I am looking for a reliable, quick, easy emulsion that can also work well with fine details. I am comparing the Chromaline 'Spike CT 420D', 'Chromablue' and 'Chroma Tech PL'......I am confused in the fact that these three have indentical spec sheets other than viscosity and color....what is the difference in these three in practical applications? Are there other products you would recommend? Maybe Richard could chime in here. Thanks
we use qtx as well... ultra fast emulsion, it is. we've been having good luck with the resolution of halftones at 45 frequency, but we're looking into a slower, dual-core emulsion for better results on 55 halftones. not sure what to go with yet.
we use qtx as well... ultra fast emulsion, it is. we've been having good luck with the resolution of halftones at 45 frequency, but we're looking into a slower, dual-core emulsion for better results on 55 halftones. not sure what to go with yet.
have you tried ulano qx-1? its a dual-cure hybrid emulsion thats slower than qtx. water and solvent resistant too. blue in color.
worth trying, i like it but i only get it when my supplier is out of qtx.
thanks andrew. no, i haven't tried it, but i'll certainly look into it. i've got a full bucket of qtx now, and i want to make sure that if i buy another gallon of emulsion it's going to have a pretty good shelf life.
man, there are so many emulsions out there, and so many things to consider for the application of them... soon enough i'll find the time to do a little research...
I used to use Spike for my spot color work, but for fine line, process work, i use Kiwo Poly Plus -S. Deinately look at dual cure for finer detail work.
Richard...please educate me. I was initially told by an experienced printer that all he uses is SPIKE and he does spot color and detail fine line work. I just happened to look up a couple other emulsions I have heard others talk about by chromaline and there seems to be little difference, why would a manufacturer make 3 products almost identical? Anyway Richard, I am looking for a good all around emulsion to use, I will not be doing halftones right away, but I am looking for something fairly easy to work with that doesn't need multiple coatings, longer shelf life, and is good for detail work. I underdstand one emulsion can't do everything but there must be a good emulsion that performs well for most needs. I am using a MH amergraph 150 exposure unit and screen mesh of 110 thru 156. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Joe
I just happened to look up a couple other emulsions I have heard others talk about by chromaline and there seems to be little difference, why would a manufacturer make 3 products almost identical?
These emulsions are all different when you study the specifications.
I'm sure very day someone calls Chromaline and says, "I need an emulsion that.....", just like in my office. If they think it will sell, they make it.
Different color, price and solids are big sellers.
If some emulsions don't have inert fillers, does SPIKE CT 420D?
SPIKE CT 420D US$80.58
Red 48% 6000 CPS 18 months
Optimized for the 420 nanometer frequency on units like the VNH.
ChromaBlueUS$83.20
Blue 50% (no inert fillers) 4600 CPS 24 months
I do understand your confusion because you don't have much experience 'tasting' different emulsions. I would challenge all the people that told you what they use to explain the choices they actually made rather than "I use....". The vast array of emulsions tells you, somebody likes them. Your friend liked SPIKE, but did he explain why he made that choice?
Many will say "it works and I have no problems", but a professional that knows of more choices may have a suggestion that they may think is a better emulsion, once they size up your operation.
They may only know one store to purchase supplies.
They may want to buy where they can pickup the supplies.
You are using coarse mesh so higher solids will help you coat and you are not going to do any difficult halftone work on 156 mesh. Study the finest line thickness you are using in your art.
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How are you measuring? retired Ulano Technical Support Screen printing since 1979 - SGIA Academy Member
Last edited by RichardGreaves; April 13th, 2008 at 06:30 PM.
Richard, I am following what you are saying and agree 100%. So would you be willing to throw me a couple suggestions as far as what type of emulsion would be a smart choice. What information would you need from me that would help you deternine what product would be a good fit for us. Thanks Joe
Sales pitches are discouraged on this Forum. Only Rodney could give permission for that and I am sure he will see how I bent over backwards for my friends at Chromaline.
I'm sure that someone in technical services at Ulano would be happy to discuss product selection with you. 718-943-1338
He will ask you about:
Ink used
Positive generator
exposure unit
finest line
Pre-sensitized SBQ or Diazo or dual cure for resolution
Relative humidity in the storage room
Richard, Thats why I was waiting for you to chime in, you seem to be a wealth of information without promoting only your product, and thats appreciated. I can do what ever needs to be done in order to get good consistant quaility work.
-I have the exposure scale that came with the Amergraph unit.
-I have a controlled environment so humidity should not be a problem.
-Safe light...no problem.
-Finest line....005.
-What is positive generator?
-Exposure Unit - MH Amergraph 150.
-Inks Wilflex, Genisis (Buffulo for underbase).
I am not locked into any of this yet.
Thanks
Emulsion 
Differences in Chromaline emulsions 
