'Once a screen is attached to a
frame, is that it for the frame's use or can it be 're-used? or would you
tend to keep the mesh on the frame for future use so you don't have to
re-tape?
All frames are reusable. As you use double sided tape you can
apply and remove the screens at will.
Frames are strong and durable and last for many, many, many
years - you will need to reapply the double sided tape after a number of
screens as this will lose its 'stick'.
What
type of tape can be used to secure the mesh to the frame - can it be any
type of tape?
We use Husky and Kikusui double sided tape as this has proven
to be the best - 12mm thickness.
This is strong and gives you a few different screens before
it need to be replaced.
Some other brands are too strong and don't allow the screen
to be removed easily, tearing the edges of the screen. Other brands are
really difficult to clean off the frames after they lose their 'stick'. They
leave a 'gunk' on the frame that you have to scrape off/ soak with turps.
Screens are attached using double sided tape. As the emulsion is coated to the screen you can remove a screen from a frame when finished - and store this for later use - then attach a new screen.
Tape on the frames last about 3-4 screens before it needs to be replaced.
Frames last 10 years.
It's up to you how many frames you have - we have some customers who have 50 designs and 2 frames as they don't print more than one at a time.
We also have others who are printing different screens at once and have 50 designs but 20 frames.
You can make your own frames out of wood, or better still aluminium fly screen framing, joined together with corner brackets.
For large stuff just get some 1x1" wood and nail it together.
NEHOC's largest standard size is A3, as the requirement for larger sizes are
a individual designs and we simply can't stock the right size all the time.
If you need a custom size made up, NEHOC can quote on it for you and supply the materials cut - you just put it together when require.
Just advise the size you need.
The unique formulation of RISO ScreenMaster
keeps the emulsion tight on the screen so you can take it on and off the
frame - or not put it on at all when printing.
It is not recommended to use the screen
without a frame unless printing around curved surfaces for Glass
Etching.
If there is no option but to print without a frame, you
will receive fewer prints from the screen as it will be subjected to
abnormal movement whilst printing and aligning. If printing fabrics, you can tape the screen to the material but you need to be VERY careful when lifting it not to smudge the design.
Be sure to clean the screen between prints,
so as residue ink does not mark your next piece of fabric.