Selecting A Melt Temperature Probe

I just received this request…

Larry
We know the importance of using the proper melt temp.  Is it worth the extra money to get a meter and one of the “needle probes” from a supplier like EDL?
My Response
The thin probe is the best method. You do not have to preheat it… and the reading is very fast. Wire probes tend to be too brittle for the production environment, while the newer thin probes are much hardier.
If you want to save a few bucks, you can usually skip the extension cable and plug the probe straight into the meter. Personally, I use the probe that way because I can take the reading with one hand.
Additional Thoughts
Although there are a variety of styles, the probe adapters are pretty consistent… so you can usually plug a new probe into an older meter.
-Andy
  1. MJ left a comment on 2009/11/24 at 10:59 am

    Andy,
    What is the recommended maximum response time of probe, if I don’t want to preheat it?
    Milan

  2. Andy Routsis left a comment on 2009/11/24 at 11:11 am

    Hello MJ,
    The 0.072″ probe I typically use has the following specifications:
    Response time = 1 second to 95% of reading
    -Andy

Leave a Comment