Can you help make a hot embossing machine?

Discussion
1

Afternoon all

I have been having this conversation with various individuals for over a year. But thought I would try and seek some advice and assistance here.

I am very keen to have a heat embosser. But the prices are to far out of my price range. So wondered if I could build my own.

A vintage manual version appears to be quite a simple structure

image

A vintage electric version

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I currently have

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Any @metaltechs electrotechs that think this could be done and willing to guide me on how to do it, as well as what I need to purchase.

Cheers

2

Hi Chanelle,

I suggest these items:

  1. Temperature Controller + thermocouple
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-PID-Controller-with-Max-40A-SSR-and-K-Thermocouple-PID-Controller-Set-ZX-/202246100963
  2. Housed resistor x2
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50W-100W-Shell-Power-Housed-Case-Wirewound-Resistor-1-2-4-6-8-10-Ohm-Aluminum/263138048249
  3. Heat resistance (known by trademark Kapton) tape
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20mm-100ft-High-Temp-Heat-Resistant-Kapton-Tape-Sublimation-Mug-Print-Adhesive-/132486563246

The housed resistors are fixed to surface you wish to heat and thermocouple taped to same surface. I can draw you a wiring diagram if you wish. Note the actual control uses mains electricity so must be boxed.

And that is my two pennies worth!

Daniel

1 Like
3

Would a 3d printer heated bed be better?

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=printer+heated+bed&client=safari&sa=X&hl=en-gb&biw=320&bih=445&noj=1&tbs=vw:l,ss:44&tbm=shop&srpd=10649339396994574173&prds=num:1,of:1,epd:10649339396994574173,paur:ClkAsKraX5KQA2cOZrPpyHdpATXoQDlZq2QJVUGvvilDOudbyc2mcwYtSFvUOLXHbZPVsljvWtoI2zovNEsahejyjRRjjjx0dKOtvG7exIdOJgqzV18PD9w2FRIZAFPVH70LSh-qUzh-NbOphdymsKp64lxCoQ&ved=0ahUKEwiPiqngxtXaAhVlJ8AKHTlsAjUQgjYIjwQ

1 Like
4

Handle might get in the way.

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5

The 3d printer heatbed have a maximum temp of 100C maybe 120 on 24V. Based on a quick lookup hot embossing machine can go up to 400C but I like the idea of the heatbed. (I’ve got a 200x300 mounted on alu plate if the bed operating temp is suitable thou)

On the other hand you could use Ceramic Cartridge heater for 3d printer but over 280C forget about thermistor and will need to use a thermocouple. A simple arduino and a power relay combined with LCD 2004 should be all you need.

1 Like
6

Thanks for your responses.

Unfortnately I’m struggling to make sense of it all.

Am I right in thinking I would need:
A thermal plate or equivalent
A thermostat
Some wires to connect thermostat to tool that would hold letters

I would also need to mill a case to hold letters.
Some kind of brackets to attach various parts.

Have I missed anything?

I think you have all listed and linked where to get hold it all.

If I purchase items would someone be able to help piece together at an electronic evening. My soldering skills are limited to jewellery making.

Cheers

7

Are you happy with your current press clearance?

8

I think so?

9

If the materials you are planning to emboss fit ok I can advise you on the rest. Is the press at the SLMS?

10

Nah - it’s home currently.

This what I have

51F5C2F2-0F32-4475-B842-11036E168BD1-large

I think I’m clearance is ok.

I can bring it in next Thursday?

11

I can’t make it next Thursday, probably the following one? Meanwhile, what materials are you looking to emboss?

12

Leather of course :wink:

13

Ok. Google is saying 40-90°C temperature for 2-30 seconds, pressure of about 300 kilos (which I think your press should handle fine). Are you looking at heating both sides of the press or base only?

14

Actually only the attachment holding the letters.

15

Would you be able to post a photo?

16

Sorry I got distracted - exactly what I was supposed to do

dd80c543e9b000b93bd0a6aa303393bb--leather-stamps-foil-stamping

17

Post a photo of your

18

I don’t have it yet. I have a set of letters coming this week, and planned to make the holder. But the attachment is this

hot%20foil%20embossing%20holder%20attachment%20

The letters sit in side this case and the electronics is attached as detailed by the picture.

hot%20foil%20embossing%20letter%20section%20

The letters are placed in the front

hand%20held%20foil%20embosser

This is a handheld version but may be easier to see how it works.

letters%20and%20holder

This is what I’m planning to recreate.

diagram%20fot%20foil%20emossing%20machine%20process
diagram fot foil emossing machine process.png749×317 38.2 KB

A little diagram of how the embossing machine works.

I hope that makes better sense.

Cheers

19

Perfect! I think a couple of these screwed on the side and you have your press. And then how to attach it to your press needs to be resolved but in terms of heating I think you’re home :slight_smile:

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