Solving vacuum problems in a vacuum heat press.

Lets go through the problem solving step by step. Much of this should apply to vacuum heat presses or cold presses of all makes. Many of these issues are caused by using or processing sharp objects in the vacuum press or the careless use of trimming knives. Do all cutting and trimming away from the press.

2. Isolate the problem. To do this you need to turn off the heat in a hot vacuum press and allow it to cool down before you start. Look for the vent that is used for extracting air from the area between the diaphragm and platen ( vacuum intake ), this will almost always be at the back end of the heated platen or perhaps the diaphragm frame depending on the vacuum heat press manufacturer.

3.Carefully shut off the intake-vent with tape, a plug, or simply with a finger with the help of an assistant and turn-on the vacuum pump.

4. Do you register a proper vacuum on the vacuum gauge ?.

5. If no the problem probably lies with the vacuum pump or the vacuum pipe connections to the air intake / vacuum port that you have just plugged. If possible try to connect a gauge directly to the vacuum pump or vacuum source. If the vacuum pump-source is ok check all external and visible pipe work on the vacuum heat press for leaks before doing anything else. Make sure that you closed the vent off securely. The obvious and simple is often the cause so always do this first .

6. If you did get a decent vacuum the problem is with the diaphragm, diaphragm seal or lid adjustment.

7. Check the diaphragm thoroughly for rips, tears, punctures and even pinholes. Some vacuum heat presses use a thin latex diaphragm and these perish with time. Check that there is no tape or other item laying across the heat press vacuum seal and do the same on the platen. Make sure that the seal is not perished or delaminating from the frame. Check the corners carefully as this is a common area for problems.

8. In cases where the manufacturer uses a hollow seal the seal can develop a flat spot over time if the rubber sticks together internally. This can usually be cured if you insert a sharp object (from the outside edge below the sealing surface) and gently prise the seal open again. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the seal and making things worse. This is not a permanent fix and the problem will usually recur eventually. We do not use hollow seals so the Thermvac vacuum heat presses will not develop this problem.

9. The Thermvac heat press diaphragm is made from glass fibre mat and high temperature silicone so minor repairs are fairly simple. Remove the diaphragm and simply repair any small tears or holes using a small piece of thin fabric coated on both sides with clear high temperature silicone. These repairs should be done on the back of the diaphragm to avoid high spots that could affect your end product. Do not use calk or DIY silicone as this will generate smoke due to the fillers that are added. Doing this should at least keep you going until you can obtain a new diaphragm.

10. Other diaphragm types can sometimes be given a temporary fix by using vulcanizing patches as used for tire repair or even self adhesive tape. These methods are not suitable for high temperature heat presses. Forward to heat press lid adjustment E