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johnblaze · April 6th, 2009

Hi Im just starting out and Im planning on getting two 23x31 aluminum screens. Im not sure what the standard aluminum frame demension is but im guessing they are made of 2" square tubing. That being said I would like to use as much of the screen area as possible to get the largest image possible. Im guessing the mesh area would be 19 x 27 correct? if so should I purchase a 18" scoop coater and a 18" squeegee? any help would be apprieciated...thanks

Solmu · April 6th, 2009

1.5" is more common if I remember correctly. 18" scoop coater is about right, but 14-16" squeegee is probably closer.

Tj Ryonet Tech · April 6th, 2009

If you are using a 23x31 screen I would get a 19" scoop coater.

Paul204 · April 6th, 2009

The 23x31s I have have 1 1/8" x 1 5/8" tubing. A 19" scoop coater would just fit inside, I use an 18".

I wouldn't recommend printing much larger than 15" across with these, but some people will say you can print with less clearance with that.

RichardGreaves · April 6th, 2009

To avoid image distortion, the minimum free mesh needed on each side of the screen is equal to at least half of the image width and at least 4 inches.

If you are too close to the inside edge, the printed image is distorted, because there is more resistance to deflection closer to the frame

A frame really can't be too big but you have chosen 23x31 which was the largest frame that worked in a classic Precision Oval press. It has an inner dimension of 20x28.

The mesh resistance 1 inch from the frame is 10 times the mesh resistance in the middle. An 18" blade will form a 'smile' shape because each blade end is receiving 10 times the mesh resistance that the middle is.

Many printers nullify these facts - choosing brute force or coarse registration, over buying larger frames.

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23x31 Screen size, what coater and squeegee do I need?