TM 10-8400-201-23
21-5. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE-Continued
(c)
Quality control. Adjust heating, pressing and cooling times as required for the iron being used.
Check the quality of the adhesive bond periodically and adjust heating times and temperatures.
NOTE
Check test. Periodically during the work and when adjusting the iron, test a patch which has
cooled for about 5 minutes by picking with the fingers at the edge of the patch until a tab about 1/4
to 1/2 Inch (0.635 to 1.27 cm) long is formed. Pull hard on the tab with fingers. A well bonded tab
will be difficult to peel off and will indicate that iron adjustment and heating time are adequate.
Replace the check test patch with a new patch.
1.
If the adhesive strikes through the patch cloth, too much heat has been applied. Reduce time of
pressing or temperature of the iron. A small amount of strike through is not objectionable provided
the patch meets the check test.
2.
A bonded patch which has a lifted edge will be re-ironed. A bonded patch which has been subjected
to the check test will be replaced.
3.
When patching by special automatic press, the platen temperature, dwell time, dwell pressure, and
other details shall be in accordance with the press manufacturer's Instructions.
c.
Cleaning. Items shall be cleaned by individual laundering or by utilizing laundry facilities provided at the
installation. Follow laundering instruction on labels
d.
Direct Support Level of Maintenance
(1)
Preliminary examination and cleaning Dirt, mud, dust, spots, mildew stain, and other foreign matter shall
be removed with a brush or by laundering. Mildewy and rotten items shall be discarded. Seams shall be
tested by grasping the item with both hands and pulling at right angles to the seam. Areas to be repaired
shall be marked with crayon. Non-specification and personnel marks shall be erased or obscured.
(2)
Laundry. Items shall be processed In laundry facilities in accordance with established practices set forth
in FM 10-280. When such facilities are not available, items shall be laundered by contract with private
industry in accordance with accepted commercial laundry practices.
(3)
Patching. Garments may be patched by either the iron on or stitched patches.
21-8
