jutut

Hi,
What would be the options I would look for in a press if I wanted to print 4 color process work?

Even if I do not go that way, I really like the ability to keep tight registration and ease of setup.
Thanks,
John

 

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alost

Quote: Originally Posted by jutut Hi, What would be the options I would look for in a press if I wanted to print 4 color process work? Even if I do not go that way, I really like the ability to keep tight registration and ease of setup. Thanks, John

Look for a press that offers microregistration (for tight registration) and pin registration (for ease of setup). Other than that, just buy the highest quality press you can afford.

Keep in mind that you may want to buy a 6-color instead of a 4-color in case you want to do process or simulated process on dark shirts.

 

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fdsales

Yes, I agree with previous poster; you definately need a press w/ micro registration. Also, look for a good qualtity press, one that will not rock or move when you print on it, and also metal parts as opposed to plastic. Best thing is to go to a show & actually "feel" the press. Look for things like a smooth movement in the print head & platen carousels. If you can afford side clamps, those are much better at holding screens in tight registration than rear clamps, simply because more area of the frame is being held on 2 sides, rather than just the rear of the frame. Also, use metal (aluminum) frames; the cost is now pretty close to wood frames, but they don't warp & come apart at the joints, and last forever. Also, mesh can be stretched tighter on a metal frame, which for process color work, really makes a difference. Don't cheap out on your frames; you'll be glad you spent the extra $$$ down the road.

 

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jutut

Thank you both for the great insight

 

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Adams Scrnprnt

One other thing to consider, you can buy a good press and gear but you have to remember with all this you will still have inconsistent squeegee impression on any manual press. Color reproduction will fluctuate from piece to piece because it's impossible for a human to duplicate/repeat what a machine can do. For the most consistent print quality and minimum dot gain, running process on an automatic is the way to go.

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2007 Impressions Magazine Screen Printing Grand Champion, People's Choice & 1st Place Special Effects.

 

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