Author Topic: Print problems  (Read 2038 times)

Offline Hey Monkey

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Print problems
« on: May 06, 2015, 09:16:28 AM »
Printing one-color T's on my Vastex 2000. No matter what I do the center of the print does not lay down well at all on the T. New squegees, new screens, new ink.

Off contact? I find setting the off contact on this press confusing as hell. ANy other ideas? WHen I pull the print on paper - looks perfect.


Offline GraphicDisorder

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2015, 09:33:38 AM »
Printing one-color T's on my Vastex 2000. No matter what I do the center of the print does not lay down well at all on the T. New squegees, new screens, new ink.

Off contact? I find setting the off contact on this press confusing as hell. ANy other ideas? WHen I pull the print on paper - looks perfect.

Are your screens coated uniform?  Maybe your thicker on the middle of your screen coating? Have you tried changing your hand position on the squeegee?
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Offline Frog

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2015, 09:38:13 AM »
A picture could help
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline Doug B

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2015, 09:47:07 AM »
  Warped pallet.

Offline Colin

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2015, 09:56:10 AM »
Yep, my guess is a warped pallet or two...

Put a t square or something else that is very straight across your board and look for inconsistencies.
Been in the industry since 1996.  5+ years with QCM Inks.  Been a part of shops of all sizes and abilities both as a printer and as an Artist/separator.  I am now the Ink and Chemical Product Manager at Ryonet.

Offline Frog

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2015, 09:58:20 AM »
HeyMonkey, does it do the same on all pallets?
With all screens?


Like I said, some pictures could only help.
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline IntegrityShirts

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #6 on: May 06, 2015, 09:59:12 AM »
I thought his Vastex was brand new? Also check ink viscosity, if it's too thick it won't mat down the fibers or release from the screen correctly. Is it white ink? Try a push stroke.

Offline Frog

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #7 on: May 06, 2015, 10:00:38 AM »
So, to the warped pallet voters, why would the paper be so much more forgiving that it appeared to print okay? Could it be the fact that the ink is all on top instead of some being driven into the fabric?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline GraphicDisorder

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #8 on: May 06, 2015, 10:01:50 AM »
Same results on all pallets?  If so that takes off the warped pallet theory unless they all are warped. 
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Offline Frog

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #9 on: May 06, 2015, 10:08:19 AM »
Question to those with more screen print physics knowledge than me "Can too much pressure on a softish squeegee distort it so much that the center would print way differently than the ends?"
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline blue moon

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #10 on: May 06, 2015, 10:57:39 AM »
post pictures of everything. this could happen if the print is too big for your screens too. . .

most likely culprits:
off contact
adhesive
warped platen


pierre
Yes, we've won our share of awards, and yes, I've tested stuff and read the scientific papers, but ultimately take everything I say with more than just a grain of salt! So if you are looking for trouble, just do as I say or even better, do something I said years ago!

Offline Hey Monkey

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #11 on: May 06, 2015, 11:17:39 AM »
Wow... You guys are awesome. Thanks you for chiming in!

Got it figured out and it was a combination of things, all of which you each told me to chk. White ink, incorrect push angle and pressure and some off-contact issues. Dialed in and experimented with each and got it working. Somewhat new to push stroke (and already in love with it) so that probably explain some of the inconsistencies in my angle and pressure.

Offline IntegrityShirts

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #12 on: May 06, 2015, 11:18:22 AM »
I totally won that one.  8)

Offline Hey Monkey

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Re: Print problems
« Reply #13 on: May 06, 2015, 11:28:09 AM »
I totally won that one.  8)

The check is in the mail!!