EOM Gauge or Tension Meter?

[jwcarder]

Our first auto is coming to our shop in about a month and I am re-evaluating how things are done around our shop. We currently run 20x24 static frames. I would like some roller frames once the new press comes in, but will probably stick with mostly statics for the foreseeable future.

With that background out of the way, which do you think is more important for a next purchase, an EOM Gauge, or a tension meter?

[blue moon]

tension meter in my opinion. You can live without an EOM meter as long as your coating is consistent. You could also get a sales rep to come in and check your EOM. Tension is something you should be checking on regular bases.

pierre

[Frog]

Well, usually I would say a tension meter, but that's only if you are going to do something with the information it gives you.
Are you going to scrap or restretch all screens below a certain tension reading, or just use that for more motivation to go roller?

[jsheridan]

Tension meter first

[jwcarder]

My plan would be to use our high tension screens for jobs where alignment and print quality were more important. Low tension screens would be for simple 1-color jobs. Any screens below a certain threshold would be sent in to be remeshed.


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[Frog]

Well, then, it sounds like you will certainly get more value with a tension meter, as most suggested.

[ScreenFoo]

I'm agreeing, only adding an adjective:
Nice tension meter. 


TBH, I think of an EOM meter as a luxury for the vast majority of screen people...
I know I don't need one.

[AntonySharples]

Tension meter all the way...and then start buying some rollers.

Btw, all jobs are important and should be treated with the love and care of properly tensioned screen

[jvanick]

I'll say tension meter as well, but add that you can pick up a halfway decent EOM meter for around $120 or so on Ebay -- search for CEM DT156 (matches the $500 saati/majestic one when we've tested them against each other).

so I'd say pick up a decent tension meter -AND- a thickness meter next.  Good screens are a combination of the 2... if you have consistency on both your tension and thickness, any sim process work you do will be a lot more consistent.

I'll second the recommendation in starting to buy roller frames as well

[jwcarder]

Thank for all of the advice! Looks like I will start with a tension meter.

Does anyone have experience with this one? http://www.nwgraphic.com/product.php?id=MST--760 Or any other recommendations?

Not really sure what makes on meter better than another.

Also thanks for the advice on the DT156. I might have to check that one out.