[20vK]

Hi guys,

Currently I have 14" manual squeegees and print upto 13" wide and 14" long on standard statics.

I understand an auto needs bigger screens. How big a mesh area do I need to go to to print the same size designs on an auto?

Thanks,

Richie

 

[jgabby]

I would not think like that, I would take the maximum size that can be use on the auto press.

But for you specific question, You will need a screen around 18-20" x 24-26"

 

[jgabby]

And if this can help, the max I can print on auto with M3 23"x31" is 16"x18,5" and you have no room for error

 

[20vK]

Ahh - there is method in my madness.

Most prints are less than our current standard max. Which means we can have a set of screens dedicated for that - less emulsion on each one and less ink needed in the well. Especially relevant for custom pantones. These are our daily bread and butter and 95 % of our jobs. Over time, we will make savings in leftover Pantone ink , emulsion reclaim chemicals & less tape by keeping things as efficient as possible

We'll then have a set dedicated to larger prints. Looking to print upto all overs in duplex mode, so don't want to use 40" screens for our every day prints!

 

[jgabby]

yep there is not small economy, but for that size, 23 x 31 screen are the standard in my opinion

 

[binkspot]

Go 23x31, do not short coat your screens because you think you will only use it for a left chest or small logo. Gang images up on each end, maybe a full back on one end and a left chest other, there will be a day the screen you need is the one you short coated. Always nice to have a few 25x36 lying around for those larger images.

 

[20vK]

Nice advice so far - yeah, I ALWAYS fully coat my screens. Time is also money and to be able to have every coated screen available for any last minute jobs has more than made up for the cost of emulsion saved. Besides, if you don't coat it with emulsion, you've only it to tape or block it up, anyway!

I'm trying to plan my new shop to be as efficient as possible with well thought out workflow.