Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the DK20 16x20 or DK16 14x16 clamshell press! This heat press machine has many exciting features, all of which are meant to help make your heat transfer pressing endeavors as successful and easy as possible. Please take the time now to thoroughly read through this manual to become acquainted with them.
Bolting the frame of the press to the workbench greatly reduces this. • A stand on lockable casters is available from Geo Knight & Co or your distributor. • The height of the bench/work space the press is located on would be ideally 27”...
Normal Operation Normal Operating Mode The normal operating mode of the press will display the current actual Temperature at the top of the screen and the time setting elapsed time below temperature. The right side the screen will indicate the heating status by stating HEATING, READY, both of those words, or none at all, depending on if it is cooling down or heating up to the set temperature.
Setting Time From the normal operating mode, simply use the Arrow Keys ONLY to set the time. Do not touch the PRG key. Hold down either the Up or Down arrow key for more than 2 seconds and the time will increase rapidly.
Setting Pressure Pressure is set manually using the large black Pressure Adjustment Knob. There is one important rule of thumb when setting pressure: The press MUST LOCK IN PLACE when lowering and clamping the press. Do not simply let the platen rest on the pad. A good solid two-handed locking force is recommended when first doing transfers to insure good results.
Digital Pressure Bar Graph The Digital Pressure Bar Graph indicates a basic 0-9 scale of pressure exerted. The pressure bar graph resets when the press is closed/locked while timing. If the pressure adjustment has been changed, or a different thickness item has been placed in the press, the pressure bar graph will not change until the press is closed and locked and the timer is counting.
Guidelines & Standard Settings The following information covers some basic guidelines for pressing, as well as some generic parameters for basic heat transfer applications. • When pressing shirts, it is often recommended that the shirts be quickly pressed for 2 to 4 seconds before transferring to remove wrinkles and water content.
ERR Mode During operation of the press, if there is a loss of signal from the temperature sensor wire, the ERR display will appear. This is a safety feature that will shut off the relay so the press will not overheat aimlessly without a temperature signal.
Programmable Presets How Presets Work There are 70 programmable presets in the controller. The operator can store a Temperature, Time, Prepress Time, and Pressure setting in each preset. When a preset program is loaded by the operator, the Current Temperature Setting, Time and Prepress Settings (if there is a Prepress setting in that preset) are updated in the normal operating mode.
Editing/Programming a Preset To edit a preset and change it’s values to your own desired settings, you simply use the TEMP key while in the SET preset mode. From the normal operating mode, press the PRG key. SET displays on the screen. Use the Arrow Keys to select the preset # you wish to edit.
A Walkthrough Tutorial for using Presets Here is a tutorial of programming 2 different presets, and then an example of using them in normal daily operations. Do this walkthrough to practice using presets. Part 1: Programming 2 different presets. From the normal operating mode, press PRG. SET appears. Use the arrow keys to select SET 01.
User Menus Entering the user menus & options There are many useful features beyond simply setting time & temperature, and storing presets. All of these additional features are available to the operator in the User Menus. To access the user menus, simply press TEMP & PRG at the same time from the normal operating mode and let go.
Recorded Pressings (User Odometer) There is an “odometer” that records pressing cycles done. This can be cleared and reset to 0 at any time when needed. The figure scrolls and it’s beginning and end are separated by a “-” sign. After entering the user menus (see top of page 14), Press PRG until REC displays.
Pressure Maximum To reset and redefine “9” for the pressure bar graph, use this calibration menu. Do NOT adjust this setting unless you are sure adjustments are necessary. Adjust the pressure of the machine so there is extremely heavy pressure when clamping and locking the press.
Keypad Beeper The keypad beep can be silenced if needed. After entering the user menus (see top of page 14), Press PRG until BEP displays. Use the arrow keys to set it to ON or OFF. Press PRG to move to the next menu item.
Finished Warning Beep The press can sound a beep on the last 3 seconds of the timer or Prepress timer countdown. This is useful if the press is automatic and the operator needs a warning that the press is about to finish, open, or pop-up dramatically.
Prepress Alarms The Prepress timer alarm can be adjusted for different beeping patterns. This allows for differentiating from the normal timer, and can allow the operator to have a short beep or a continuously repeating beep. After entering the user menus (see top of page 14), Press PRG until AL2 displays.
Parts / Maintenance / Misc Interchangeable Tables The lower table on the machine is interchangeable. Different sized optional tables can be obtained for various materials & handling requirements. The tables simply fit right onto the table support. The sides of the angle brackets on the underside of the table will slide along the sides of the square tubing of the table support.
Replacement Parts Here is a list of current replaceable parts on the DK20 and DK16 as of the writing of this manual: DKA-20BASE ....DK20 CLAM LOWER BASE FRAME DKA-16BASE ....DK16 CLAM LOWER BASE FRAME DKA-20HNDL ....DK20 CLAM HANDLE ASSEMBLY DKA-16HNDL ....DK16 CLAM HANDLE ASSEMBLY DKA-20PRS ....DK20 CLAM PRESSURE ARM ASSEMBLY DKA-16PRS ....DK16 CLAM PRESSURE ARM ASSEMBLY DKA-FRMLNK ....DK20/16 PRESSURE SIDE LINK (2 req)
Troubleshooting The following information attempts to address the most probable mechanical and user issues with the press. Most issues with heat transfer presses are application related. That is, they have to do with the results of a particular transfer application. For technical support on problems having to do with the final results of a particular transfer paper or media, please contact the supplier of that transfer media.
Troubleshooting (cont.) I press the keys on the keypad, and there is no sound or response from the controller. Check the connection of the keypad to the controller. This is inside the top panel. Unplug the power cord. Remove the two screws in between the clamp/linkage that hold down the top panel, and carefully lift the panel up and look inside at the digital controller.
The entire risk as to use, quality and performance of the press lies with the buyer. In no event will Geo Knight & Co be liable for any damages, including loss of profits, destruction of goods or any other special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the use of the press or accompanying materials.
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