thermometer

[rdhammah]

how important is it to use an infrared temperature gun? WalMart has one for $15. Anyone tell me if it is any good? Also saw one when I googled it for like $30

 

[Landry]

I find it super handy and important

[walleyeking]

I like the probe style instant read better. The hottest part of the plastic is the center. You need to stir to get an accurate temp either way. And yes knowing temp is very important.

[Apdriver]

The infrared is what I use, also. Works good, lasts a long time.

[SlowFISH]

8 hours ago, walleyeking said:

I like the probe style instant read better. The hottest part of the plastic is the center. You need to stir to get an accurate temp either way. And yes knowing temp is very important.

 

+1 on probe style.... you'll find the top surface of the plastic (where a IR thermo will measure) is much COOLER than the center if you are using a microwave to heat the plastic.... and it's a drastic difference in temperature.  I have the probe style - and use it to stir... you'll be amazed at the difference in temps you'll see when you place it (Top/Bot/Middle) of a heated cup of plastic.

I'd imagine if you're using a presto with a stirrer an IR could work as the plastic is constantly churned up.

   J.

 

[Frank]

I tested  both once and found that they were very close to the same temp. Using the probe to stir and the ir gun to read temp at the same time. Ended up within a few degrees. I have something much better to stir with than a thin probe so I ended up using the ir gun all the time. But either way it is very important to know what the temp is. When you have problems most of the time you could ask and if someone asks what temp you can tell them. As for the quality question try the less expensive one not a big loss if it is not so good. And Walmart would probably return it after even months of use.  

[Driftwood]

I use the IR just for the quick reading of the plastic. It's real handy when shooting laminates so as to keep both colors close to the same temperature.

[rdhammah]

thanks to all who posted. apparently the temp is a big deal. I was just pouring based upon the fluidity of the plastic. another purchase coming up. that plus an injector and injection molds. Man, this is running into some bucks!

[bryanmc]

It's important to watch the temp on reheats as well.  Some flake will curl and some will bleed if you take them over 330 or so on a reheat.

[Landry]

I have been using Lurecraft plastisol and glitter. I could get away with no thermometer. This stuff handles reheats and too high temps impressively. Multiple reheats or mistaken heats to 390* are no problem. 

[Cub48]

My infrared  is close when plastic is around 215f but after that the readings are not close. The digital i use reads correct so i use it  most of the time. on my remelts i just heat it until it is liquid again, i stir until the lumps melt. Cub48

[rdhammah]

I have remelted plastic and not stirred it before putting it into microwave again and when I stirred it, I got a long fat black thing that looked like a creature from the dark lagoon