Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

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ph0t0bug
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Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by ph0t0bug »

I have a 500w Exposure unit and there is soooo many different opinions on coating and exposing of all different types of emulsions.... My question is this:
1. I use double layered transparency printouts and have started to have some luck after using 4 screens at about 12 min. Is anyone using a DIY Exposure unit and what times are you getting good exposure with this emulsion?

2. Washout: Pressure washer or shower head?

Thanks ahead of time for any info anyone can provide.

Ph0t0bug
ph0t0bug
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by ph0t0bug »

oh yea... one last thing...

What is the fastest drying time for this emulsion that it can be exposed after coating?
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by Catspit Productions »

There is no set dry time as emulsion thickness and environmental conditions will affect that. Basically you need to make sure the emulsion is dry. Do not rush it. Moist emulsion will not expose correctly. Let it dry to the extent that you are positive it has dried completely.

I am not familiar with this emulsion but it appears to be a diazo. Here is the data sheet from MacDermid Autotype:

http://www.macdermidautotype.com/upload ... 202000.pdf

A diazo is normally on the slower side perhaps requiring minutes with a 500 watt work lamp. From that chart I would start at around 5 minutes and about 12 inch distance between the screen and the work lamp. Washout and then adjust your time depending on results. But you did an exposure at 12 minutes and what happened? If it burned and washed out easily then you’re on the right track. If it washed away in areas you didn’t want ti to it was under exposed. If it closed in and cured areas of detail or fine lines then it was over exposed.

Can you upload an image?

You could also do a step test using a piece of card board to make exposures in increments across the screen. Then after washout you can determine the best time based on your exposure increments. You could try them in minutes.

Or you could get a MacDermid exposure calculator. I have to do a video on those still.

Always use tap pressure with a spray nozzle for washing out screens. Never use a pressure washer.
Jonathan Monaco
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ph0t0bug
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by ph0t0bug »

ok... what we have here is a complete failure..... My first attempt at a halftone CMYK. Colors did not match, the ones allined correctly, and the actual color scheme is completly off. Anyway....4 screens CMYK exposure under a 500W shop light was 13min 30 sec. Washout: I started seeing the first part of the emultion leave almost instantly then about 15-20 seconds later the mesh was cleared in the areas that did not expose to light. My transparencies are doubled for blackout and in a few areas actually overlaied 3 times, which could be a problem as well. Im using Jacard (sp) Process inks. So.... How much of an idiot am I?

Image
ph0t0bug
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by ph0t0bug »

Another image

Image
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by Catspit Productions »

Okay that sounds like an under exposure. Add up to double the time to get the correct exposure. You'll still have to do some tests.

That is a complex design to do when you are learning. The exposure unit without a vacuum top is an issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEm5p3K_qoc
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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ph0t0bug
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by ph0t0bug »

ok.... just to make sure I have it clear... its about 10 sec, maybe a little less, before there is color change in the emulision and 23 seconds for clearing of the screen of the unexposed areas. Thats 13min 30 seconds and the unexposed areas are not halftone full black out on that. It is giving me a very sharp screen when its single color like this one:

Image

It seems to be just the halftones that are not clearing right. I have re-alined the transparencies and may have to cut out some of the overlaps to get less blackout in certian areas....just have to play with it.

Also was wondering how you would do the 7 different colors on the picture above. Right now I have two screens one that is the gold and the other with just holes for the colors but its a pain to align every color.... ideas?
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Re: Looking for info on the MacDermid Plus 2000

Post by Catspit Productions »

Now I really think the issue is the sandwich between the film positive and the screen when you do halftones. If spot colors come out just fine like this one then it is very likely that your film positive is either not dense enough or the film positive is not making 100% contact with the emulsion coated screen during exposure.

The multi-color job you have here with the metallic gold Jacquard ink would be done with 8 screens on a press that can hold all 8 screens in registration at the same time. The metallic gold is one screen and for each of the subsequent colors you will need a screen for each. It is not practical to burn them all on one screen and line them up by eye during printing unless the registration is so loose that it would actually work. But here it would seem that a traditional press set up would be best.

I would call Jacquard for details on where to get the exact ink you want: http://www.jacquardproducts.com/jacquar ... n-ink.html

This is a list of their distributors which is pretty limited:
http://www.jacquardproducts.com/storelo ... PrId=ptJSI

You may want to get a better understanding of the process. I would suggest reading this article:

“Remember, for every color you wish to print, you will need a separate screen. Multi color artwork is separated into different “printers”. If your design has three colors, there will be three pieces of film and three screens made from them. Each screen will print a different part of the design in its respective color. We will proceed from here as though we are only doing a one color. Repeat the process for multiple colors with each piece of film for your design.”

http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/sc ... icles.html

This video may also help: http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/video-Artwork.html
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
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