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smellvir · November 15th, 2009

Hi Im new to screen printing

I wanted to ask about newman retensionable frames, are there any down side to using these frames?

after I am done using the frame and the artwork can I store the mesh and reuse it later when needed?
can it it be put back into the newman frame for re tensioning? if so how long would the mesh last? and how should I store it.

studog79 · November 15th, 2009

The downside is the cost. You clean the screen the same as any other screen. The pluses are many. If you want to do it right use them.

tripl3thr33 · November 16th, 2009

if you mean taking off the mesh with a design and putting it back on, it might not come out the same as you originally had. the mesh might not be tensioned in the same exact way so the design may be stretched or skewed. but you can still reclaim it, and if need be, burn the image again if you keep the film positive (just like a static screen)

out da box · November 16th, 2009

Reclaim and reburn- it's probably five times faster.

RichardGreaves · November 16th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by smellvir


	Hi Im new to screen printing I wanted to ask about newman retensionable frames, are there any down side to using these frames? after I am done using the frame and the artwork can I store the mesh and reuse it later when needed? can it it be put back into the newman frame for re tensioning? if so how long would the mesh last? and how should I store it.

Alas, your desires to store & re-use mesh aren't benefits of the Newman Roller Frames.

All frames should stay flat, square & stable enough to maintain shape under the force. Wood or aluminum static frames will do that. Aluminum weighs about 1 pound less than wood so I strongly recommend aluminum for manual presses. "Less Unsprung Weight".

Even the best mesh will always relax & elongate as you stretch it with a squeegee - It's elastic by design. A retensionable frame can actually strengthen the polyester mesh fibers with each retension - between print runs and after reclaiming.

Loss in screen tension causes image distortion, mis-registration, blurred-edges, color shifts, multiple print strokes, dot gain, uneven emulsion coats, ink penetration through the garment, and ink build-up on the bottom of screens.

Change in tension will require ink, squeegee, and press adjustments - notably off-contact and re-registration. Change in tension produces loss of quality, productivity, and control.

Everybody knows that tight screens print better, but, STABLE tension is more important for stable multi-color print runs. If a screen loses tension it will no longer match the positive - and registration suffers. Even on Newman's, new mesh - virgin mesh - will loose tension until it has been work hardened and made more dimensionally stable by re-tensioning.

I would rather print a job with 6 12 newton screens than a job with 6 screens with different tensions. Each different screen requires different off-contact distance & blade pressure to print clean & fast. Static screens where screen tension is always a variable, always deposits differently.

Newman's require extra time & maintenance. Re-tensioning, taping & cleaning all take longer. A race car performs better than an old station wagon, but also requires a team of mechanics.

Many have tried to remove & retension designs. One color designs can work well, but multi-color images, not ever.

The reward of stabilized mesh is improvement of the print image or speed. Print more, deliver faster with less setup hassle.

If you are just starting out, your shop, print jobs & budget might not achieve benefits from higher tension yet.

If you can say "I don't care about that", it's time to buy wooden glued frames & get to printing - but, get to printing.

smellvir · November 17th, 2009

Thank you very much for the info guys

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