What tension should I stretch my screen? 230 51"x56"

[newbiescreenprinter]

I am streching my first ever screen today. It is 230 mesh. The mesh info says 7-230 / 48D

The outside diameter of the wood frame is 51" x 56" So it is kind of big.
I am using a Diamond Chase adjustable screen stretcher.
I have a tension meter.

I am moving the tension meter around to all the corners and the middle and it is at about 15 newtons right now. Right now I am letting the mesh relax a bit.

I dont' want to undertension it, and most of all I don't want to rip a corner.
What should I be aiming at, for tension on this larger size frame?
Thanks

[loco]

Can you soften/relax the corners (make them bagging). So that way they don't get the same tension and rip out.

I'll see if I can find something about it online.

-loco

[loco]

Nevermind,..I was thinking the screen was more like a Newman Roller frame (self-tensioning)

-loco

[newbiescreenprinter]

Yes there is some documentation about relaxing the corners at this video YouTube - Tension Quick Instructional Video
at about 7:36. This is the stretcher that I have.

I am softening the corners like he is doing. It looks like he is loosening / releasing the mesh a bit in the corners so that it is a little less tight in the corners. Am I right?

*How much tension should I be aiming for with a frame my size?
Thanks

[mysterion]

I'd shoot for about 25 newtons after all tension/relax steps. Remember, on a stretch and glue frame, the tension has nowhere to go but down. You can't get it back once it's used. And corner softening is always good. I've popped my share of mesh.

[Andymac]

sounds about right. the mesh will take 25 netwons, but once you cut it away, expect it to drop to 15 as it bows the wood in. you can't crank up big frames like the little retens.

[mysterion]

Also, what's the dimensions of the frame bars? A frame that big should have 2 x 4 inch dimensions (height/width) to help prevent that frame bow that Andymac describes... at least.

[newbiescreenprinter]

Ok this is my first screen stretch, and I don't think it went too well. I did not tear the corners, or anything, but I think I overstreched it because my tension meter is off the charts over most the surface area, and in the 30 range in one other area. My mesh slipped out of the rollers while stretching, but I was able to pull on that area and staple it until I glued it. Then I removed the staples. It is tight as a drum. Even after I cut it out from the stretcher.

What do you think will happen when I try to use this screen? Do you think it will delaminate from the frame or rip while being used?
I brushed on some polyurithane a couple days before stretching to try to seal the wood so the water doesn't get to it. I hope that doesn't cause adheasion problems.


Do you think the inconsistencies in tension, or the super tightness will effect registration or print quality?

Oh well, I guess if this is a failure, I am only out 50 or 60 bucks for mesh and adhesive.

Mysterion,
The bars are 1.25 x 4.

[Andymac]

the higher the tension, the more chance it can rip. Avoid working/pressing near the edges. and sharp objects.
with inconsistent tension over the surface, you might get some slight problems, but if you are using the same screen, the colors will all be deflected the same.
Re your guage being off the charts...did you ensure the guage is zeroed before measuring?

Mine comes with a piece of glass. put the meter on the glass. the face dial should should have a little screw lock that if you loosen it, the face with the numbers should spin. rotate the face until the 0 lines up with the needle, then tighten the screw. Now it is zeroed.

Take a reading.

[newbiescreenprinter]

Yea, when I put it on the glass it is at zero. When I put it on really tight areas of the screen, it goes all the way around past the 40 and 50 and 0 and to stops at 7.
Thanks