[xderiwx]

Hi guys,

I have been wanting to try a photopolymer emulsion for use with water based inks, and occasional plastisol. The quicker exposure would always be nice, but I’m also interested in the longer shelf life. I’m only starting out and printing for myself right now, so I end up wasting money not using up dual-cures. Im currently using WBP from Ryonet.

Through searching for an emulsion that would work for me, I’ve come across Saati PHU and read through some old searches that it’s a nice emulsion. My concern is with exposure. I currently have the Ryonet RXP 16x20” with two 15watt unfiltered UV black light tubes. They actually recommend that you shouldn’t use a photopolymer with this exposure unit, stating that those require more powerful light sources. But at the same time, their product description says the unit exposes faster than a 500 watt halogen light, and some of the old posts I read through, people mentioned using the Saati PHU with 500 watt halogen and no problems.

So I’m a bit confused. I was assuming that since photopolymer is so fast, it would be more ideal for people with weaker exposure sources? Does Ryonet just want me to keep buying their WBP, or are they correct and I’m reading into this wrong?

Thanks!

 

[NoXid]

Hmmm, I agree that their statement sounds odd. I don't have a unit like that, but I use PHU and like it much better than the Diazo I started out with. Be sure to dry and post expose your screens for best durability of the stencil with water base.

 

[xderiwx]

Hmmm, I agree that their statement sounds odd. I don't have a unit like that, but I use PHU and like it much better than the Diazo I started out with. Be sure to dry and post expose your screens for best durability of the stencil with water base.

Thanks for the tips! I’ll be sure to post-expose! So in your opinion, you don’t really see a problem using my exposure unit with the PHU? Also, are you using regular PHU or PHU2?

 

[NoXid]

Thanks for the tips! I’ll be sure to post-expose! So in your opinion, you don’t really see a problem using my exposure unit with the PHU? Also, are you using regular PHU or PHU2?

I use regular PHU. PHU2 is slower, half as fast as regular PHU. My understanding is that it is slower so as to give more exposure latitude with the new ultra fast LED units.

I have a 1000w metal halide, and expose for approximately 25 seconds. Your UV tube unit will probably still be in the several minute range.

 

[xderiwx]

Thanks for the tips! I’ll be sure to post-expose! So in your opinion, you don’t really see a problem using my exposure unit with the PHU? Also, are you using regular PHU or PHU2?

I use regular PHU. PHU2 is slower, half as fast as regular PHU. My understanding is that it is slower so as to give more exposure latitude with the new ultra fast LED units.

I have a 1000w metal halide, and expose for approximately 25 seconds. Your UV tube unit will probably still be in the several minute range.

25 seconds is amazing! I’m only printing for myself, so I’m okay with waiting. Currently with WBP I’m at around 8 minutes. I mainly wanted the extended shelf life, but faster exposure I always a plus. 🙂

 

[NoXid]

25 seconds is amazing! I’m only printing for myself, so I’m okay with waiting. Currently with WBP I’m at around 8 minutes. I mainly wanted the extended shelf life, but faster exposure I always a plus. 🙂

Shelf life is great, if you keep it cool. Mine has a manufacture date of January 2016, and still works! I just keep it on the concrete floor in the shop, which is insulated, but generally not heated.

One of the guys on here built an LED UV unit and was getting exposure times down into the single digits, like 8 seconds, or some such

 

[xderiwx]

25 seconds is amazing! I’m only printing for myself, so I’m okay with waiting. Currently with WBP I’m at around 8 minutes. I mainly wanted the extended shelf life, but faster exposure I always a plus. 🙂

Shelf life is great, if you keep it cool. Mine has a manufacture date of January 2016, and still works! I just keep it on the concrete floor in the shop, which is insulated, but generally not heated.

One of the guys on here built an LED UV unit and was getting exposure times down into the single digits, like 8 seconds, or some such <img src="http://www.t-shirtforums.com/images/smilies/eek.gif" border="0" alt="" title="EEK!" class="inlineimg" />

Wow, over two years and still good?

I’ve been searching through old posts and have been seeing some ridiculous exposure times! Pretty much pressing the button on, taking a breath then pressing off, hahaha. Crazy!

 

[topelovely]

On X-Vactor Flourescent tube. Saati PHU seems my sweet spot is 10 seconds.