support the weight of the
lid. The press must be installed in a location which allows the
lid to be completely raised without interference. If the lid is only
partially opened, it may close unexpectedly.
• Before each use, the struts should be checked to be sure they
are operating properly. Over a period of time, the struts will
lose pressure and will eventually require replacement.
• The inner surface of the glass top is very hot during normal
operation. Be very careful not to touch the glass when
inserting or removing materials from the press.
• Before servicing the equipment, it must be disconnected from
the power source.
• If either of the circuit breakers on the rear panel of the unit
should trip repeatedly, unplug the equipment and have it
serviced. The same applies to the fuses on the side panel.
• The vacuum press incorporates a high-temperature safety
cutout device, which disconnects all power from the unit if the
internal temperature reaches a predetermined level (257°F
/ 125°C). If the unit unexpectedly shuts off during use and
later comes back on after cooling down, it is likely that this
safety device has activated. This indicates a problem with the
temperature control system, and the unit should be repaired by
a qualifi ed technician.
• Do not use a knife to cut materials while they are inside the
press. This could cause damage to the diaphragm.
Safety

HOT PRESS USERS MANUAL
4
SETTING UP YOUR NEW VACCUM PRESS
Equipment Location:
The smaller vacuum press models
such as the HGP220 and HGP260 may be used on a
table or countertop, provided that it is able to support
the weight of the equipment. The larger models should
be used with a fl oor stand due to their size and weight.
The ideal working height of the press will vary depending
on the operator. We suggest a height of 28 to 31 inches
(700 to 790 mm). It is critical that the lid of the press is
able to open fully. Please be absolutely sure that nothing
interferes with this!
For proper operation, it is very important that the press
be fl at and level. The best way to verify this is to use a
carpenter’s (bubble) level. If one corner of the unit is at a
different height from the others, it may be diffi cult to achieve
a proper vacuum. For best results, we recommend that
the press be located away from air conditioning vents,
fans and other sources of moving air.
Unpacking:
Carefully inspect the vacuum press for possible shipping
damage. If any is discovered, please contact our Customer Service
Department immediately. If you are using a fl oor stand, unpack and
assemble it using the instructions provided. Remove the vacuum press
from the shipping carton and place it on the stand or table. Leave room
to make connections to the rear of the unit.
Unpack and remove the vacuum pump from its box. The pump
should be placed on or near the fl oor. There are suction cups
on the bottom of the pump to help keep it in place, since the
pump vibrates during operation. The pump will become warm
during extended usage. If the equipment is going to be used in a
high-volume production environment, please allow for adequate
ventilation of the area where the pump is located.
Stand Assembly (Model HPG560 Only)
Loosely fi t the four tie bars to the ends of the stand (Illustration
4B), using the 16 M10 x 50 bolts, 32 x M10 plain washers and 16
M10 nuts. Tighten all nuts and bolts. Move stand into fi nal position
and ensure that it is level by using the leveling spacers. The stand
may be leveled by supporting the low corner of the stand on the
tie bar and removing the wheel. The leveling spacers can then
be inserted between the stand and the wheel assembly and the
wheel assembly re-bolted to the stand. Lower the stand back to
the ground and re-check to make sure it is level.
Mount The Press Onto the Stand
(Model HPG560 Only)
Remove the divider panels from the crate. Remove the screws
from the side pieces of crate. Remove protective packaging from
the press. HOLDING THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE PRESS
ONLY AND NOT WITHIN 75 mm OR 3 INCHES OF THE ENDS, lift the
press from the crate onto the stand. Align the press with the ends of the
Press Set Up
Illustration 4B:
Stand assembly
Illustration 4A:
Vacuum press mounted
on stand.
Illustration 4C:
Stand assembly - front
view with wheels.

HOT PRESS USERS MANUAL
5
Press Set Up
stand. Undo catches at front of press and raise lid. Remove three screws
at front of diaphragm and draw diaphragm forward by approximately
300 mm or 12 inches. Working on underside of diaphragm, remove
hoses from fi ttings on diaphragm by pushing collar on hose end of fi tting
inwards and pulling out hose. Remove diaphragm from press. Using the
4 M6 x 80 mm bolts, 8 M6 penny washers, 4 M6 spring washers and 4
M6 nuts, secure the press to the stand by passing the bolts up through
the holes in the stand ends and into the base of the press. Tighten these
nuts and bolts. Insert the diaphragm back into the press and unsert the
hoses back into the fi ttings on the underside of the diaphragm.
Push the diaphragm back into position ensuring it fi ts into the three
clips at the back of the press and re-fi t the three screws at the front of
the diaphragm.
Stand Assembly Instructions for Small Models
(HGP220 / 260/ 36
0)
Component list:
• 2 x leg assemblies
• 2 x top rails
• 2 x bottom rails
• 12 x rail bolts (16 x for 360) M8 x 60 mm dome head
• 4 x press fi xing bolts M6 x 80 mm cap head
• 4 x penny washers ¼ x 1 “
• 4 x shakeproof washers M6
• 1 x M6 Allen key
Loosely fi t the top rails to the top of the leg assemblies to form a rectangle,
using 8 of the M8 x 60 mm bolts. Loosely fi t the bottom rails, about half
way up the leg assemblies, using the remaining M8 x 60 bolts. Tighten
all bolts using the Allen key and ensure stand is steady. The top rails are
inset from the front and rear, the largest inset is the front of the stand. Lift
press onto stand. Fit M6 x 80 mm bolts with shakeprooof washers, then
with the penny washers, then insert them up through the leg assemblies
into the base of the press. Tighten press fi xing bolts using the Allen key,
until rubber press feet are compressed slightly.
Connecting the Vacuum Pump
A length of plastic vacuum tubing (either red or green, depending on
the model) is supplied with the equipment. Connect one end to the
pump and the other end to the rear of the vacuum press. No tools are
needed - the tubing is a simple “push fi t” into the special connectors.
You will feel two stages of resistance as the tube is inserted. The ends
of the tubing must be clean and smooth to ensure a good seal. If
damaged, simply cut off 1/4” (5mm) with a sharp knife. To remove the
tubing, press the end of the metal fi tting and pull the tubing out.
Plug the electrical cord from the pump into the matching connector on
the rear of the vacuum press.
Illustration 5A:
Vacuum pump
connections .
THE CORRECT FUNCTIONING OF
YOUR VACUUM PRESS CANNOT
BE GUARANTEED IF THE PRESS
IS NOT MOUNTED SECURELY
ONTO THE STAND
AND THE PRESS LEVELLED
.
WARNING
THIS OPERATION
SHOULD BE CARRIED
OUT BY A MINIMUM
OF SIX PEOPLE.
WARNING