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screen printing => Screen Making => Topic started by: Doug B on August 16, 2016, 10:50:21 AM

Title: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: Doug B on August 16, 2016, 10:50:21 AM: Looking for an inexpensive exposure unit (not for me) that can handle 23 X 32 screens
and capable of doing a good job of on halftones. Nothing fancy, basically just a reliable
workhorse preferably with a built in vacuum. I am gathering information to set up a remote
operation that will be a manual set-up for mostly flatwork. I might go used but would prefer
something new. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: Frog on August 16, 2016, 11:10:00 AM: With many shops upgrading to LED, a used metal halide unit may be the best route to go to save money and still produce top-notch screens.
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: Admiral on August 16, 2016, 11:54:42 AM: I would go with a used MSP 3140. It worked well for us - had a couple small part replacements over a few years with it but very easy and reliable. Does need time to cool down (ours was like a 2001 model) so wouldn't be that good at 50+ screens a day though. Should be able to get a used one for $1000-$1500 tops.
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: jsheridan on August 16, 2016, 01:30:28 PM: Quote from: Admiral on August 16, 2016, 11:54:42 AM
I would go with a used MSP 3140.

One of the best and simplest units on the market.

I suggest getting a dedicated 230 line for whatever you get. The added volts will help keep your amp load down and it's better for the light.
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: farmboygraphics on August 16, 2016, 01:56:00 PM: Halogen street light, some 2x4's and a sheet of glass. Wired 220. Exposing screens for 15 years. Holds great halftones.
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: Wildcard on August 17, 2016, 09:06:29 AM: Quote from: farmboygraphics on August 16, 2016, 01:56:00 PM
Halogen street light, some 2x4's and a sheet of glass. Wired 220. Exposing screens for 15 years. Holds great halftones.
I was under the impression that Halogen lights were not really that good for exposure? Are there some that work well?
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: farmboygraphics on August 17, 2016, 09:39:19 AM: 1500 watt bulb. It's not super quick, 2 to 2.5 min per screen depending on the mesh count and coating.
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: Wildcard on August 17, 2016, 06:18:50 PM: Better than the 8-12min fluoro unit I use currently... Haha
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: Frog on August 17, 2016, 09:15:28 PM: A few years back, there were tons of industrial metal halide lamps available for the taking, mostly 400 watt units.
Not a perfect wavelength output, but way better than tens of thousands or printers are using (and making money) They do require shutters as well though.
Title: Re: Inexpensive exposure unit?
Post by: jsheridan on August 17, 2016, 11:03:37 PM: Quote from: Frog on August 17, 2016, 09:15:28 PM
A few years back, there were tons of industrial metal halide lamps available for the taking

when warehouse lighting went from those buzzing exposure units on the ceiling in lieu of the low voltage T5 and LED that replaced them.