Ratio of cartridge heaters per thickness of material?
I am currently working on designing a new plastic sheet press that is smaller then the 3mx3m dimensions. I currently have my design set up to have a male and female interlocking frame to make 21inch x 21inch (533mmx533mm). The plastic in the frame needs to be 3/4" thick (19-20mm). My question is in two parts. How many cartridge heaters will I need to stick to the aluminum plate to heat up a variety of PP/PETE/HDPE plastics that are 20mm thick. Currently I have the design set for only 5 (shown in the photo) and would like to know if there is a ratio for area and depth of plastic to melt. The original build for the sheet press from Precious Plastics states that one 300W heating element can heat up a 240x240mm by 10mm aluminum plate but does this account for depth of plastic melted? Along with this, how detrimental is it to have the heating elements only on one side? My form really only allows for the heating elements to be placed on one side. Thank you again for the help and support.
researchsheetpressmeltingcompression
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