Lessons learned on heat blanket

[COsurfer]

Not having a clue about heat blankets I ordered 2 heat blankets from Hi-heat per Head Monkeys specs: 14” x 85”, 2,083 watts running on 240v. I didn't have the money or knowledge to do his controls so I had them run a thermo coupler to the middle of the blanket and a cheap temp($70) controller on 8" leads. The first time I pressed I had a blow out on one of the blankets. Hi-Heat thought the pressure at the tip/tail molds "pinched" too much. In addition, when using the blankets the heat controller flopped around and got in the way as I would try to move the blankets in and out of the press. Overall a real pain in the ass layout. Hi-Heat revised one of my blankets for me and I wanted to post the result here because I am very happy with the new blanket and it is a good alternative to spending a $500 on a fancy controller. The new specs are: 220v, 3000w,thermo coupler with quick connects and 16" power leads with quick connects. They also beefed up the thickness of the pad to account for any pressure points. The final cost for 1 blanket was $424. Here is a pic:

I will mount the control box in a panel box on my press.

[COsurfer]

The second blanket I bought from Hi Heat just burned out as well. I DO NOT recommend blankets from Hi Heat. They don't seem to be durable at all. According to Hi Heat they should be able to withstand 1000's of pounds of pressure. The first one blew out on its first use, the second blanket burned out on its 4th use.

Has anyone else had issues with their blankets being pinched to the point of failure?

[doughboyshredder]

MEI is the place to go. Cheaper also. I'll check real quick like and let you know what I paid.

[doughboyshredder]

220.00 a blanket.
13"x72" 240v custom heat blanket 2400 watts.
I used my business name to get pricing, I suggest you do the same.
Quit messing around with the thermocouple in the blanket as well imo. Get yourself a pid controller setup and use good thermocouples.

[Jekul]

My Hi-Heat blanket is still holding in there (5 pairs + testing and burn-in). Could it be a controller issue? Maybe I can swing through next week and take another look at your setup. Are they willing to give a $ back for bad product?

MEI quoted me >$400 each. I would have gone with them for sure if I'd gotten the pricing you did doughboy.