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screen printing => General Screen Printing => Topic started by: SkylinePrints on August 01, 2011, 07:17:02 AM

Title: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: SkylinePrints on August 01, 2011, 07:17:02 AM
I was thinking about this topic this past weekend as I was struggling to get the old pallet tape off my manual.  It has aluminum pallets and my god.... it takes an act of congress.... well... that might be slightly exaggerated LOL.... anyway... it takes a lot of elbow grease and time to get the old tape off.

So, assuming you tape your pallets, how often do you perform this routine?  Any tips to share on how to make this task easier?   ;D
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: 244 on August 01, 2011, 07:53:58 AM
What brand of pallet tape are you using and are the aluminum pallets with rubber?
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: Homer on August 01, 2011, 08:11:10 AM
we put 2 or 3 layers down. the layer that touches the pallet  never comes off. we can change on the fly if needed. We use R tape or a cheaper version of it, nothing special. We can go 2 months or more before changing it, but we keep our platens clean.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: Sbrem on August 01, 2011, 08:17:26 AM
You need another category. "When they're too fuzzy and the tack sticks to the shirts and pulls off the platen" ;D

Steve
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: dburgessjr on August 01, 2011, 08:52:46 AM
You need another category. "When they're too fuzzy and the tack sticks to the shirts and pulls off the platen" ;D

Steve

Agreed!

One tip I was given was to sprinkle some baby powder on the platen before the tape goes down.  It's suppose to help but I personally have not noticed a difference.  Out of habit though, this is what I do.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: tpitman on August 01, 2011, 09:14:16 AM
I don't change it often enough. It's not so much that the tape gets too eff'd up to use. But the longer you leave it on there, the harder it is to remove it. I've had to hit some of the tougher bits with some naptha to get them off at times. I've got the rubber-topped Vastex platens.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: Sbrem on August 01, 2011, 11:44:47 AM
we find heating them, like warming the plates before a flash run, softens the adhesive, it usually comes off in one piece...

Steve
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: Frog on August 01, 2011, 12:04:10 PM
I couldn't vote in the given categories, I change mine out as I need to.
It can be anywhere from a couple of months,down  to after only a few hours of fleece.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: inkman996 on August 01, 2011, 12:18:01 PM
We try to do it at least every two weeks this way it is not overly baked on.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: JBLUE on August 01, 2011, 01:00:51 PM
I couldn't vote in the given categories, I change mine out as I need to.
It can be anywhere from a couple of months,down  to after only a few hours of fleece.
Same here. After fleece it gets replaced. I never have a problem with it sticking to the pallets. I have older rubber on it and still comes right off. Same with my sleeve pallets which are still pretty new from Action. Although I use the large rolls of transfer tape that are made for vinyl so that may have something to do with the release  as well.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: Frog on August 01, 2011, 01:18:38 PM
I use the large rolls of transfer tape that are made for vinyl so that may have something to do with the release  as well.

Which tape specifically?
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: SkylinePrints on August 01, 2011, 01:35:12 PM
What brand of pallet tape are you using and are the aluminum pallets with rubber?

the tape is something i picked up at a sign supply shop.  dont remember the name.  The pallets are aluminum.  no rubber top... wish they did have rubber tops....
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: 244 on August 01, 2011, 01:45:26 PM
Try using American Biltrite brand or Newmans which is made for him by American Biltrite. Our New York office carries it and it works great. I am sure you can find a local supplier.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: JBLUE on August 01, 2011, 02:48:41 PM
I use the large rolls of transfer tape that are made for vinyl so that may have something to do with the release  as well.

Which tape specifically?

I got it from Hexis. I have broiled a couple of pallets on the manual before with it on and it still comes right off. It last pretty good as well. I have not burned a pallet yet on the auto. Real close but not a burn....lol
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: Frog on August 01, 2011, 03:39:23 PM
Transfer tape comes in varying degrees of stickiness, and perhaps someone with experience in both vinyl graphics and screenprinting can chime in on what is interchangeable.
Title: Re: How often to you change your pallet tape?
Post by: inkbrigade on August 12, 2011, 05:55:58 AM
We have M&R Pallets with rubber tops and newman tape. Works great and never a problem getting it off.