Novachrome Deep Impact 20" x 15" Heat press problem ..

[Volusian]

Hi all ...

We have a Novachrome Deep Impact 20" x 15" Heat press problem which has developed a fault. The unit has been working ok until recently when we noticed that on large sublimation prints one side was not pressed correctly indicating a slightly cooler platen side. Now the despite the unit switching ok it is not heating up. Removing the control panel lid shows all wires intact and non burnt etc. Going through to the platen we notice there is a what looks like a silver metal thermostat wire along with the 2 mains wires. Are the thermostat cables a possible cause of these cooling down or does it sound like the platen has failed ?

Considering the hefty price of these we though it would have lasted longer than 2 years .. we had a cheap Chinese one for 4 years until we sold it .. We have emailed Novachrome but no reply as yet. Are these units make by Adkins in Leicester ?

Any advice welcome ....

[Ucase Ltd]

I don't know the answer to your problem but Novachrome are usually pretty good if you give them a call. Ian is very helpful and knowledgeable.

I've called them a few times as I bought my Ricoh from there and they've always answered my question or told me how to fix.

Cheers,
John.

[pisquee]

If it's this one ... http://www.novachrome.co.uk/swing-head- ... ct-a3.html
Then it's a PressMech, and a VERY good press.
Yes, the two cables along with the power cables for the element are for the heat probe.
If you can call Dickie at PressMech Engineering on 0116 247 8071
He can talk you through testing (if you have a multimeter and are happy doing it) and how to replace the parts - in our experience it's a very good/easy press to take apart and replace bit when/if they go wrong, and Dickie is very helpful on the other end of the phone.
I'd also give NovaChome a call, especially if it's under warranty - if not, you may be better dealing directly with PressMech themselves.

[Volusian]

Thanks for the info ... i rang PressMech today and verified what we thought ... the element has failed. Thought it would have lasted more than just over 2 years to be honest ... its a pity PressMech cant just replace the existing element ... replacement cost is £280 for a full 15x20 platen

[Volusian]

this is the existing element .... anyone know where they may be available from ?

surely a replacement element has to be far cheaper than £280 for a full platen replacement. The existing platen is mint condition ..

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[pisquee]

Unless they've changed things, you should be able to buy just the element from PressMech, but that said, from the look of the photo, the element does look bigger than the ones in our presses (older models.) We've had two elements go over the years in these, but we run them for hours at 220 degrees, which is higher than most work these are designed for, and one failed mainly due to being in a house with dodgy electrics which tripped out all the time, so that added a lot more stress to the element.
The element may well be a standard part (like the plastic control box enclosure, and the timer and temperature controllers), or it may be custom made for PressMech. If it's the former then you may be able to source one much cheaper, but good luck tracking them down - I did try, but most searches I've done just bring up elements for domestic ovens!

[Volusian]

would be good to find which companies actually make these heater units ..... .struggling to find any as yet ..