Darryl Keil Last Activity 2024-10-10 3:42 PM
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Jack

Posts: 3

Joined: 2016-07-15

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Subject : Full size bottom caul and gasket effect--Question?
Posted : 2016-07-19 4:37 PM
Post #37512
Hi All,

I'm setting up a new bag with a 4 x 8 platten (3/4" melamine w/ grooves) and a second sheet of melamine as a full size bottom caul so I can press several panels at the same time. Should the bottom caul be slightly smaller than the platten, and if so, by how much? Is OK if this caul covers the valve hole?

Also, is it effective to use a strip of breather mesh that runs from a panel in the middle of the caul out to the grooved platten to prevent gasketing? How can one actually tell if he is getting lower pressure due to gasketing?

Thanks!
Jack




 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: Full size bottom caul and gasket effect--Question?
Posted : 2016-07-19 5:55 PM
Post #37513 - In reply to #37512
Jack

What thickness are you planning for the bottom caul? 1/4" is much easier to carry around the room, but even 1/2" will be much less likely to break if you will be sliding the bottom caul in and out of the bag from time to time.


 
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Jack

Posts: 3

Joined: 2016-07-15

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Subject : RE: Full size bottom caul and gasket effect--Question?
Posted : 2016-07-19 6:12 PM
Post #37514 - In reply to #37513
The bottom caul is 3/4". I'll be sliding it in and out, but hopefully not carrying it around the room too much.


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1453

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Full size bottom caul and gasket effect--Question?
Posted : 2016-07-19 7:11 PM
Post #37515 - In reply to #37512
If you're planning on putting a caul on top of the platen board I would make it 1/2" smaller so the grooves around the edge don't get sealed off by the bag. As long as the grooves cut through the exit hole in both direction the caul can cover the hole.

All I do to make sure the vacuum flow is getting to your panel is have one edge of this panel within 1/4" of the edge of the caul. This way the exposed grooves are close enough to your panel to get the air out. Don't float your panel out in the middle of your caul otherwise you will get some gasketing effect and possibly have poor pressure. If you do this I would use some breather material to evacuate the trapped air.
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