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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: Binkspot on March 27, 2013, 09:50:55 PM

Title: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 27, 2013, 09:50:55 PM
Who else uses lasers for lining up objects on press or heat press, etc. I ask because there apparently is a larger market for them then I thought. I have been building affordable units for screen printing and some other industries for a few years now and just wondering how many would be interested in them.

For screen printing I have two styles a ridged and a flex type each with four red lasers, dot, line or cross, customers choice and battery or ac powered. Custom ones can be built with almost an unlimited amount of lasers, styles and a few laser color choices.  Below are pictures of the flex style, building three right now that will go out late next week. I cant find any pictures of the ridged style but I have on on my press I can take a picture of tomorrow.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: TCT on March 27, 2013, 10:33:40 PM
That is a pretty sweet set up!! After we got our new press with lasers on it, I dread doing anything on a different press. Even if something needs to be done on the manual, I want the frickin' lasers!
I think it is one of those deals where you don't know how great they are until they are gone.

Again, I think that is a great idea. Can I ask what ballpark you are in for price? If you would rather keep that private, PM me.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: alan802 on March 27, 2013, 11:56:06 PM
I'd sure as hell buy a unit as well.  Post or pm the price for that bad boy and whether or not you'd like to build a few more.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: ZooCity on March 28, 2013, 12:16:52 AM
Yeah I'm in for some lazer action.  Perfect solution for loading consistently when you have to throw the collar over the platen.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: easyscore on March 28, 2013, 12:49:21 AM
Definitely would be interested too.

Pricing please
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Spreading Ink on March 28, 2013, 01:22:24 AM
We use lasers, but I am ready to move to something that has more functionality than our current setup which is very home made.

I will PM you.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: chubsetc on March 28, 2013, 04:12:21 AM
I was researching parts to make something like you have but that thing is sweet I'd be very interested in something like that.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 28, 2013, 05:52:26 AM
That one is $300 out the door including shipping anywhere in the continental US. It includes the unit in the picture, power pack (battery or AC power supply) ty-wraps and self adhesive mounting pads for securing the power wire. All red lasers your choice cross, dot or line. Thirty days money back no questions asked if you are not completely satisfied, 90 day warranty on the unit. Please note the power supply (not shown in the picture) is remote mount and plugs into the left side of the unit and includes a 36" cord. 

Custom models with almost unlimited number of lasers, red, purple or green colors, mounts, etc available.


Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: tonypep on March 28, 2013, 06:01:00 AM
Can you mount them on sharks?
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 28, 2013, 06:17:43 AM
Can you mount them on sharks?

I don't see why not ;)
Title: Lasers
Post by: sweetts on March 28, 2013, 06:58:10 AM
I have a three laser setup they are priceless to have. I would say there is a market for this for sure. I would suggest a magnet base and side so you could stick it anywhere or refit a mount as needed. That's my 2 cents, nice work.


RT Screen Designs
www.rtscreendesigns.com
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: TCT on March 28, 2013, 07:40:12 AM
The price point is great. Bet you could get triple that if you found a way to fit a shark! That's worth a cool 1k, back me up here Tony!
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 28, 2013, 08:00:28 AM
Mag base is a $20 up charge. Again they can be built any way someone wants and still have an attractive price point.

This is the original one I did for my press with ridged mount (please excuse how dirty the press is) but adjustable lasers. I also have the switches mounted remotely which turned out just to be an added and unnecessary expense.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: TCT on March 28, 2013, 08:05:19 AM
You are kidding about the dirty press right?

What's the best way to buy one of these bad boys?  PM?
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: ericheartsu on March 28, 2013, 10:44:04 AM
are there any videos of this?
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Ryan on March 28, 2013, 10:50:54 AM
Every new press should come with lasers. They are a god send. I'm lazy and don't feel like DYIing my new press so I bought a second set for the other station. I wish they weren't so expensive (not yours), but like TCT stated, if they work and are adjustable, they are worth more than the # bills you are asking for. I just $1K+ for my set-up of 4.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: alan802 on March 28, 2013, 11:56:20 AM
We only use our lasers for above the pocket prints so we don't use them much but it sure seems like I'm buying batteries for them all the time.  I'd never pay for one of those really expensive laser systems since we've had these cheap HF lasers for so long but I wouldn't mind having Brian's laser system.  It would be the last one we'd ever have to buy and that's always a plus.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: inkman996 on March 28, 2013, 12:35:51 PM
Nice thing about Brians is if you have it set up with a regular plug you can take it any where in your shop to help with lots of different things, I can see my self using it in the vinyl room or even embroidery.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: islandtees on March 28, 2013, 01:04:22 PM
I have a question on distance and lights in the shop. Some lasers are not strong enough to overcome the lights over the press or they must be right over the platen to see the
laser lines. Do you have some specs for this and distance from laser to platen.. Also interested.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 28, 2013, 01:42:46 PM
Any body who PM'd me ill get back to you later this evening. The boss lady won't let me stop today.

Ill post pics later on how bright they are. I can see them just fine at 42" from the laser to the pallet and have a pretty bright shop.

I starte these because I was looking for a reasonably priced system over marking pallets or a t square for reference.

I to have found them to be an indispensable tool even though they are not used all the time.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: rmonks on March 28, 2013, 01:48:17 PM
I bought two of these off ebay http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mKHMdbd92cOmB2yerxW5j9g.jpg (http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mKHMdbd92cOmB2yerxW5j9g.jpg)  mounted what looks like an upside down microphone stand to the ceiling of my shop above the load station and ran an ac outlet down so I could plug the lasers in as needed I use one for center pocket and one to line up above or on which ever. but i think I spent $70 for both and built the stand. Crude but it works. GREAT
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 28, 2013, 08:55:33 PM
TCT no kidding the press is a disaster now. I usually wipe it down every week and keep it sparkling. Clean shop=Happy shop.

The pictures are three lasers on, all the shop lights which are high output florescent are on (very bright shop) and you can easily see the lasers. The line closest to the loader (furthest out on the pallet) is 42" from the laser. The only time I have trouble seeing them is during the summer in the early morning  if I have the bay door open next to the press and the sun is shining in. Actually have to keep the door closed during production in the morning because the sun puts a glare on the print and hard to see if there is a defects.

Anyone can reach me by PM, email brian@middletownink.com or phone 302-357-8669

Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: islandtees on March 29, 2013, 11:23:19 PM
Is that 42 inches straight up or is the laser base sitting on the press. Can you post a pic of the location of the base in the background with the laser lines on the platen  in the foreground.
Title: Re: Lasers
Post by: Binkspot on March 30, 2013, 06:56:20 AM
The mount is located in front of the loader, see pictures and drawing. The face is approximately 22" above and 30" behind the end of the pallet. Actually the beam is about 30 degrees off the pallet. If the beam is straight over the load station when putting a shirt on the pallet it will be blocked out by the loader and defeat the purpose of having it. I have found this to be the ideal location because the beams are rarely blocked out by your body or arms but still get a good clear target. For my own curiosity I turned the lights on this morning, turned one laser on and was 15' away from the laser face before the cross started to fade on a black shirt. Keep in mind the unit in the pictures is the first one and has ridged mount and since this one I have changed the type of lasers to a more powerful type to achieve more target styles, colors and a brighter target.