TSB
screen printing => Screen Making => Topic started by: 1964GN on May 06, 2023, 09:55:36 AM
-
There is finally a NEW LTS unit coming and we may be getting one of the first to beta in the US.
What I have learned so far...
- Works with any emulsion. There is no need for the factory to calibrate it for you.
- 1 up... 23x31 or 25x36
- Resolution up to around 5000 dpi is possible (some of there high end bank note machine go up to 10,000 to 12000 dpi)
- User upgradable by simply adding more banks of laser diodes. Base unit would be around 2-ish minutes per screen with the ability do add laser banks and reduce that down to around 30-ish sec.
- Adding additional laser banks takes about 3-4 minutes
- Utilizes 1 bit tiff and comes with the RIP
- Comes with a built in step test for easy user calibration for different mesh counts and emulsion, just like you do now when you switch emulsion, exposure unit, etc. No tech or factory calibration needed.
- When performing a step test you are adjusting the power vs time like you do with more traditional exposure units
- Laser diode expected life span of 20,000 hours
- The lasers in this unit do not move. The laser banks are static and the light is sent via fiber optic to a single lens.
- The single lens travels on a Maglev rail when exposing the screen. There are virtually zero maintenance points on this system.
- The laser travels at 4.5 meters per second and fires at 1 million times per second.
- Pre reg systems for all major brands are available. MHM pin, M&R Tri-lock, ROQ, etc.
- This unit is also capable of plate making by adding plate making lasers. You can switch between plate making and screen making with a push of a button
- Manufactured by the world leader in laser CTS and CTP (computer to plate), Luscher Technologies in Switzerland.
I don't have exact pricing but I expect it to be similar to the Saati unit from the numbers I've heard thrown around, but the price really depends on how many lasers you get so I expect with less lasers it would be cheaper than the Saati for most 1-3 auto shops. Adding a laser bank is expected to be around 20k give or take. As your screen production requirements grow you don't necessarily need to add another CTS to keep up. Add more banks and cut screen making time in half.
With our Douthitt are are around a 2 to 2.5 minutes to image a full size print (printing unidirectional, plus exposure time). We do 20-30 screens per day currently and don't have a need for a 30 sec exposure. A 2 minute total exposure time would speed things up a bit so we can opt to go with less lasers, which brings the price down.
I still have a lot of questions but based on the people I have talked to that are familiar with Luscher, and the machines that they make, I suspect this thing is the real deal.
This new Chippy Tee podcast episode has a good discussion on the basics https://youtu.be/wrkmBQ0472w
-
I listened to the podcast, sounds good but I'd like to know the cost, can't get answers on that yet.
I think it's overkill for small shops, if you are doing 30 screens a day how can you justify the expense?
What dpi can you hold on your screens? Also what dpi can you actually print?
Who needs 5000dpi? It's like putting a jet motor on a bicycle.
I get great results from my Douthitt, as far as I see it the only real justification for a Lazer is financial, do you produce enough screens a day to make saving time and wax worth while.
For most of us it doesn't make economic sense.
-
Depending on how many laser banks you get the price range is expected to be 80k-140k. If you do the math you may find that 80k is not that much more than a Douthitt (for example) over a 5-6 year period. Our Douthitt is 3 1/2 years old and it's way over due for a new print head. The print head life is about 2-3 years and replacement cost is $4600.
A new Douthitt is about 55k and a decent exposure unit is 10-15k. 2 print heads in 5-6 years is $9200. Add the cost of wax over that period and you are easily over 80K. We also have a 5k metal halide exposure unit and replace the bulb every 2 - 2 1/2 years. I forget what the bulb costs but they are not cheap.
So, if you look at the long term, the laser is less expense to own and maintain over time. Extend that math out to 10-15 years. We don't buy based on the "get in" price. We buy based on current and projected future needs.
A machine like this would future proof our screen making.
-
Depending on how many laser banks you get the price range is expected to be 80k-140k. If you do the math you may find that 80k is not that much more than a Douthitt (for example) over a 5-6 year period. Our Douthitt is 3 1/2 years old and it's way over due for a new print head. The print head life is about 2-3 years and replacement cost is $4600.
A new Douthitt is about 55k and a decent exposure unit is 10-15k. 2 print heads in 5-6 years is $9200. Add the cost of wax over that period and you are easily over 80K. We also have a 5k metal halide exposure unit and replace the bulb every 2 - 2 1/2 years. I forget what the bulb costs but they are not cheap.
So, if you look at the long term, the laser is less expense to own and maintain over time. Extend that math out to 10-15 years. We don't buy based on the "get in" price. We buy based on current and projected future needs.
A machine like this would future proof our screen making.
And the math will look even better if you get more busy and have even more screens to make. Did they give you some sort of a special deal for testing their unit?
-
Nothing has been finalized for beta testing. We don't expect any special pricing and if doesn't worked as advertised they would take it back (which I doubt would happen). Again, being a beta tester for the unit is still a bit up in the air.
-
Update:
It's been over 1 year and a new Screen! Cube has been shipped and install is scheduled for the week of 9/23
This will be the first one in the US, and the first one to be tested/used in an actual textile production facility.
While laser screen making is defiantly in our thoughts we had no intention of upgrading this year. We have been asked, as a favor to SPSI, MHM and Luscher, to put this through it's paces to determine if this unit is can do what they say it can. Remember, this unit has been in production for over 15 years but in the bank note printing environment. The resolution it's capable of is crazy, but this is printing t shirts through 150-305 mesh, not 2300 (guessing) for printing currency.
The unit coming has the MHM clamping system and 128 laser bank (it's max) with "claims" of a 1 minute exposure time. Luscher has full confidence but we are skeptical.
While the max laser bank unit cost nearly $150k it is available in a variety of numbers of laser, at a considerably lower cost. We are told we'll be able to test the varying levels of lasers. after we get a solid feel for what it can do we'll be testing fewer lasers. Time to expose vs price
If we love the unit we have the option to purchase it a greatly reduced price. If we don't they take it back no questions asked, at zero cost us other than a little electrical and air work we have to do.
I'll post 100% unbiased opinions and facts on what this unit capable of, and what it's not. If we love it we'll tell you, if we hate it we'll tell you.
-
Nothing against SAATI laser, but this sounds like a lot of benefits in comparison. For example, to get the higher resolutions to hold a 3% dot in a 85-100lpi off of the SAATI, you have to pay a higher price for the better RIP. (or so I was told) early one by a SAATI rep.
The one thing I find as a slight negative depending on your type of shop is that a shop that does a lot of pockets or any kind of small print, the laser still has to fully pass over the same total distance across the screen to expose the emulsion. So a pocket print takes as long as a full sized print. On an I-Image, you crop the template up to the bottom of the pocket print and that's where the print head stops. Saves a lot of (on machine) time. At one of the shops I worked at, (JnJ) about 90% of our designs had pocket prints so that's almost double the screen making time (for pocket prints) in a laser.
Is there a way to tell the laser machine to only go down so far on the screen, so that it doesn't need to pass over the entire screen size?
-
Is there a way to tell the laser machine to only go down so far on the screen, so that it doesn't need to pass over the entire screen size?
That would take a lotttttt of blockout tape.
-
You got that right! Of course, the whole screen needs to be exposed by the laser. BTW not to take away from OP but our SAATI is approaching two ys old with zero issues. We love it.
-
And there you are. Always waiting to only contribute a snarky comment.
These are computer programed. Imagine someone coming up with the idea to program the machine to have a FULL Screen and HALF screen option. Imagine on these pocket & neck tag prints, having only half of the screen coated and saved for pocket prints and neck tags coating half way up. It's not rocket science. It would be more efficient to have a portion of screens coated one side of that screen on those...therefore, no need to tape off all of that remaining uncoated side. Then hit the HALF imaging button so that the lasers don't travel that entire distance. Now, you use less emulsion and (to my point), using only half of the laser time.
We could be doing half coating now for pockets using wet and wax machines but it's always just been easier and not that costly to coat the whole screen and waste that side but always having all screen ready for either type of print. But now (with laser) and adding wasted imaging time also, taking twice the amount of time to image an area that doesn't get printed, it seems more feasible to now coat half screens. Not for every shop, but for those that know their business is doing a lot of pockets and neck tags. Again, some shops are set up to have a pocket print on most all of their designs. A half screen button would work and get maybe 30% more time efficient out of those laser machines. 30% more screen efficiency per day means a lot for big shops.
If the machine can image another job to be imaged on the opposite end f the screen for dual placement of small prints and pocket prints...(one image on each side) then my comment is a moot point.
I've only separated jobs that were getting laser imaged. Never been in a shop using a laser before so I don't know how each job can be modified for imaging.
-
Tony,
Can you image two sides with a different job on each end to make use of the whole imaging time?
-
Absolutely. Shops that print pockets constantly (on a dedicated press sometimes), will gang up multiple pockets and left chests, etc. Conversely, those who do not often gang them up to the back prints, flip the screen and triloc, and Bobs your uncle!
-
I am told you can set the distance it images, so if you are ganging images it will stop at the point you set, flip the screen and image the next one, with an exposed overlap between the 2. I was also told the saati has the same ability. I'm told you can set up multiple presets for a variety image sizes. Say, one for a 12" tall back and left chest, one for 8" tall back and a left chest, etc. How that works in the real world I have no idea.
Again, we did not ask to be a tester for this machine, we were asked to test it.
-
Absolutely. Shops that print pockets constantly (on a dedicated press sometimes), will gang up multiple pockets and left chests, etc. Conversely, those who do not often gang them up to the back prints, flip the screen and triloc, and Bobs your uncle!
Exactly...
To add to this, I have an image in my head of an adapter frame with multiple Rapid Tag screens ganged together, with each screen having images ganged together for multiple tag sizes/locations. Imaging and exposing an entire set for multiple styles and size runs all in one shot.
I would hope the RIP could have recipes saved for such scenarios.
-
Absolutely. Shops that print pockets constantly (on a dedicated press sometimes), will gang up multiple pockets and left chests, etc. Conversely, those who do not often gang them up to the back prints, flip the screen and triloc, and Bobs your uncle!
We have a CTS - we Tri-Loc each side for doubled up prints. This would negate that. Wouldn't that be a problem with the Tri-Loc then with an laser imaging system?
-
Not sure what you mean but images are ganged up in the computer, then sent to the LTS, thus perfectly burned in register. The SAATI uses spring loaded pins to lock them in
-
Means if you do it digitally then the flipped image won't register with the tri-loc since it's only on one corner of the screen.
However you are saying to flip the screen and flip the triloc on press so you would be registering to the same point, front left for the fist image, turn the screen around and back right of screen for second image. But how would an operator know what is the correct way for triloc, my hunch like many places is triloc rarely gets used since it doesn't work that great and operators will think they are faster without it.
I don't get the ROI on these, for the price I would prefer to get a wax or inkjet model and a press which would have a much better ROI than the steep cost of just a laser. It looks like the "Screen Cube" is similar to the CST which has been around in Europe for a long time, a single laser that scans
https://luescher.com/en/product-lines/screen-cube (https://luescher.com/en/product-lines/screen-cube)
https://www.c-s-t.de/en/flat-exposure/ (https://www.c-s-t.de/en/flat-exposure/)
Most people are printing spot colors on gildans for pennies, if you think you are going to be printing 80+lpi on a gildan you need to get real. So how does a 150k laser make sense is beyond me.
If it's worth it, post your work in here https://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,73.3285.html (https://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,73.3285.html) otherwise I don't think that laser to screen is worth it for the price point, and there is a point where it wouldn't even make a difference since hybrid would be better than screen printing ever be at a certain point, also for a relatively similar cost as a Screen Cube.
-
Correct on the ROI...LTS is totally not for everyone, or even most (although ours was half the price listed above). Also correct on seasoned printers resisting to use a triloc or similar device. I personally don't use it. That said, I find it to be an excellent training tool. So with our ROQs and LTS, ganging up and flipping screens totally works. XYZ works for both top and bottom, despite what has been stated. I find it interesting how there are so many opinions on this subject by people who do not nor have ever used the unit.
-
Tony, that's why I've kept my mouth shut
-
Stop talking common sense Dave. You might confuse people ;)
-
Not sure what you mean but images are ganged up in the computer, then sent to the LTS, thus perfectly burned in register. The SAATI uses spring loaded pins to lock them in
Zanegun already answered, but yes, if you don't Tri-Loc each side when imaging, it will not line up on the press each way, just the originally loaded way. On our M&R CTS we flip the screen then print the other image, so everything we do Tri-Locs.
We have a pretty good success rate with Tri-Loc and definitely save a lot of time with it.
-
One nice feature of the SAATI is that instead of a three point spring, it they have a single point spring pin and two beefy air lock clamps holding the screens firmly in place, which aids in getting the screens burnt exactly in register. Note that I did not say 100% all the time. Warped or skewed frames can throw this off a smidge so we try to identify those and weed them out. So multiple images burned in one pass. My experience is better degree of accuracy with less micro adjustment on press over my CTS. But that was a different shop with different operators so that can have a lot to do with it. Slowly moving towards not using registration marks as they are becoming an unnecessary nuisance.
-
Just to throw a wrench in the discussion did anyone see the new Exile machine coming out?
You feed it a clean screen and it will print an "emulsion" and then expose it. Eliminates coating/darkroom.
-
It's not rocket science.
lol I know… it was a joke.
-
I love the idea of a 1-up unit that is fast but only if it’s decently cheaper than a 2-up version.
Our wax machine is awesome but has consumables besides the wax. My “refurbished” Douthitt seems to be eating a $2000 ink feed every two years so that’s great. Never mind the print head that’s coming up, haha!
Dan’s right though, some sorta half screen option would be great but gotta find a way to communicate it to the darkroom. Ganging screens is always hard for this, the RIP just gives darkroom a list. Always gotta be a better way!
-
Imagine spending $100k+ on a laser and then being like I wanna save 40 cents in emulsion and use more tape so I can gang screens to "save money"
-
Imagine spending $100k+ on a laser and then being like I wanna save 40 cents in emulsion and use more tape so I can gang screens to "save money"
I'd do it. I also don't use tape.
-
What's the word on fully cross linking the emulsion for a diazo??? I know when I REALLY push the other laser sales guys at trade shows, when I don't back down and ask them to provide some kind of guarantee we won't see breakdown, they finally admit they don't fully cross link the emulsion. Not a issue if you print plastisol, for us it is a huge issue and honestly, pretty disappointing.
-
Imagine spending $100k+ on a laser and then being like I wanna save 40 cents in emulsion and use more tape so I can gang screens to "save money"
Time at the press is most important to save :)
-
What's the word on fully cross linking the emulsion for a diazo??? I know when I REALLY push the other laser sales guys at trade shows, when I don't back down and ask them to provide some kind of guarantee we won't see breakdown, they finally admit they don't fully cross link the emulsion. Not a issue if you print plastisol, for us it is a huge issue and honestly, pretty disappointing.
With the Saati unit, it works fine, as long as it's post exposed. If it's not you'll see premature breakdown.
-
Imagine spending $100k+ on a laser and then being like I wanna save 40 cents in emulsion and use more tape so I can gang screens to "save money"
Time at the press is most important to save :)
saves time in reclaim - one less screen... we have 6 presses and never enough screens.
if there is a color change with the same art - i will put two of the same art on the same screen - the press op dosent have to stop and clean out the screen, just scrape ink out, turn the screen around and new ink and squeegee and they are back up and running. no need to clean and pull tape off registration marks.
-
We do that as well, color change just flip and triloc, and post expose for wb, no problem. The comment on press time (usually the most expensive aspect of any given shop) is spot on. So is Duanes on reclaim.
-
Better late than never. Install and training is now scduled for Oct 1st - 4th.
-
Yep it’s faster, but not simpler. We are only really ganging when it’s the same colour of the same job, like another print location on the same job.
Gotta factor in that this looks like a smaller more entry level laser. That reclaim time doesn’t matter as much in a massive shop as in the average small one. I definitely see the value in ganging a screen to save the reclaim/etc!
I can’t imagine a shop that’s big enough to buy a 2-up is going to want to be flipping screens to save time on their auto reclaim.
-
Yep it’s faster, but not simpler. We are only really ganging when it’s the same colour of the same job, like another print location on the same job.
Gotta factor in that this looks like a smaller more entry level laser. That reclaim time doesn’t matter as much in a massive shop as in the average small one. I definitely see the value in ganging a screen to save the reclaim/etc!
I can’t imagine a shop that’s big enough to buy a 2-up is going to want to be flipping screens to save time on their auto reclaim.
After seeing this thing in person I can tell you that's far from entry level. First real test should be tomorrow. It has a step test built in so we should be dialing in exposure tomorrow. They are still claiming a 60-80 seconds per screen (full screen) regardless of mesh. You set different power levels by adjusting the Jules per mesh count. I'll beileve it when I see it.
-
Again, on the SAATI at least you do not flip the screens. Images 2 up automatically
-
This unit is made by a well known manufacturer and I'm sure it works well.
Question is cost, the basic unit is very slow. You have to spend $140k to get to a good production speed.
Not sure why most shops would want to spend this kind of money when there are good options for a lot less.
I have a Douthitt, print resolution is higher than I can print, I do a lot of screens with 2 images, usually back and pocket. With the MHM pins I just flip and print.
I have a simple box I built with a Saati lamp for exposing. Works really well, I use Saati PHU and get great results. Greg Kitson hung the screens on the wall and exposed a few at a time.
I think CTS is the only way to go mainly because of the time it saves in hangling graphics. We have a lot of repeat orders and all we do is drag the saved PDF to the rip and expose. Filing film was a nightmare. Also not having glass in the exposure unit saves a fortune of time in checking and filling pin holes.
If you have lots of spare money buy whatever you like but it's like a car, a Subaru will get you anywhere you want to go, some people prefer a Ferrari.
-
So MHM just claimed insolvency in Austria yesterday... Since this is just rebranded, do you know if SPSI is going to bypass the MHM branded ones and bring the regular ones in? I forgot what the brand was, Lightbox or something? These had caught my eye a few months ago when they flew the idea of looking at one of these under the normal name. I don't see the point of rebranding under a company in financial trouble. These units so far in my looking for our application, were a promising answer for when we are ready to upgrade!
-
After seeing this thing in person I can tell you that's far from entry level. First real test should be tomorrow. It has a step test built in so we should be dialing in exposure tomorrow. They are still claiming a 60-80 seconds per screen (full screen) regardless of mesh. You set different power levels by adjusting the Jules per mesh count. I'll beileve it when I see it.
Sorry, I just meant the price point and size! A lot of smaller shops are limited by the ROI and the space.
-
Again, on the SAATI at least you do not flip the screens. Images 2 up automatically
How is that possible with three point reg? The contact points won’t match up on press? Same issue as on any other CTS?
What am I missing?
-
So MHM just claimed insolvency in Austria yesterday... Since this is just rebranded, do you know if SPSI is going to bypass the MHM branded ones and bring the regular ones in? I forgot what the brand was, Lightbox or something? These had caught my eye a few months ago when they flew the idea of looking at one of these under the normal name. I don't see the point of rebranding under a company in financial trouble. These units so far in my looking for our application, were a promising answer for when we are ready to upgrade!
Luscher Technologies.
I don't fully understand the Austrain laws but am told that they will be under reorganization and the goverment will step in to support payroll etc for 1 year, among other things like get up to day with vendors etc. If you are big enough the government doesn't want to fail and will assist in the reorganizationSomeone from the outside will come in and facilitate the reorganization plan. This happened in 2008 as well I think. We'll see.
The 128 bank unit won't make any sense for most small to medium sized shop IMO. One our tasks is to determine speed and efficiency with few laser banks. If you could get a 64 bank unit and a 2 minute exposure for 80k (I have no idea what the pricing or exposure speed is yet) and you calculate your ROI vs wax or inkjet, does it make sense? Those are the some of things we hope to get hard numbers on.
-
We are finally working on dialing in setting for each mesh. The speed is the same for all mesh but power and focal length can be adjusted then saved as a preset for each, and for each emulsion if you use different one.
The step tests, for lack of a better word, are built into the software. Kind of cool.
We had a few glitches yesterday with conflicting IP address on the network, a german keayboard, european power cords, and a few other oddities but that all seems to worked out.
-
Again, on the SAATI at least you do not flip the screens. Images 2 up automatically
How is that possible with three point reg? The contact points won’t match up on press? Same issue as on any other CTS?
What am I missing?
SAATI use three point spring loaded and three beefy air cylinders to lock the screen. Works fine just not always 1,000% maybe 90-95%
-
So MHM just claimed insolvency in Austria yesterday... Since this is just rebranded, do you know if SPSI is going to bypass the MHM branded ones and bring the regular ones in? I forgot what the brand was, Lightbox or something? These had caught my eye a few months ago when they flew the idea of looking at one of these under the normal name. I don't see the point of rebranding under a company in financial trouble. These units so far in my looking for our application, were a promising answer for when we are ready to upgrade!
Luscher Technologies.
Thank you that was driving me CRAZY, went through like 4 drawers here looking for the damn flyer! ;D
-
Imagine spending $100k+ on a laser and then being like I wanna save 40 cents in emulsion and use more tape so I can gang screens to "save money"
My comment was not to save money on emulsion or tape (I thought was obvious), but to save money and time on the imaging. It was nearly 2 minutes to compete the entire screen even with the duel screen setup. Looking to resolve the issues of needing to pass over the entire screen and to be able to only expose half of the screen for pocket prints to make the imaging of that screen half the time. Early on, I remember asking at the show if it needed to pass over the entire screen and at that time, (approx 4-5 years ago, it needed to pass over the full screen for every job. But to be clear, they didn't go any further in clarification and possibly at that time it really could if you programmed it to do so.
-
Also, for any CTS type machine and Tr-Loc, is it really that big of an issue to have to manually micro reg (maybe a little more than a mico) a job when you are using an image on both sides...but only Tri-locked on one side?
Wouldn't it be like every 3-6 left chest jobs out of maybe 20 jobs a day you might need to micro a left chest that wasn't in reg? It's off center by about .375" on the other side if I'm not mistaken and then the reg based on screen frame accuracy would be up or down also, but close.
Is it not worth the time for registering the left chest for just that 1-3 or 6 jobs a day yet saving the reclaim time for two sets of screens? 6 of one/half dozen of the other I figure. Just rattling off questions.
-
For us it is truly a micro......screens are never crooked. If they are out its typically .64 of an inch top to bottom or right to left. Easy quick adjustment. So it works for us.
-
We are pretty close to dialed on. Imaging takes about 1min 20sec. The first 20 seconds it goes thought each bank and checks each laser. If there is a bad laser it turns that bank off so you don't have unexposed streaks (like a douthitt with missing jets), if I understood the tech correctly. Actual imaging time is one minute per screen. We have tested 135, 150, 180, 225, 280 and 305's. All have the exact same imaging time just different power levels and lens focal lengths depending on overall mesh/emulsion thickness.
We are currently only at 600 dpi as the rip we have maxes out at 600. We should have an upgrade coming so we can go to 1200.
Tomorrow we should be able to images a few multi color jobs and see if they register on press like the Douthitt
-
Sounds like so far so good! Can't remember if you have an auto coater
-
Is it not worth the time for registering the left chest for just that 1-3 or 6 jobs a day yet saving the reclaim time for two sets of screens? 6 of one/half dozen of the other I figure. Just rattling off questions.
Not to mention time savings on the press. Flip the all the clamps open, rest the flood/squeegee down on the ends of the screen, flip it around, clamp in, wipe the images, register, tape off, go. No removing ink, no swapping screens, less reclaim chemicals and time, etc etc.
Triloc on only one side is still triloc, yo.
It's the little things that add up.
-
Sounds like so far so good! Can't remember if you have an auto coater
We do have auto coat. About the only thing we don't have is a developer.
-
Is it not worth the time for registering the left chest for just that 1-3 or 6 jobs a day yet saving the reclaim time for two sets of screens? 6 of one/half dozen of the other I figure. Just rattling off questions.
Not to mention time savings on the press. Flip the all the clamps open, rest the flood/squeegee down on the ends of the screen, flip it around, clamp in, wipe the images, register, tape off, go. No removing ink, no swapping screens, less reclaim chemicals and time, etc etc.
Triloc on only one side is still triloc, yo.
All of this. Large runs we don't gang up images due to running it on different presses. But for the shorter custom contract we of course do and this tremendously saves time/money
It's the little things that add up.
-
Initial thoughts:
So far I am pretty impressed, but it's only been a few days of install and training.
- Our rip is only licensed for a max resolution of 600 dpi so all testing has been done at 600 dpi.
- Total imaging time with the max of 128 lasers is 1 min 20 sec.
- If I did my math correctly that's 40-45 screens per hour. That's double our current capacity.
- Did a quick test at 64 lasers and total imaging time was 2 min 5 sec.
- Monday morning Mark from Douthitt will update the rip to 1270 dpi max with a free trial from Xitron.
- The workflow is different but should be easy to get use to.
- It has an Auto Run mode. Drop your TIFFs in the hot folder set up for a specific mesh. Select that folder from a drop down and it loads all of those files into the software. Image your first screen, remove, put in the next screen and press start.
- We are use to imaging per job so the changing to imaging per mesh will take a little while to get adjusted.
- I'll be doing some time studies over the coming weeks at different laser bank levels. The laser banks are not cheap so we'll find out if there is a sweet spot with time/price. The software has the option to set how many lasers to use so I should be able to get some hard time numbers at different levels.
- It has the MHM pin system and the live jobs we did on Friday registered 100%. If not that would have been an immediate deal killer.
- It has a function at automatically backs up all of your settings, templates, etc to Luschers servers every 30 days... just in case. Should something happen you can restore a back up from their server to a new computer.
Issues I have:
- High humidity is a problem. A humidity level above 55-60% and the machine will throw an error and will not allow you run until the level comes down. Something we did not expect. That error message can be disabled but I would be reluctant to do that.
- Size. It takes up a lot of floor space and requires at a 64" wide door opening. The unit is about 64" and 74 deep (this the hood down) and requires about 20" space in the back for servicing if needed. We put a double door into the wet area of the screen room to get equipment in and out but only a single door into the dry room where we store screens and the Douthitt.
- We do not have a auto developer so humidity levels go up fast as we develop. Auto developer was next on our list so if we decide to keep it we'll add and enclosed unit to the mix to decide humidity levels, in addition to more AC.
- The MHM pin bars do not auto retract when you push the button. You have to manually wiggle the bar away from the screen to remove it.
- It came with a German keyboard and European cords for the computer and monitor. I'm told it was probably because it went to MHM first.
Service:
Time will tell on this one. Switzerland is 6 hours behind us on the east coast so any issues you may have that need tech support you may have to wait until the next morning. They do have certified tech partners in the US, if you have a mechanical issue. SPSI is expected to be deeply trained as well but that will take some time.
-
SAATI use three point spring loaded and three beefy air cylinders to lock the screen. Works fine just not always 1,000% maybe 90-95%
Then you can’t just put art on the other side and expect it to line up. It’s not the same three points of contact when it gets on press.
Might be different with MHM pin system? But no on a typical three point reg you can’t just shoot both sides.
-
Also, for any CTS type machine and Tr-Loc, is it really that big of an issue to have to manually micro reg (maybe a little more than a mico) a job when you are using an image on both sides...but only Tri-locked on one side?
No, not an issue - but way less of an issue to flip it in the screen machine.
-
Depends on how your set up is. Flipping on my LTS is not an option anyways. How about yours? I'd like to hear from an expert ;)
-
Depends on how your set up is. Flipping on my LTS is not an option anyways. How about yours? I'd like to hear from an expert ;)
Do I need an LTS to understand the basics of three point registration? To be fair, I had to explain this to my ‘expert’ ROQ techs setting up the PRU backwards too. I guess we will wait for the experts!
-
No expert here but two years in the field with it with no issues. Sometimes the smartest guy in the room is the one who realizes he's not the smartest guy in the room ;)