Screen Tensions....???

[Gilligan]

He's referring to the unmeasurable tension on his screens that he's getting from them. 

[Gilligan]

Of course Nick... you still need to make sure that your meter is actually up to snuff.

You might have perfectly fine screens (for statics) and your meter sucks... don't get in a rush to bad mouth the supplier yet.

BUT, if your meter is functioning... then as Ricky always said "Lucy!!!..."

[Rocfrog]

I don't think it's a faulty product, it's probably misuse.  When was the last time you changed the blades?

"blades".....

Of course Nick... you still need to make sure that your meter is actually up to snuff.

You might have perfectly fine screens (for statics) and your meter sucks... don't get in a rush to bad mouth the supplier yet.

BUT, if your meter is functioning... then as Ricky always said "Lucy!!!..."

I agree, it will definitely be a discussion with Rockstar not a blame, and we'll go from there.

Nick

[mk162]

squeegee blades

[ScreenFoo]

Seems to me low remesh tension is the norm, not the exception.   Bug them about it and tell them what tensions you're looking for.  If you can keep tensions around 18-20 after a decent number of print/reclaim cycles, you'll have an easier process full circle.  If they're down in the 8-12 range after a few print/reclaim cycles, it's time to really get on them.

[inkman996]

You are visiting a shop soon correct? Find out if he has a meter and if he does take yours and compare readings on one of his screens, atleast that will rule out wether you have a meter that needs to be calibrated.

[Rocfrog]

You are visiting a shop soon correct? Find out if he has a meter and if he does take yours and compare readings on one of his screens, atleast that will rule out wether you have a meter that needs to be calibrated.

Yes I'm heading up to Denver tonight to see Danny's shop. Didn't think about that, I'll throw it in the car.

Nick

[Gilligan]

That should have been top of your list Nick... that's where all this started.

Foo... the tension levels he is talking is below that right out of the box!

[Rocfrog]

That should have been top of your list Nick... that's where all this started.

Foo... the tension levels he is talking is below that right out of the box!

Hey! Cut me some slack, this has been a lot of info to take in! LOL!!! That and Danny and I have been talking about a few other things as well so I don't want to take advantage of a good thing. 

[Gilligan]

LOL, I hear ya.  This is one of the main variables you need to get under control or forget about if it's all good now.

Having another knowledgeable printer nearby that is willing to share is a great thing.  I have a buddy in my town that has shared with me everything I've ever asked and more.  Then I've been to Alan's shop and saw even more stuff... but that is a 6 hour drive.  If Alan was local he'd have to get a restraining order on me, I'd be there several times a week!

[ZooCity]

Still puzzled about super low tension statics.  It's clearly a result of not stage or pulse tensioning the mesh before gluing.  I guess that's just too much time on the stretcher or something or maybe 99.999% of those purchasing them don't care.

When I stretch a fresh roller frame it does drop from initial but not that much and hardly at all if I do enough and proper stage tensioning.  It's not even possible for me to have a screen below 18n at any mesh count I run, even if I just stretched once and never retensioned, it would take forever to get the tension to drop that low.  Maybe poor quality, high-elongation mesh is at fault with these statics?

Static stretchers don't look wildly different to me- pneumatic, clamps the mesh v. a lock rod capturing it as with the roller frame stretched on a roller master -same basic principals.

I swear, if I made statics they would all be above the 18n mark and hold that tension for a very reasonable lifespan...or am I missing something here?

Way to get started down the right path Rocfrog, you're lookin' good and we're all in your corner. 

[ScreenFoo]

I know they use decent mesh, but I have no idea if there are issues with the equipment or personnel.

That should have been top of your list Nick... that's where all this started.

Foo... the tension levels he is talking is below that right out of the box!

I must have missed that in somewhere in the last six pages or so.    You should definitely get on them if they have little tension on delivery.

[Rocfrog]

Ok so I have some more info in my arsenal now, thanks to Danny for giving me the mini tour of his shop last night and providing me with some good feedback/info!!!

We did check my meter with his and mine was off but only by 2n higher than his, so those screens that measured 10-12n were actually 8-10n....

I also got to see/feel a true "ink gasket"! And while ours has gotten better it's still nowhere near where it should be. Same with the squeegee blades......those are bad!!!

The owners are away at some trade show in Denver for the next couple of days so when they get back I think I need to have a talk with them, at least about the screens and go from there....

Thanks again Danny!

Nick

[inkman996]

Ok so I have some more info in my arsenal now, thanks to Danny for giving me the mini tour of his shop last night and providing me with some good feedback/info!!!

We did check my meter with his and mine was off but only by 2n higher than his, so those screens that measured 10-12n were actually 8-10n....

I also got to see/feel a true "ink gasket"! And while ours has gotten better it's still nowhere near where it should be. Same with the squeegee blades......those are bad!!!

The owners are away at some trade show in Denver for the next couple of days so when they get back I think I need to have a talk with them, at least about the screens and go from there....

Thanks again Danny!

Nick

Paralell the press! Most of the other things will be for nought if you keep printing on such an uneven surface.

[Rocfrog]

Ya we discussed that as well, and I have a better idea of how to do that. So that is on the list as well.

Nick