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screen printing => Screen Making => Topic started by: FurryHippie on February 07, 2021, 02:18:49 PM

Title: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 07, 2021, 02:18:49 PM
Hey, new guy here just learning. Can someone please direct me to a post that answers this question or let me know what wattage metal halide would I need to expose screens. The box is 24x24.Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 07, 2021, 03:00:07 PM
I have one small unit using a 400 watt, and another (gathering dust) with 5000.
The 400 takes about 50-90 seconds for most of my screens (110-280) with photopolymer emulsion.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: blue moon on February 07, 2021, 04:16:14 PM
Hey, new guy here just learning. Can someone please direct me to a post that answers this question or let me know what wattage metal halide would I need to expose screens. The box is 24x24.Thanks for the help.

welcome aboard!

who is the manufacturer of the unit? they would have the info.
If you are making yourself, LED would make more sense. MH is a better light source, but sourcing one with the correct bulb will be a little hard.
not to say the LEDs a piece of cake, but any good quality 405nm should do the job. then do some searching on the layout and spacing. we've talked about that a lot.

pierre
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 07, 2021, 06:07:59 PM
Actually I have found a used unit and picking it up sometime this week the guy said it was a single football shaped bulb which leads me to believe it is MH. I found a 400w and wanted to make sure that would be enough. I'm going to test the unit before i leave to make sure it works. I attached photos of the unit. Looks super old but hopefully it gets the job done. Very affordable for me.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: blue moon on February 07, 2021, 06:22:06 PM
you want something with a vacuum. this does not seem to have it, I would pass on it. . .

There are Nuarc 3140 units available on DIgitSmith.com. look there and try to get a deal. ppl are selling them as the LED is more and more popular so the prices have dropped. You can get a decent unit for under $1K. I know that might be a lot for a starting shop, but it will save you an incredible amount of headache. Your screens are the most important part of printing. It might not seem it, but you could print with a piece of wood if your screens are good and the best press in the world will not help you if your screens are bad.

look for the four post 3140. they are going for as low as $500.

pierre
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 07, 2021, 06:27:27 PM
Awesome I will check that out for sure. Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 07, 2021, 07:13:40 PM
you want something with a vacuum. this does not seem to have it, I would pass on it. . .

There are Nuarc 3140 units available on DIgitSmith.com. look there and try to get a deal. ppl are selling them as the LED is more and more popular so the prices have dropped. You can get a decent unit for under $1K. I know that might be a lot for a starting shop, but it will save you an incredible amount of headache. Your screens are the most important part of printing. It might not seem it, but you could print with a piece of wood if your screens are good and the best press in the world will not help you if your screens are bad.

look for the four post 3140. they are going for as low as $500.

pierre

It actually looks like it does have vacuum (upper toggle switch on right), but I think that it's a plate maker and would need major modification to hold something as thick as a screen.

* Correction* In this slightly better picture of the same model, the bottom frame looks much more like it accommodates a frame. If it's a truly great price, hopefully the seller would demonstrate completely how it works. These things have been known to sell for little more than scrap value under the right circumstances, and could well be a great starter unit.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 07, 2021, 07:32:39 PM
Here are the other pictures of the unit. I gave 150 for it.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210208/5650bcc9e94f72a1c2d97743219c120b.jpg)

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 07, 2021, 08:16:46 PM
How about a picture of the existing lamp?
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 07, 2021, 08:26:32 PM
That is the only thing I do not have. I actually asked the guy to get a picture of the bulb when he went to his shop. He then told me it was football shaped so I assumed it was an MH so I told him nevermind. I'm not picking this thing up for a week or so.

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Sbrem on February 08, 2021, 10:15:08 AM
I would think Harco would have the info if you give them a model number...

Steve
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: blue moon on February 08, 2021, 10:52:35 AM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 08, 2021, 11:01:58 AM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
There were Mercury Vapor bulbs which are very similar but not as efficient. I do not know if they are inter-changeable with the same ballast as Metal Halide, even with the same mogul base and football shape.
The timer going up to thirty minutes might be a clue towards these.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: blue moon on February 08, 2021, 11:03:32 AM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
There were Mercury Vapor bulbs which are very similar but not as efficient. I do not know if they are inter-changeable with the same ballast as Metal Halide, even with the same mogul base and football shape.

that's it! lead was not ringing the bell, but I remember it was something toxic!
thanx

pierre
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Orion on February 08, 2021, 11:05:42 AM
I would think Harco would have the info if you give them a model number...

Steve

Agreed, reach out to, Brown Mfg. 616-249-0200.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 08, 2021, 11:18:29 AM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
There were Mercury Vapor bulbs which are very similar but not as efficient. I do not know if they are inter-changeable with the same ballast as Metal Halide, even with the same mogul base and football shape.

that's it! lead was not ringing the bell, but I remember it was something toxic!
thanx

pierre

I just dug a bit, and it appears that most MV ballasts should work with regular MH bulbs. Then, there's also talk about igniters, and pulse start, which goes right over my head. Bottom line, though of course Brown should be able to help with some specific info, is that industrial type MH bulbs are pretty darn rich in the light we need, and a vacuum will help give professional results. This could easily be $150 dollars well spent! Next step, after mastering coating, our furry friend will need to meet up with Step Wedge Man and start making some great screens.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Dottonedan on February 08, 2021, 02:55:32 PM
Some back story.


FurryHippie met my wife a while ago and they got to talking about the apparel business and what each do. Long story short, I went over to his house on Sat. and  gave some assistance in setting up their manual press. After a while, they were on their way with the press. So we talked printing, screens, exposure, art etc. I went into as much of the pitfalls I could muster up and also the pro’s of the business. Fun stuff.


So with me not being that savvy with various light sources in exposure units, I suggested he stop in here and here he is.


I know you guys/gals could help him out.  Thanks gang!
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 08, 2021, 09:44:04 PM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
There were Mercury Vapor bulbs which are very similar but not as efficient. I do not know if they are inter-changeable with the same ballast as Metal Halide, even with the same mogul base and football shape.

that's it! lead was not ringing the bell, but I remember it was something toxic!
thanx

pierre

I just dug a bit, and it appears that most MV ballasts should work with regular MH bulbs. Then, there's also talk about igniters, and pulse start, which goes right over my head. Bottom line, though of course Brown should be able to help with some specific info, is that industrial type MH bulbs are pretty darn rich in the light we need, and a vacuum will help give professional results. This could easily be $150 dollars well spent! Next step, after mastering coating, our furry friend will need to meet up with Step Wedge Man and start making some great screens.

Yeah i had been reading that MH Bulbs are some of the best light you can have for this. I just was not sure how much would be to much when it comes to watts. When I get this thing in my garage i will do a little more digging in and see what it is capable of. Thanks for your help!
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 08, 2021, 09:52:16 PM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
There were Mercury Vapor bulbs which are very similar but not as efficient. I do not know if they are inter-changeable with the same ballast as Metal Halide, even with the same mogul base and football shape.

that's it! lead was not ringing the bell, but I remember it was something toxic!
thanx

pierre

I just dug a bit, and it appears that most MV ballasts should work with regular MH bulbs. Then, there's also talk about igniters, and pulse start, which goes right over my head. Bottom line, though of course Brown should be able to help with some specific info, is that industrial type MH bulbs are pretty darn rich in the light we need, and a vacuum will help give professional results. This could easily be $150 dollars well spent! Next step, after mastering coating, our furry friend will need to meet up with Step Wedge Man and start making some great screens.

Yeah i had been reading that MH Bulbs are some of the best light you can have for this. I just was not sure how much would be to much when it comes to watts. When I get this thing in my garage i will do a little more digging in and see what it is capable of. Thanks for your help!

You will likely be limited to the same size as the original MV. Should be marked.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 08, 2021, 09:55:24 PM
it might not even be metal halide. could be the version before MH. was it lead something?

pierre
There were Mercury Vapor bulbs which are very similar but not as efficient. I do not know if they are inter-changeable with the same ballast as Metal Halide, even with the same mogul base and football shape.

that's it! lead was not ringing the bell, but I remember it was something toxic!
thanx

pierre

I just dug a bit, and it appears that most MV ballasts should work with regular MH bulbs. Then, there's also talk about igniters, and pulse start, which goes right over my head. Bottom line, though of course Brown should be able to help with some specific info, is that industrial type MH bulbs are pretty darn rich in the light we need, and a vacuum will help give professional results. This could easily be $150 dollars well spent! Next step, after mastering coating, our furry friend will need to meet up with Step Wedge Man and start making some great screens.

Yeah i had been reading that MH Bulbs are some of the best light you can have for this. I just was not sure how much would be to much when it comes to watts. When I get this thing in my garage i will do a little more digging in and see what it is capable of. Thanks for your help!

You will likely be limited to the same size as the original MV. Should be marked.
So if it happened to be a 400w I should be good?

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 08, 2021, 10:09:02 PM
Well, 400 watt MH bulbs should be readily available.
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 08, 2021, 10:17:34 PM
Well, 400 watt MH bulbs should be readily available.
Yeah they run around 40 bucks, 1000 watt is around 150 or something like that.

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Dottonedan on February 08, 2021, 10:46:05 PM
Is a 400 watt going to be good enough?
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 08, 2021, 10:50:52 PM
Is a 400 watt going to be good enough?
I have read people getting 2 min exposure times with 400w. I am sure there are alot of other variables. 1000w bulb would be alot of light!

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 08, 2021, 10:54:33 PM
Is a 400 watt going to be good enough?

Well, back in it's day, the original 400 watt MV bulb was good enough for those buying this unit.  Switching to MH will already knock down times significantly. Note that its timer goes up to 30 minutes!
400 watts is not as fast as 1000 or, of course, 5000, but as I mentioned, with a similarly sized unit, my exposures are in the 50-90 second range with a Photopolymer emulsion. 
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 10, 2021, 08:13:09 PM
Is a 400 watt going to be good enough?

Well, back in it's day, the original 400 watt MV bulb was good enough for those buying this unit.  Switching to MH will already knock down times significantly. Note that its timer goes up to 30 minutes!
400 watts is not as fast as 1000 or, of course, 5000, but as I mentioned, with a similarly sized unit, my exposures are in the 50-90 second range with a Photopolymer emulsion.
The white bulb is what is in the machine. Not sure what kind that is.

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 10, 2021, 08:17:14 PM
Is a 400 watt going to be good enough?

Well, back in it's day, the original 400 watt MV bulb was good enough for those buying this unit.  Switching to MH will already knock down times significantly. Note that its timer goes up to 30 minutes!
400 watts is not as fast as 1000 or, of course, 5000, but as I mentioned, with a similarly sized unit, my exposures are in the 50-90 second range with a Photopolymer emulsion.
The white bulb is what is in the machine. Not sure what kind that is.

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This may be it

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Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: Frog on February 11, 2021, 10:30:32 AM
I have never seen a white bulb of this type. All of mine are completely clear.
Also, they are stamped at the end as to type and size. Here's a shot of an old one from Sylvania (I have a GE in my unit now)
Title: Re: Metal Halide wattage
Post by: FurryHippie on February 21, 2021, 05:13:35 PM
I finally got the unit home. It dies have the white coated bulb but I'm going to replace it with a clear. Everything runs and works but unfortunately I do have some work to do to it. The rubber mat is missing and I'm going to replace the gasket in the lid. I have searched everywhere online for information on this thing but no luck. I'll add a few pictures.


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/f5caf32556e6fc81a1c6f7640aed6bb3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/33c134fb5e6bbad6bbd2c8a2270d9b8f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/a235fa22f58ad9a690daad1633c296ef.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/38f8f8e5f07210d7f55c27caacffdf03.jpg)

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