A3 Thermal-Copier
A4 Thermal-Copier

Product Code: TCA3-SP

The A3 Thermal Screen Maker replaces the VistaFax 1UF model, along with previous Thermal Copier models also included 2UF, 3M Secretary & Fordigraph FordiFax models. Previous models have been called Thermo copiers, Thermo Fax, Therma Fax, Fordifax, GBC Fordi Fax and the VistaFax model.

This new electronic model uses a fixed IR heat lamp and uses no consumable supplies to make screens, other than the mesh itself - providing the lowest ongoing operating costs available.

This system is ideal where higher volumes of screens are required, in schools and professional applications, as the low cost of operation provides long term financial rewards with the low operational cost, along with a faster screen production time than the print lamp systems.

An all new 300mm imaging width enables true A3 image size, with a suitable A3 Thermal Carrier available.

Several major enhancements and modifications have been made to improve the system in terms of use, reliability and repair if required. An all new new design has removed the complex moving wheels/ cogs and gears of the previous models, with a new electronic direct drive system used to turn the rollers.

Overheating and carrier jams have been solved through the use of several internal sensors, which have a 2 stage operation by limiting the number of screens that may be imaged when the machine becomes hot after use and then stops the lamp when overheating has occurred – completely eliminating damage to the lamp, glass roller & internal components.

Important note on artwork

A Thermal-Copier requires carbon based artwork - Laser print or photocopy - to image the RISO ScreenMaster Mesh. It is critically important you ensure your laser printer or photocopier contains carbon prior to purchasing, as many new model laser printers and digital photocopiers use graphite powder and not carbon toners.

 

If you purchase a Thermal-Copier without testing your artwork, you may be required to purchase additional equipment to receive a carbon based original. NEHOC offer a free artwork testing service, where your artwork is tested and screens imaged prior to purchase. Simply contact us for use of this free service.

Printing Specifications

Thermal-Copier Imaging Technology Makes A5 size Makes A4 size Makes A3 size Maximum A3 print size Maxiumum 300mm image width

Full printing specifications, including applications, ink types, colours and screen volumes, see individual Package pages.

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Key Features

 

300mm wide imaging area with oversize imaging available

Reliable micro-switch for sensitive carrier detection

Microprocessor-controlled with software on EEPROM

Direct drive motor - no cogs, gears or drive cones!

Dual cooling fans

Rotation sensor stops overheating if a jam occurs

Dual temperature sensors prevent lamp overheating

LED temperature signals

Electronic speed control for smooth operation

No belt’s or replacement parts required

Feed button & wide lid opening for easy cleaning

 

Usage

An approved carrier must be used at all times with the machine to avoid jamming.

Download IS40

 

 

Cleaning

Open lid and press feed button to start Glass Roller rotation.

Using Alcohol wipes (Isocol) wipe Glass Roller to clean as required.

Repeat often to ensure Glass Roller is kept clean and free of marks which may cause poor images.

Do not use solvents, turpentine or chemical cleaners.

Contents

 

A3 Thermal-Copier Machine - 220/240volt

Australian Power Cord

Unpacking and Set-up Guide

A3 Operation Manual - colour paper copy

NEHOC Training CD-ROM

Sample imaged screen suggesting imaging setting for RISO ScreenMaster

Warranty Form

 

Specifications

Case: Powder-coated Metal

Machine Colour: Grey

Microprocessor controlled: Yes

Nominal voltage: 230 V~ 50 Hz

Nominal current: 14.8 A

Power consumption (max.): 1700 W

Fuse: Pushmatic Circuit Breaker: 20 A

Bulldog Electric Products - tested with Pushmatic C/B

Machine Size: 295mm x 520mm x 113mm

Machine Weight: 8.4 kg

Max. width of artwork: 300mm

Max. width of carrier: 305mm

Temperature signals: LED

Cooling: Dual fans + software controlled

Manual Feed Switch: Yes

Instructions: Printed Colour Manual

Exposed sample: Yes (RISO ScreenMaster)

Safety CE Certification: Yes

Automatic overheat protection: Yes

Dual temp. sensors: Yes

Rotation control sensors: Yes

Power-cord incl. grounding: Yes

Pack Size: 390mm x 630mm x 220mm

Cbm: 13.52Kg

Manufacture Warranty: 1 Year*

 

* 30 Days initial warranty with additional 11 month warranty upgrade upon validation of machines warranty = 1 Year.

 

 

Price and Availability

All prices are online in NEHOCdirect - select the 'Just Looking' option in Step 2.

Spare Parts - view now . .

 

Ask a Question

Complete the Product Assistance Form for a quick reply to any question not answered in the FAQ's or training section - click here . . Select the product code listed at the top of this page.

FAQ's

 

Can the ScreenMaster mesh be re-used after a design has been imaged onto it?

How detailed can the artwork get?

Once a screen is created, how many prints will I get before the quality lessens?

Can I clean the screens and use them again as many times as I want?

Each time I use a mesh stencil  . . . . do I have to clean it with a solution?

How do you recommend we store our screens?

 

'Can the ScreenMaster mesh be re-used after a design has been imaged onto it? if so, how many times? how do you clean them and/or care for them to get longer use?'
The design can not be taken off the screen and the actual mesh re-used like traditional silk mesh, however the screen can be removed from the frame, stored and re-used later.
This gives you the added benefit over traditional silk in that your costs for creating the screen are not then wasted if you have to reuse the screen for a different design.

Screens are cleaned in cold tap water and then dry naturally. You can store them on the frame, off the frame rolled up or off the frame stored flat (in a manila folder is recommended).

 

How detailed can the artwork get? how does it handle lettering?

ScreenMaster will image 6pt type and 1pt lines, plus half tones. The actual print result is limited onto fabrics by the weave of the fabric, as you will lose part of the design in the weave.
We don't recommend going below 14pt type as it just is too small and no one can read it from any distance - not many people get that up close and personal with your t-shirt.

'Once a screen is created, how many prints will I get before the quality lessens?'

Each screen is designed to last about 1,000 prints, however this will vary upon the surface you are printing.
If you use a rough calico material then you will receive about 700-900 prints.
Print onto a soft cotton or flannel and well over 1,500 should be expected.
 
When the 'quality lessons' it normally means the film on the back of the screen begins to break.
You can also prolong this by using Screen Masking Tape applied to the back of the screen before printing starts.

Using Screen Masking Tape you can increase your prints on rough materials by 20%-50%.

 

'Can I clean the screens and use them again as many times as I want?'

Yes screens are easily cleaned and stored for later use. You can either leave the screen on the frame or take it off and reuse the frame, storing the screen in a folder [or in a tube]. This means if you only print 200, you can store it and print another 200 next week/ month/ year.

Screens will store indefinitely as long as they are stored correctly - away from heat.

 

Another enquiry is cleaning solutions. I've never screen printed before. So each time I use a mesh stencil and set it up for a new shirt, do I have to clean it with a solution? If so is the solution environmentally friendly...as in if I'm in a hurry can I just toss it out my garage window into the garden without frying plants and flowers?

No, no, no - we don't touch ANY solvents or chemicals with this process, in either making the screen or cleaning.

The ScreenMaster mesh is supplied with the thermal film already coated on the back of the screen.
When we image the screen we burn away the film to expose the design.

When we have finished with the screen you can not get rid of the design, but you can of course clean it and store it for later use.
The advantage we have is you can take the screen on/off the frame so you can reuse the frame for another screen.
Inks are all water based so everything is just washed up in cold water in the sink - no hi-pressure hosing or washouts.

If you are in a hurry you clean the excess ink off the screen and throw the frame into a tub of water [where it can sit for ages] and this will stop the ink from drying in the holes and blocking the screen. If you are in a hurry and don't want the screen again then  of course just bin it.

 

How do you recommend we store our screens? So far we have kept them all on the frames.

Store on the frame is best for the long term.

If you have to reuse the frame, take the screen off and store it flat in a manila folder along with a copy of your artwork and a sample print [so you know what colour it was printed with]. Store this in a filing cabinet/ box that is away from heat and does not get direct sunlight. This way they are flat and away from heat, but most importantly easily stored/ filed so you can find it again.

 

 

 

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Products: TCA3, TCA3-SP, TCA3-TM A3 Thermal-Copier

Last modified: 10 September, 2011