What job to print on a new auto?

[IonInk98]

We just got our new Mus7ang and we are wondering if you guys were to get a brand new auto what type of job would you print first to put this thing to the test?

[bimmridder]

I would go high color (screen count), tight registration (butt register). Throw in some half tones, fine lines. Everything you never want to do

[Dottonedan]

Check with Inkman966  He had a new press for a while and I think, got rid of that one and then got another. I know he was asking for an art file to test out on at that time but I never got around to it. I'm sure he got a good test file from someone that he might pass on over to you.

Thanks
Dan

[pwalsh]

In my opinion the question of “What type of job to print on a new auto” could have multiple answers dependent on the skill level and experience of the crew that is going to be running the press.

For example if you are already experienced with printing on an automatic and know how to produce art, films, and screens to support high precision and complex designs I would pick a job that tests the absolute limits of the press to ensure that it is manufactured to tolerance, and that it has been set up correctly.

On the other hand, there’s no way that I would recommend you trying to crank out a “Uber-Complex” print job if this is your first auto, and the most complex print that you’ve ever done previously is a four to six colors, flashing in between many of the colors, using small format screens on a manual press. 

If you’re a beginner auto printer the best way to learn how to get the most out of your auto is to start with a job that you already know how to print manually, and use that job as a starting point to learn the fine points of how to print on an auto.  Even taking this approach might require some changes in set-up of the print like reducing or removing any traps in the artwork to convert the job to a butt register design.

Good luck on the new equipment, I hope that this answer helps and please be sure to keep the Shirt Board Team updated on your results. 

[GraphicDisorder]

We turned on our press at about 12pm on day one.  We then printed 3 jobs on it that day, keep in mind we had never ran an auto in my life before we got ours.   So I guess the answer is I would mix it up...... 

[Frog]

We just got our new horse and we are wondering if you guys were to get a brand new auto what type of job would you print first to put this thing to the test?

I may want to try a print at the maximum possible advertised size.
I know that another press sold by the same folks distributing this brand was grossly mis-represented in this feature.

[Donnie]

Given the choice, I would start with something fairly simple just to get a feel for the press and work your way up to more complex jobs. The first job a ran was 2 colors and had some halftones. Dialing in the proper squeegee pressure is a must learn.

[Gabe]

i agree with all of the above also getting familiar with your new microns is a must

[blue moon]

In my opinion the question of “What type of job to print on a new auto” could have multiple answers dependent on the skill level and experience of the crew that is going to be running the press.

For example if you are already experienced with printing on an automatic and know how to produce art, films, and screens to support high precision and complex designs I would pick a job that tests the absolute limits of the press to ensure that it is manufactured to tolerance, and that it has been set up correctly.

On the other hand, there’s no way that I would recommend you trying to crank out a “Uber-Complex” print job if this is your first auto, and the most complex print that you’ve ever done previously is a four to six colors, flashing in between many of the colors, using small format screens on a manual press. 

If you’re a beginner auto printer the best way to learn how to get the most out of your auto is to start with a job that you already know how to print manually, and use that job as a starting point to learn the fine points of how to print on an auto.  Even taking this approach might require some changes in set-up of the print like reducing or removing any traps in the artwork to convert the job to a butt register design.

Good luck on the new equipment, I hope that this answer helps and please be sure to keep the Shirt Board Team updated on your results.

DITTO!!!

[RICK STEFANICK]

I would run a one color. just to get used to the start/ stop/dwell etc.. then i would run a one color/flash job. then whatever after that..

[GraphicDisorder]

But I would first leave the Marriott in Austin, TX. 

Just sayin'.  LOL.

[244]

Our standard recommendation is at least four colors and the art should be butt to butt register. Have at least three jobs ready to print. Running a long job you have to get out minimizes the ability for the technician to teach you proper set up of the press. Help with the install and then do as many set up as the tech,s time allows.

[3Deep]

Also remember if you missprint one shirt on an auto you can allmost bet your butt you got 7 more or how ever many platens you got coming.  If this is your first time ever running an auto please do not jump on a rush job without extra shirts misprints happen and it just makes you sick, other than that everthing the guys said in the above post, good luck and make some money!!!

Darryl

[Sbrem]

I'd go for a simple job to get the feel of the press. The temptation to try something big and important was met by almost disaster when we brought our new MHM 8 years ago into the shop, and tried to print an important job for a large customer, and some parts were missing which kept us from being able to get enough squeegee pressure to get a good print. We had them the next day, but our pia customer, you know, the kind that talks sweetly to you just before the reaming begins, was not pleased. At any rate print something, anything, it's going to be so cool...

Steve

[inkman996]

Being that we were already experienced auto printers we did not want to bother with a simple one color. We were looking for a six color spot on light to test the machines registration. We did not get one but we did run a 4 color job and verified the machine was tight.

Frog funny you mentioned the advertised print area, just this Friday I once again tried to print 18" in lenght and could not pull it off I had to walk away from the thing before I had a nervous break down, but what am I whinning about, 18 is only two less than the advertised 20 lol.