FAQs...
and answers for: the Printa 770 screen printing system
If you have reviewed the Printa 770 screen printing pages you will already know that these compact, easy to use machines are versatile and offer any business that sells promotional items a whole new range of opportunities! To review the Printa 770 specifications, please visit the product page or call us for more help. Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Printa 770 screen printing systems.
Click on a question below to reveal the answer:
- How much space do I need to use the Printa 770 screen printing system?
In standard configuration, the machine requires 1.3 x 1.5 m for operation. The deluxe and deluxe plus systems require 2.5 x 2.5 m for operation.
- What makes the Printa 770 system so different to other screen printing systems?
The Printa 770 Series is designed as a screen printing system, not just a screen printer. The Printa 770 Series patent pending slim line exposure unit and pin-aligned screens allow you to burn screens directly on the print arm (where the product is printed), remove it for wash out, dry, and replace it on the press in precisely the same position, thereby eliminating costly setup time.
The Printa 770 Series is a self contained system which comprises of an onboard curing unit, built in drying cabinet and an exposure unit that doubles as a light table. As the Printa 770 Series is a modular platform, it is possible to retrospectively upgrade the standard and deluxe models at any point during ownership. These revolutionary features of the Printa 770 Series simplify the printing process, reduce the operating space required dramatically, and help to guard against machine obsolescence.
- Can I print onto any type of material?
Foil printing can only be achieved on certain substrate materials. It is not possible to print onto clothing such as T-shirts, metal, glass and ceramic based products. A pad printer or screen printer is the preferred printing methodology for these materials.
- How do I produce artwork for making and exposing the screens?
You generate artwork from your PC or Apple Mac computer and print it out using a laser printer (600 dpi or better) onto laser film, which we include in the package. In order to get a good screen, you are looking for dense, opaque artwork to block the light from the screen. The artwork must be printed as a positive image, emulsion up.
- Do all products need to be heat cured?
When printing with plastisol inks that are used on garments such as t-shirts, the print must be cured after printing. For this reason, a flash cure unit is supplied with each system to help spot cure during multi-colour printing, and a tunnel dryer should be used for the final cure process.
- Do I need special training and knowledge to use the Printa 770 screen printing system?
Many of our clients have never printed before, so with this in mind, each system is provided with a technical training manual and video. Support is also provided by telephone. The process of screen printing is very easy to learn and once the process of screen making has been mastered, the rest is simple!!
- How may garments can I print in an hour?
This depends on several factors of which the number of colours and your confidence with the system are two of the most important. However, we estimate that with the standard system, 40 - 60 items per hour is possible. This increases to 60 - 90 items per hour with the deluxe system and 90 - 120 with the deluxe plus when using the tunnel dryer to cure the finished items.
- What else can I print on the Printa 770 system?
T-shirts are not the only product that can be printed on the 770 series. By adjusting the 770 series, it is possible to print onto products of up to 12.5cm in height, as well as tapered products. By purchasing the optional Print All system (included with the deluxe system) the machine can be used to print onto many more products
- How long does a screen last?
Provided that the screen is not damaged in any way, it can be used many times. It is also possible to use a screen for different print runs by removing the design from the screen, re-coating the screen with capillary film or liquid emulsion and burning a new design. This process can be repeated over and over.
- What is the maximum print area of the Printa 770 system?
The standard screens that are supplied with the 770 series measure 41 x 48 cm. The print area is 35 x 40 cm.