My BullsEye Screen Registration System has arrived

[mk162]

the clamps touch the screen ever so slightly.  I don't see it being a problem unless one gets a burr on it. 

[tonypep]

At one shop we actually had a pinning department in its own room with one guy controlling the process, cleaning and re-using the sheets as nec, filed all the art, typesetting namedrops, etc. It's best not to have too many hands in the process.

[Nation03]

Do you guys still get crisp exposures with the carrier sheets?

[GraphicDisorder]

i am not trying to start a flame war here, but have you seen the FPU from MHM?  That sucker is simple and faster than the Tri-Lock.

The problem I have is the expo unit I've had for ages is a top glass unit.  I was looking for something compatible with that.  I can use the tri-lock with the new unit I am installing, but I really didn't want to shell out $2300 for one and then continue to have to buy carrier sheets.  If you are that concerned about proofing things, set up a proofing step in between film and screen by somebody other than the artist.

I also don't like pulling platens off to put the jig on.  That seems like an unnecessary step as well.  I am not saying the tri-lock sucks, it doesn't, but it could be better.

I have seen the MHM in action.  I think it a great system as well.  For us the tri-loc is also great, we often dont have to micro.  Sometimes we do of course, but I think thats OUR fault in pre-press more so than the tri-loc.  We can argue until blue in the face about which is better, I dont think it really matters, what matters is having a registration system of some kind in place.  HUGE time saver.

[inkman996]

Do you guys still get crisp exposures with the carrier sheets?

The carrier sheet is above the artwork so it does not interfere with the positive at all, you do have to have enough of a gutter from the top of the art to the edge of film to work best.

[ZooCity]

Yeah, any pre-reg is better than nothing.  Even on a one color job.  It forces you to take a hard look at an control a lot of variables you weren't giving attention to before.

The pin lock platen has swing-in arms.  You could leave it on press if you wanted.  I choose not to because the sob is heavy but it would be a non issue on an auto.  Homer, yer right, it's hilarious how quick and easy a platen change is and at the same time how irritating it is to do. 

For us the tri-loc is also great, we often dont have to micro.

It better be great because m&r micros are gad-awful.  I think the tri-loc system is just fine and easily the most versatile of the bunch but I don't see any need to have blocks on the expo glass.  That's a no-go for us as we now have large flatstock screens and require a big vac table.  This would necessitate two expo units which is no fun. 

The MHM style system is indeed superior to all because it was clearly engineered as a component of the entire press not an afterthought or an attempt to bring other sloppy press design elements under control.  Registering the films to the screen accurately is the easy part, many ways to skin that cat.  Where it gets tricky is having the press under control.  On all the presses I've had the closest thing to a "zero" position has been a square bullseye sticker half-assedly and crookedly slapped on the micro plate with some little arrow pointers which is roughly no help at all.  Throw in the fact that most manual presses can't hold their camber position (front o.c.) with heavy roller frames and it quickly becomes obvious that its your press not your pre-reg approach that needs some re-thinking.  It's exciting to see the sroque machines offering a similar fpu and pin clamping system, maybe others are seeing the light here finally.

[Homer]

 How did this thing perform on the 6 color jobs you had?

[mk162]

good, I wouldn't give it a very good.  I really need to retune the press.  I know that a couple heads are a bit off.  I think one head was dropped when it came off the truck because the head has always been jacked up.

All-in-all it shaved about an hour off the setup....mind you a relative newbie is doing the setups.

[jasonl]

an hour?  what are you setting up that takes an hour?

[mk162]

I am pretty sure I stated I have a newbie doing that.  I personally would have had the job setup in about the same amount of time the system took the new guy.

[Homer]

quick hijack - Jason, I just ordered a gallon of the Kiwo discharge emulsion from nazdar. . looks promising, thanks for the tip.

Brad -it's those freakin squeegie /flood holders. I thought a '99 would have air clamps, but I guess not. My reg is easy, it's the rest of the set up that takes too long. . .

[mk162]

No crap, those things take FOREVER.  I do like air screen locks.  for a newbie to setup a 6 color job in 25 minutes is pretty dang good I think.  I would like to get him under 15 including inked and squeegeed.

[Homer]

I need more squeegies and flood bars, that would shave off some time.  I also investigated other holding devices instead of those clamps. . I think all in all, it's easier to just buy a new machine.

[mk162]

agreed on that.  I have cut some time by putting the clamps on the press.  3 in the top front "hinge" and one in one of the open holes in the top.  All clamps are on the press at all times.  It really cut out a lot.

[Gilligan]

good, I wouldn't give it a very good.  I really need to retune the press.  I know that a couple heads are a bit off.  I think one head was dropped when it came off the truck because the head has always been jacked up.

All-in-all it shaved about an hour off the setup....mind you a relative newbie is doing the setups.

Maybe a dumb idea, but why not put that in position 2 or wherever you have your flash?