timings with a 3d oven, how easily is it to over bake?

[adamctid]

I'm using a 3d vacuum heat press for mugs, the timings it takes are no where near the recommended ones, I set it to 190 for 15 mins for 1 mug, 18 mins for 3, once ready the temp sits at 200 and they're done by that time, I want to do bigger batches but am worried about leaving them in too long, after wasting quite a few getting them out too early. I was wondering what happens if the mugs are left in too long and how much leeway there is from them being ready to being overdone?

[wayupnorth]

I don't have a 3d system but it would be worth sacrificing a few mugs by over cooking by a few minutes each time. Not tried this but you could create a template divided into small vertical strips containing a colour bar, print a sheet with one bar only, cook, print a sheet with the next bar only, cook etc. That way you use one mug several times and end up with a chart of cooking times.

I would use a new sheet of paper for each print to prevent any ink that may be on the element from transferring to the mug. I am also assuming that the mug can be printed multiple times.

Pre heating the mugs may be in order for multiples as there is more mass to heat which affects cooking times.

This technique would lend itself to testing a variety of substrates and I may even do it myself.....

[adamctid]

Cheers pal I seem to have got it sussed now.

[wayupnorth]

Good, can you share your solution - might be useful for others.