Every shop’s darkroom needs are different. Depending on the shop size, budget, and performance, each darkroom needs an exposure unit that will meet — and hopefully, exceed — requirements. Whether printers are in need of a small compression unit or a single-point, high-performance unit, there’s an exposure unit that works for every shop. Use this guide to help determine which exposure unit best fits the darkroom.
EXPOSING SMALL SCREENS
Many shops begin with small screens: 16”x20” or 20”x24”. At the start of a screen printing business, many printers don’t have the number of customers to necessitate ultra-quick screen burning. A small compression unit is perfect for this type of shop.
The BASELAYR X1620 and X2024 easily accommodate smaller screens — 16”x20” and 20”x24”. They’re both compression units, meaning they use weight to create positive contact between the glass, film, and screen. These units don’t have a lid and have a small darkroom footprint, making them easy to move around the shop and out of the way.
No matter which unit printers invest in, they’ll get the benefits of LED technology. This means optimum light output, minimal energy usage, and stellar exposing results. LED technology means that even small exposure units pack a big punch.
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LARGER SCREENS, SMALL BUDGET?
Exposing on a small exposure unit can limit the amount of usable space on the screen. If a printer is looking for more space, consider the X2536 unit. This LED unit has a larger surface area and a lid to create compression.
Compression units are excellent at exposing screens and can create great detail. However, if printers are looking for a top-of-the-line unit, it’s time to upgrade to a vacuum unit.
SEARCHING FOR PERFORMANCE
When printers need to capture higher detail, they need an exposure unit with a vacuum. A vacuum creates tight, positive contact between the glass, film, and emulsion. Having that strong contact means light has difficulty wrapping around the film. Printers will see a clean stencil with sharp edges. Vacuum exposure units provide a superior tool for creating detailed image resolution.
The vacuum unit printers choose depends greatly on the size of screens used in their shop. The V2331 can expose screens up to 23”x31” — noticing a pattern here? — while the V3548 can accommodate screens up to 35”x48”.
Both units feature a vacuum, a digital timer for accuracy, and light-safe amber bulbs to inspect screens. These units will allow printers to take charge in the darkroom.
RELATED: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMPRESSION AND VACUUM LID EXPOSURE UNITS
HIGH-PRODUCTION, COMPLEX DESIGNS
Whether printers run a high production shop focusing on spot colors or print complex, multicolor designs, an exposure unit that’ll give excellent results is key. Printers, meet single-point LED light sources.
With a single-point light source, light is coming from one bulb. Having light come from one source means there are fewer angles of light hitting the film and emulsion, and fewer angles of light diminish light wrapping around fine details. Exposing screens for Sim Process or CMYK printing? Invest in a single-point light source.
The Y3942 exposure unit combines the benefits of LED bulbs, vacuum lids, and single-point light sources all in one unit. It captures fine details, has fast exposures, and produces consistent results. Plus, the Y-Series has a reflective display, which triples the power and lowers exposure times to less than 10 seconds.
The unit has an Android tablet and a special app to control the exposure unit. Manually enter exposure times or save those exposure times and dial in exposure with one button. Oh, and it’s Bluetooth enabled? Talk about making life easy.
No matter the size of screens or the size of the shop, BASELAYR exposure units help printers build from the screen up. There’s an exposure unit for everyone. Stay tuned for the next addition to the BASELAYR line of darkroom equipment.