Discuss the different types of equipment needed for screen printing. Topics include manual screen printing presses, automatic presses, dryers, folding machines, starter kits and high end machines.
For those who print all over t-shirts how do you guys expose your screens? Did you guys buy an exposure unit like the X-Vactor xl? or outsource to another shop that has a big exposure unit? or did you guys build your own?
For those who built your own unit what size and kind of bulbs do you guys use? Do you guys use a vacuum blanket with your oversize exposure unit?
And for film i want to use my epson r1800. Imma have to tape the 13x18 films. that would work right?
Many of our textile printers that print larger formats ("all-over") use frame sizes that are bigger than their standard exposure unit permits.
As a result, they often output the image in reverse (mirror image) and "tack" the film to the screen emulsion using a light adhesive spray,
then set the screen on the units glass for exposure without using the vacuum, exposing in contact with the film base.
In some other cases, they also expose the screen in the sun instead, but this is not easily possible in all U.S. regions and climates.
Note that "tiling" the image together from smaller films doesn't easily allow this method since the "seams" don't sit in intimate contact with adhesive contact.
We do have two clients that have worked out deals with local graphic printing firms (signs/posters) to expose screens;
those types of printers inevitably have larger vacuum frames for the type of work they normally do.
If you don't have to shoot big stuff often, this can be a cost effective arrangement, and can open up other marketing relationships as well.
I print enough allover prints that justified my purchasing of an an Epson 7600 (used) and I built a exposure unit that can a handle 39 inch X 49 inch screen. I have about 30 flourescent UV bulbs about 6 inches from the glass. I don't have a vacuum blanket and don't even have a RIP for my Epson. I print halftones with no problem, use Ulano WR925 and expose 175 mesh in approx 50 seconds and 305 mesh in about 30 seconds. When I get home I will post 2 of my recent allover prints...
I print enough allover prints that justified my purchasing of an an Epson 7600 (used) and I built a exposure unit that can a handle 39 inch X 49 inch screen. I have about 30 flourescent UV bulbs about 6 inches from the glass. I don't have a vacuum blanket and don't even have a RIP for my Epson. I print halftones with no problem, use Ulano WR925 and expose 175 mesh in approx 50 seconds and 305 mesh in about 30 seconds. When I get home I will post 2 of my recent allover prints...
what size bulbs do you use and what type? t12 ? and how many watts? thanks
F20T12-BL 20 watt (approx $8 each)
I have to apologize for not getting pics up yet...customer needs shirts for Thursday morning (not Friday).
I'll take pics of my exposure unit and the tees as soon as I finish this job...
Pics as promised...
The purple "Who" tee was printed w/ a 175 mesh and the "Marley" was printed w/ a 230 mesh. Big difference between the 175 and 230 mesh. Before washing, the 175 definitely has a more pronounced hand even though both printed w/ Matsui waterbase. The Marley has literally no hand whatsoever...Screens are 39 inches X 49 inches and I get a nice upper body workout after printing about 30 pieces!
Hope this helps....
Yes, directly on top of the screen is a black cloth and then a sheet of glass approximately 30" X 40". You could save $$ by using wood or metal... For pressure, I weigh it all down w/ my toolbox. the toolbox probably weighs 30 lbs.
Yes, directly on top of the screen is a black cloth and then a sheet of glass approximately 30" X 40". You could save $$ by using wood or metal... For pressure, I weigh it all down w/ my toolbox. the toolbox probably weighs 30 lbs.
What type of pallet are you using for the AOP? Did you purchase or self made?
Are you using a automatic press or manual?
I made a manual press with 2 hinges. I have a middle platen and 2 sleeve platens. I made 3 middle platen sizes. One for 2XL and XL, one for Large tees and another for Medium tees. I also have 2 different size sleeve platens. It is more tedious than a table top press but, shirts look much better. The shirts stay flat, so you do not get folds blocking areas where the ink is supposed to go (especially in the underarm area).
I designed mine for the floor as I would be able to get more and consistent pressure with my squeegee and for easier cleanup and storage.
I've taken pics and posted at one time in this forum but, I'll do so again sometime this week. Hope this helps...
ALL OVER Print Exposure Unit 
