Insulation for a hot surface

[Liger Zero]

Ok, it gets cold in here overnight. After running Big Blue for 16 hours I shut it down and walk away, then the timer warms it back up. Normally it takes two hours to heat up, but because of the cold weather it now takes 3 or more hours to warm up.

Leaving it running unattended is absolutely out of the question due to the risk of Something Going Wrong. Also I don't believe in paying for eight hours of idle time

Time to think about insulation for the outside of the mold.

I'm going out to start up the machine now, what I am looking for are ideas as to what kind of insulation will help retain heat in this application... It has to be rated to 475 degrees yet be easy to remove so I can repair heaters and access various external features of the mold.

[Dr Stan]

How about an asbestos blanket?

Seriously, Northern Tool has some Steiner welding blankets and you may also want to check with your local welding supply.

[GKman]

I can picture keeping Ole' Blue warm - a dog house. But I can't picture Big Blue.

[Your Old Dog]

Is it really large?

Could you make some kind of a blanket type structure to drop on it or roll over to at quitting time rather then a permanent installation? I'm thinking like covering up a car engine in frigid temperatures. Would aluminum covered Homosote or Styrofoam cut into 2 foot wide panels by 4 feet long and hinged to allow you to unfold several panels over your mold be able to stand the down time mold temps?

Keep in mind the auto stores have magnetic block heaters. I bought a 300 watt one, about 5x7 inches and flat. It could be put on a timer to come on before the shop opens.

[Evan]

What parts need to be insulated?

[Circlip]

Ceramic paper/fibre.

Regards Ian.

[rockrat]

Build a room around it with proper insulation. In the winter it may keep itself warm overnight but it may get a bit warm in the summer without proper air flow.

Or hire a crew to run it 24 hours a day for the week. Then your only burning time for startup on Monday. Thats what we did with the big blow mold machines at the old place.

rock~

[Liger Zero]

What parts need to be insulated?

I'm not worried about the small machines. THIS is Big Blue before they rebuilt it:



I need to insulate part of the tower (lower part) and flat insulation for the mold itself.

Welding blankets, thanks for the tip.

I as of yet do not have enough work to justify 24/5 operation. Even then, insulation will reduce my energy costs.

[Duffy]

LG you are obviously going to make, or have made, a custom cover of some sort. I would suggest that a composite "blanket" with a fiberglas fabric inner shell, an insulating layer of either fiberglas batt or ceramic felt,and an outer cover of non-flammable, non-melting fabric, even plain old wool. The cover probably should be in two or more sections and put together with Velcro. If it is too hot fro Velcro, maybe Dzuz fasteners, the turnbutton type.
This will cost a buck or two, but I bet the energy costs of that little toy are not insignificant.

[Tim in D]

Can you build up some sort of insulated clam-shell type box that would roll into place?

Tim in D