Long runs with TW 5500 White?

[mimosatexas]

I have a client who is increasing their quantities substantially and I need to troubleshoot some stuff related to this ink.

Current runs have been 500 pieces, increasing to 1000+
Using SP-1400, coated 1/1 on 225S mesh, exposed to hard 7 (and extra when art permits) with an Olec 5k
TW graphics 5500 White is the ONLY ink giving me issues.  No other colors or brands are causing problems.  I have a screen (same exact setup) where I have been using Matsui Spot black with the same design that has been cycled about 8 times now (around 5000 prints) and looks exactly like the day I burned it.
Emulsion is gumming up around 600 to 750 prints and by 1000 is straight up failing and bubbling/delaminating
Ink requires misting every 30-50 prints depending on the ambient temp and humidity.  Toward 500 prints it starts really gumming up though usually and requires more frequent misting.

Just wondering if anyone else prints higher runs with this specific ink and what your setup is, or any tips or tricks I could try to keep things running smoothly.  Thanks!

[ZooCity]

TW5500 hi-hide white is some aggressive stuff, great ink but no fun on the press.

Max slow retarder, not the std but the slow. 

Put some slow retarder/distilled water in a spray bottle and rehydrate with that.

Harden those screens.  We use Murakami Hardener MS which is reclaimable but at 1k+ I might just sacrifice the mesh and apply their Hardener A+B.  Pert near impossible to breakdown a good stencil with the permanent hardener on it.  TW 5500 series just plain needs this, it's not a band aid, you're doing everything right with exposure and have an excellent light source. 

What bulb are you running out of curiousity?  I always like the L1250, oem Olec, worth the coin. 

SP-1400 is a little "soft" for some of this work with graphic inks.  I like Nova with diazo on thinner stencils. 

[mimosatexas]

Awesome advice. I'll definitely try hardening them. I stopping doing that when I got the Olec and it hasn't been an issue until now. I'll look into nova with diazo, though I do love the sp1400. Great price and available locally.

Can you link or post the exact retarded you suggest?

I'll check the bulb. I honestly don't know which one it is...just came with the unit (used).

[ZooCity]

TW-1823 Slow Retarder   

Try hardening the sp1400 first, might work out fine.

If you are still having issues with the ink specifically, contact TW they are very nice about helping out, even making a formulation that works for your project. 

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Is this ink strictly for posters? I've never run across even the name of this TW company until Mimosa's original post.

I used to print quite a few signs years and years ago, but only used Nazdar 59000 series or 9700 solvent inks. Either pre-painted Aluminum blanks or PVC sheet, like Sintra. I haven't printed anything but garments in nearly a decade, so I'm waaay out of the loop on flat stock.

[Printficient]

I'll look into nova with diazo,

Give me a call Nova is $52 per gallon Diazo is free.

[ZooCity]

TW makes a variety of inks but we're talking aggressive water based ink for graphics.  5500 series can be used on a lot of different flat stock.

And not to encourage Sonny but Nova is a very good deal now that they've lowered the price. 

[mimosatexas]

Thanks again zoo.  Will definitely look into the Nova.

The TW5500 white is hands down the best white I've tried for flatstock when it comes to opacity and finish.  Not the easiest to print though.