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"If the machine has been maintained properly, the thermoplastic will be drained from the previous day's use, and excess material removed from the die and runner," Mayle says. "It's a good idea to clean the handliner's die and runner a couple of times a day. A simple putty knife does the trick. Some operators give their dies a more complete cleaning once a week by soaking them overnight in a solvent."

Extrusion dies are available in several different widths and thicknesses, although those with widths of 4, 6, 8, and 12 inches and .90 to .125 mils thick are among the most common. Dies are made from aluminum or high-temperature resistant steel. "Be aware that aluminum can warp at excessive temperature," Mayle says. "I've seen operators ruin their aluminum dies and runners by attempting to clean them with a propane torch."

When talking about daily maintenance issues, though, all thermoplastic equipment manufacturers emphasize the main concern is safety.

"When operating a thermoplastic handliner or any piece of equipment, safety should be foremost on any operator's mind," says Tom Waxler, president of Advance Striping Equipment. "The plastic has to be maintained within safe temperatures, between 400°F and 440°F for application. Thermostats have to be routinely checked on the kettle and the hand applicator to ensure they're working. All of our kettles have an additional safety features called a Hi Temp Limit Switch that shuts off the main gas line to the burner if the thermostat fails. If a thermostat goes bad, your kettle won't know that is should shut down.

"There are not many moving parts on a handliner, but there are a few bearings and they should be lubricated. Also, it may sound simplistic, but make sure the handliner has a full tank of LP gas before you start out in the morning. Then, always drain the handliner at the end of the day. If you don't, the plastic will freeze up like ice cream overnight and make startup difficult the next morning."