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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: Dottonedan on February 28, 2017, 04:24:37 PM

Title: UV exp bulbs Can you get them just anyplace?
Post by: Dottonedan on February 28, 2017, 04:24:37 PM
Can you get these exp unit UV tube/lamps at a home depot/Lowes or is this something you only get at a screen print supply store?
Title: Re: UV exp bulbs Can you get them just anyplace?
Post by: Frog on February 28, 2017, 05:01:19 PM
Nope, most regular stores will probably not sell the unfiltered type. (though I've been surprised before) Your local reptile shop, or a real bulb dealer or, there's plenty of places online, like http://www.topbulb.com/20w-t12-fluorescent-blacklight-medium-bi-pin-base. (http://www.topbulb.com/20w-t12-fluorescent-blacklight-medium-bi-pin-base.) You probably want longer ones, but this should get you started
Title: Re: UV exp bulbs Can you get them just anyplace?
Post by: Prosperi-Tees on February 28, 2017, 05:15:11 PM
This is where I got mine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TZUMQ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TZUMQ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Title: Re: UV exp bulbs Can you get them just anyplace?
Post by: Steve Harpold on February 28, 2017, 07:08:36 PM
It is funny you ask this.  It is getting harder and harder to buy these of the shelf.  We are consdier canceling all exposure units but the LED versions because of this! Bulb that used to work do not work anymore. 

If it helps:
Look for bulbs that have a wavelength peak of roughly 395 - 405
410 peak+ - will leave most emulsions slimy and underexposed
368 peak and below-  will harden thinly coats screens but leave the print side slimy.

Aquarium bulbs are your best bet, but those are also going led. 

We have strip conversions you can buy to turn your exposure unit to LED.
Title: Re: UV exp bulbs Can you get them just anyplace?
Post by: Atownsend on February 28, 2017, 07:37:39 PM
What about a grow shop? There are lots of shops popping up that sell supplies for growing plants indoors. We have one in town here, no selling of plants / seeds, but they do sell the lights...