Changing the heating elements on Mug press

[hannah]

Possibly a very stupid question, but I can't seem to find an answer or quite possibly I'm not searching the right thing.

How do I know when I need to change the heating blankets on my mug press? I've just realised I've worked it quite hard in the last few weeks, how many mugs should I expect it to press before it needs replacing? Will it give me any tell tale signs that its giving up?

Thanks

[Justin]

Depending on your press it could be a few hundred, could be a few thousand. If you start to see element lines on your prints or bubbles in the elements it's time to change.

There's no hard and fast rule, I've seen cheap presses last for years and expensive presses give up their element very quickly. This is why you'll often find a limited warranty on the element when you buy a new mug press.

[Mrteajunkie]

My press is on its 4th blanket.

one blanket managed 30 mugs and died a smoking messy death, yet others have done 400+ And bubbled at the edges.
I find a blanket just stops heating one side or the top or bottom as burns out, resulting in a failed pressing.

But the one I have in there now I can’t tell you when it was replaced as it’s been a long time. It’s done well over 800 mugs so far and showing no signs of stopping. (Famous last worlds)

My blankets are cheap though at under £20each. So I always keep a few in stock for those headache days.