Some thoughts on temperature. Most plastics will melt below 300 ∗F. I don't know which plastics they use in toner but would think they have a melt well below 400 ∗F. Time/Temperature is likely the reason some laser printers run such a high temperature. The faster the paper feed rate the higher the temperature needed. Would also assume that the mechanism they use to transfer the heat plays into it as well.
I use a old Minolta printer and generic toner refills. The paper feed rate even during high resolution is considerably faster than the laminator. Perhaps that is a reason a lower temperature can be used. The temperature I use is 270 ∗F.
I made my own temp control using a PIC12F683 and an LM34 temp sensor. The case on the sensor is only good to 300∗F and I haven't melted it yet. I use a DPM to read the temperature from the LM34 but you could use a voltmeter. I have a couple buttons to increase/decrease the set point and a relay output. I get about 15∗F overshoot because of the lag between heating element and sensor thru the aluminum plate, but the variance doesn't seem to change the result. Does not appear that PID is necessary. The LM34 puts out 10mV/∗F, very simple translation. An even simpler control could be done with a comparator and a pot.
RD
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingto@...> wrote:
>
> Is that 260 to 280 degrees F? If so, then I doubt it will work for my Brother 2140 laser printer due to the high temp toner it uses. The Brother 2140 has a warning label inside saying "Caution - 415F"
>
> I sure wish I could use that laminator for $25 - I'd order today.
>
> 73 de Ken H>
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Richard" <rdheiliger@> wrote:
> >
> > I bought one of these laminators and replaced the snap switch temperature control with my own. Between 260 and 280 degrees it makes very repeatable toner transfers. At $25 including shipping its a realy good deal.
> >
> > http://cgi.ebay.com/GBC-HeatSeal-9-Creative-Laminator-1701987_W0QQitemZ350192764057QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item51891d8499&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A30
> >
> > RD
> >
>