tips for using Corning temperature controller

Hi all,

I recently bought a used Corning PC-620 stirrer/hot plate and the temperature controller that goes with it for the purpose of making silver gelatin emulsion.

I've searched thoroughly on the internet for some kind of manual or directions for using the controller and haven't found anything. I'm a bit confused how it works and would gratefully receive advice from one of you who has uses it for emulsion making.

For example, what is the tilt function for? Do I need to turn the heating knob on the machine itself or just on the controller to begin heating? I would prefer to hear your thoughts before I run the risk of doing something that could break the unit.

Cheers and thanks!

Googled it, took less than 30 seconds to find it
https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ncnr/Corning-Digital-Hot-Plate.pdf

Welcome to emulsion making! One important thing about a hot plate (stirring or otherwise) and emulsion making isn't shown in the manual. The picture shows a beaker sitting directly on the plate. Don't do that. Always use a water bath, ideally with a piece of silicon sheeting at the bottom of the water bath container, to prevent overheating on the bottom of your emulsion beaker and to promote even temperature all the way around.

Thanks dwross for your reply. I will finally begin to experiment with emulsion making in January. In regards to your advice about the silicon sheeting - from your personal experience, how thick can the silicon be while still allowing the peanut inside the emulsion beaker to continue stirring?

HI! Glad you're still at it! re question: There are too many variables for one answer (thickness of waterbath bottom, viscosity of emulsion, size and shape of stirring bar).

I use this product: https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Non...ix=silicone+baking+baking+she,aps,243&sr=8-24
It's never been too thick and does the trick.

You may need to experiment with your tools and materials to know your parameters. Good luck and fun!

dwross said:

Welcome to emulsion making! One important thing about a hot plate (stirring or otherwise) and emulsion making isn't shown in the manual. The picture shows a beaker sitting directly on the plate. Don't do that. Always use a water bath, ideally with a piece of silicon sheeting at the bottom of the water bath container, to prevent overheating on the bottom of your emulsion beaker and to promote even temperature all the way around.

Click to expand...

Great advice - I do mostly lith printing and have learned to put a wet towel on top of the tray heater, under the tray. Keeps the tray from sticking to the glass!