I have been blwoing some screens for the first time ever just recently and finally have the full skinny on the smaller sizes but would appreciate input on larger size screens so here goes
1. What kind of printer or machine is available for creating larger screens...say 4' x4' transparency/vellum masters...My main interest is in doing pixelated work.
2. Does it lay down great patterns...very opaque ...etc...needed to burn a screen?
3. Is screenprinting a 4x4 a difficult task as far as handling...processing? How about 4x8 size?...anymore difficult than a 4x4 other than the mere size?
I would appreciate any feedback ya have!
Thanks!
-------------------- Robert Beverly Arlington, Texas Posts: 1033 | From: Arlington, Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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There are some things different, but the principles are all the same.
If you want to do larger film positives, a wide-format inkjet printer will do the trick if you speed isn't a concern. The other and more expensive option is to get a wide-format thermal imagesetter such as one from Oyo. The machine cost more, but the cost of the positive is less and it prints much faster. If you are just looking to start out, check out http://fastfilms.com/fastripxl/ . I understand that they are working on one that will print even wider (the 9600 model I believe).
A one-arm graphic press is ideal to do larger panels. A new one with a vacuum hold-down will run anywhere from $8k to $12k. I was able to get a used 72"x52" press for $400. Its fine for screening aluminum and coroplast, but because the table was full of dings and dents, I can't use it for screening decals very well. It is going to cost me $2k to have the top resurfaced.
If you can swing it, I'd also recommend using UV inks. Of course, this will require you to get a UV dryer. But, it will save you a lot of headaches from such things as ink drying in the screen.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail or call me anytime. I'll be glad to help any way that I can. In the meantime, SGIA has a tradeshow happening next month in Atlanta, GA. You may want to consider going to it to see what is available and take advantage of come of the classes. I hope to be there next month seeing what I can glean.
[ September 19, 2003, 01:18 PM: Message edited by: Glenn Taylor ]
posted
If done by hand I would say yes, 4x4 is difficult. I do 2 x 4's, but would have an 2nd pair of hands on the other half of the squeegee for a 4x4. The motion is not that intricate, but still a subtle "feel" for the process, or ability to respond to what you see is lost, so a little practice would be wise for 2 person printing. I imagine 4 x 8 would be even more tricky, trying to walk while maintaining even pressure & coordinating with a helper... have fun!
posted
On the large format film, we did it old school, a stat camera. You can print it smaller on an image setter, then take it to a service bearau. Gets tricky with halftone. On printing it, we had a screen print "arm" with a handle on one end, it was weighted, our silkscreener was a short petite woman and had no problem screening them, but then again she had major skills.
Rick
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1540 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
Bob, We print 32"x48" here quite regularly on a one arm manual press. We had also done that size and larger on a flat vacuum table with on guy on each end of the squeegie.
My main concern is you mentioning "pixelated work'. If your talking about 4 color process by hand you are asking for a bunch of trouble. Any process color job is moving into the upper end of the screen business with more variables than I can mention. Screen tension is of utmost importance. A moire pattern between the dot frequency and the screen mesh is a constant challange. Finding the correct color curves to make your films and compensate for the dot gain is another big one. Just trying to use solvent inks on spot color images that large is a pain as periods, serifs and other small parts of the image will dry in the screen on you. Take that same problem and apply it to a million dots of various size and you'll be pulling your hair out.
I've resorted to index color seps here. At least the dot are the same size and dry in at the same rate. If your looking at the large banners from Pepsi and the like, they are printed with UV curing inks. They don't dry in the screen, only in the UV reactor, (dryer).
I've been in the business for 25 years and still won't touch process color printing.
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1358 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Very true. Process work requires consistancy and precision.
All of the screens must be stretched to exact Newtons. Squeegee durometer & pressure, stroke speed, peel, stencil thickness, screen exposure, et al must be exactly the same on each pull.
If you intend on doing full-color work, be prepared to invest heavily in time and in having the right tools for the job. There are no cutting corners on this kind of work.
Coroplast, textiles, banners...? Spot or process colors?
Not trying to be a PITA, just wanna be able to help you. I've done lot of different aspects of the screen printing biz over the years, all the way back to registration tape and filbar presses.
Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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to fix the dents and dings in your table use bondo..smooth with scweggy,sand with emory cloth or car wet sand paper and then re open holes with tiny drill. did this with a used automatic press i bought..works great!!!!
chris
-------------------- "We have been making house calls since 1992"
Chris Lovelady Vital Signs
NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS! Tallahassee, Florida Thomasville, Ga.
As much as I try to think through all the anticipated questions, I always forget one!...LOL
I am no screening mavin!...and I don't think I will ever mess with color screening!...
To explain a bit further...I am screening with a single specially formulated material , a process that we are using to transfer onto pvc sheets. It is a new process that I have been working on for a couple of years and it is concrete lithography!...a new concept in transferring imaging to concrete, an awesome process, and we have most of the technology worked out...but since I am the graphical guru on this project, it is my responsibility to find new ways to transfer design.
We are currently working on the first of it's kind in Las Vegas...15' - 25' images that are placed into the wall surrounding a water treatment plant. Our next project is in Valencia california where we are reproducing "orange crate labels" where they will be used as directional sidewalk inserts at intersections...
It's hard to explain but one of the neatest projects I have been involved in to date. I will be showing this off once the plant out there is featured...part of our US debut!...
and I thought I better get a jump on what the possible options were in screen printing as a viable option of transfer.... ...back to the laboratory!
Thanks!
-------------------- Robert Beverly Arlington, Texas Posts: 1033 | From: Arlington, Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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