There are two major components to consider when setting the temperature of your glue pot.
1. The speed of your track.
2. The application temperature range of the glue you've selected
You'll notice on the glue manufacturer's spec sheets that these are given in ranges not definitive numbers. The temperature and track speed for the glue you are asking about is:
Application Temp: 190-210 C (374-410 F)
- Feed Speed: roller application: 18-60 m/min (50-180 ft/min).
The amount of time it takes the board to reach the first pressure roller after glue is applied at the pot is known as "open time". This determines what you set the temperature of the glue at. The temperature needs to be within the range the manufacturer recommends.
If your track speed is on the low end, in this case 18 meters/minute you would set the glue temperature at the high end of the recommended temperature range or 210 degrees.
If your track speed is on the high end listed 60 meters/minute you would set the glue temperature at the low end of the manufacturer's recommendation or 190 degrees. The goal is for the glue to be hot enough to squeeze out top and bottom at the pressure roller station, giving a smooth appearance, and be set to avoid de-lamination as the board travels through the various stations. If you set the temperature too hot the banding can slip on the edge or be pulled loose especially in the case of 3mm. Set the temperature to low and the glue doesn't squeeze out properly giving you a poor appearance and de-lamination problems in the field.
Selection of the glue you use is based on the type of edge you are applying and the limitations of your machine.
I normally recommend Jowat 280.3 to my customers. The operating range is:
- Application Temp: 180-200 C (356-392 F)
- Feed Speed: roller application: 5-40 m/min (15-120 fpm)
The feed speed on the 280.3 is typically in a more appropriate range for most edgebanders.
When selecting glue look first at the track speed on your edgebander to make certain the glue is appropriate for your machine and within your machines capabilities. If the glue is appropriate for your machine then look second at the material you are applying to make certain the glue is appropriate for the edging.