Richmond Graphics Screen Maker questions

[screenprintguy]

I went to start up some exposures today and when my blanket did full draw down, I hear the buzz as the instant start lamp starts but only got a blink from the lamp. Turned it off, tried to do a manual bypass and same thing. I am figuring it's time to toss the new lamp in since the one that came in it is from 2000, but before ruining a 600 dollar bulb I figured I'd ask if anyone has had this happen too and thinks this to be the actual issue.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Mike

[jsheridan]

Used the screen makers for looooong time.. Ours did that and found it's not the bulb, as we replaced it every 6 months anyway, but rather the starter is going bad. It's a high voltage part that when you call richmond, will help you replace it.

Wait a sec.. did you say the bulb is from 2000... you're exposing screens with an 11 yr old bulb... 

Jebuss.. replace that thing now!

At most is a year for those bulbs as they degrade every time you start them.

[screenprintguy]

hahahahaha, I figured someone would jump on me about the year of the bulb. I just got the unit a couple months ago. The aerospace lab that had it hadn't had it in use for a while, when I asked a couple guys how long their exposures were timing out vs. the light unit settings, it seemed to have no intensity issues. For instance, 5 light units on the #1 shutter setting was taking 60 seconds to complete and burning a nice, nice stencil. I was hoping that it would only be the bulb. Then today to fire up and I get the blink. I didn't want to pop a $600.00 bulb in and burn it up if it's an electrical component issue. I emailed Suzanne from Richmond with the issue and your advice and see what they have to say.

[squeegee]

On our richmond there are 2 spark plugs which need to be replaced every so often, we usually change them out every 1 or 2 years, not sure if yours is the same, ours is 15+ years old.  Your symptoms do sound like a lamp starting failure.

[screenprintguy]

Thanks man, I just got an email back from Richmond, I'll post it before, they are super cool. They say it's more than likely the lamp too, but there is a possibility of a tune up kit if the new bulb doesn't strike. It's a 1998 unit, so it does have some age, it's in super condition, but time takes a toll on it. The price I got it for, and even if I have to relace some of the electrical components over time are well worth the difference that I would have had to lay out on a new unit right now. Thanks for the help!

Mike

"from Richmond"

Hello Mike -

Your machine was manufactured in 1998.
I am glad you are having good production with it.
The buttons on the keypad are a non-replaceable part of the panel.  The
"Integrator Complete" can be purchased for $775.00.  It includes the control
panel, the photocell and the wires, velcro, cable ties to install with
instructions for installation.
The bulb sounds like it needs to be replaced.  99.1% of time when this
happens it is the bulb.  If you install the new bulb and it does the same
thing you would need a tune up kit.  Average life of bulb for single shift 5
days a week is about 1 year.
The bulb is $585.00.  The tune up kit is $395.00.  This consists of the
spark plug assembly, resistor, capacitor and coil.
Just a note regarding the integrator, when the top laminate that covers the
buttons wears a hole through it, replace it.  It protects the buttons from
direct contact that causes the buttons to fail.  This part is called the
"faceplate"  it is $50.00.

[jsheridan]

The tune up kit sounds like the best plan, then you're good to go for 10 more yrs.

Richmond makes some quality exposures and for the price and footprint, you get one of if not the best tri-metal halide bulbs on the market.

[alan802]

We've had our bulb in for 18 months and the difference in exposure time on 10 light units is only 20 seconds longer than it was when brand new, and we shoot everything at 8 light units or less so I've decided to keep this bulb going a bit longer than advised.  If our exposure times were way longer than they used to be I'd be more apt to make the change to a new bulb. The other 10K bulb that was in it when we bought it was almost 7 years old and probably had 10-15 screens/day/5 days a week ran through it.  Our unit has the shutter so maybe our bulbs last longer?  I don't know but both of our bulbs have lasted way longer than we were told they would.  We are currently shooting 100 screens a week on average.

Oh yeah, ours is a Richmond screenmaker, circa 2000 I think.

[squeegee]

I'd try the spark plugs first, take them out with the power off *edit*, I'd unplug the unit first* and run them down to an auto parts store, they cost a few bucks at most.  I've never replaced anything but the plugs and the bulbs on mine.

On the bulb, they can last longer than Richmond would have you believe.  We've gotten a couple years out of some of ours.  If the screens will still expose, you might consider having a spare bulb on the shelf while using up whats left of the old one.

Something to watch out for, the bulbs can actually still fire even when their UV output is practically gone, you will find out the hard way when there's light but everything underexposes.

[screenprintguy]

That's the thing, other than the bulb not firing up, all exposures were still right on. Both Diazo and PP emulsions as normal. I'll try the spark plug deal just in case first, then pop the new bulb in, if it looks weird, I won't d-k around with it and order the tune up kit. In fact, I'll probably order the kit anyway to be safe and reduce future downtime.

[ebscreen]

What is sam hill does an exposure unit use spark plugs for?

My gas dryer uses them, but that's an obvious purpose.

[squeegee]

They ignite the gas in the bulbs, at least that is my understanding.

[jsheridan]

They ignite the gas in the bulbs, at least that is my understanding.

No they don't as bulbs are sealed. It was explained to me from a tech at Richmond 6 or so yrs ago, can't remember right now.

[screenprintguy]

It's crazy to have the side panel open and see them fire, supposedly, they are what gives the jolt of voltage for the instant start.

On another note, I changed them out yesterday, when I pulled the solar beam lamp out, which for anyone who hasn't seen one, they look like a gigantic flood lamp, the metal halide lamp is inside the huge glass flood housing, anyway, when I popped it out and held up to the sun, I could see that the metal halide lamp inside had burnt loose from one of the two connections inside, so the bulb was the problem. Put the new spark plugs in for good measure, changed the bulb, and that beast is now exposing 2 over 2 white mesh 110 in 20 seconds. Man those 10,000 watt solar beam lamps are BEASTS!  I will need to change out my control pad as some of the buttons aren't working. Only thing that stinks about that, is that the key pad, is part of the actual light integrator, so the whole card gets changed, price tag of $725 bucks, but considering, a new unit like this is over 12,000 bucks, I got it for 2,500, change a bulb and then the integrator. I figure it's win win. All the parts for these things are available for future so, unless the 800 pound steel housing rusts out, I think we are good for a few years. Now I got my eyes on a DTS. I'd really love to see DTS with pre reg for triloc in action on an 8 color job. Since the human error and possible slipage of seps on carrier sheets it out of the way. It would be cool to see if DTS and Triloc pallet would be a load and go situation.

[RICK STEFANICK]

I had a richmond unit for years and yes, all the symtoms point to the bulb. and i thought the same thing but it ended up being a small vacume leak. Those units are really sensitive and will kick the bulb off quick. also if the integrator sensor has by chance moved it will do the same thing. i'm guessing its not the bulb.. just my .02

[screenprintguy]

In this case we found it was the bulb. It actually detached from the contact inside the glass housing. I guess age and use played a part in that, that bulb was 11 years old, came with it when we got it last month. It's rockin now!!!