[justin1213]

Hello everyone,
First I want to thank everyone that contributes to this forum. I have found a wealth of knowledge.
I do have a question about building my own equipment. I am in the process of building my press (90% done) and would like to start on my exposure unit soon after. I am running into conflicting information and was hoping someone can put it straight for me. I have done a lot of research on building my exposure unit and was looking at building a vaccuum unit. I have also seen videos (Rjennings) that has stated that a point light source is better then several uv lights 6 inches away of image because it will lower the chances of undercutting. Please tell me which is better. I am not doing halftones as of now but that doesnt mean I never will and if I can build something that will allow me to do halftones then I would prefer just to build that unit but at the same point I need something that is going to be realible without screen issues. multiple uv lights or single halogen? Please help I have several orders that I am wanting to fill with screen printing vs transfers from ace.

Thanks in advance for the help

 

[Dkenzie1]

Hi Justin1213, I have built my own exposure unit and used 6 florescent tubes 3" away from the glass no vacuum though maybe add that later. have had no problem with either half tones or spot images.I think the thing to keep in mind is that once you build it and start to use it you will get a feel for it and if undercutting becomes an issue you can compensate for that in the artwork. Personally I would go with a point light source if you can afford it or find one cheap enough. If you do use a point light source make sure to add a fan and plenty of ventilation. so you can keep the glass cool. Also make sure the glass you use has NO uv coating on it. Good luck.