Size of exposure unit.

[washy21]

Can anyone help me with determining the best size for making my own exposure unit off the plans floating around the premium section.

Basically how much larger than the outer screen frame size does the exposure unit need to be?

Sorry if it sounds like a daft question.

Cheers

[Nicholas Wilson]

A few inches wouldn't hurt. Just make it larger than what you need now, so you can expand later on. It'll suck to have to rebuild it later.

[Andymac]

if it is a fluorescent bulb unit, the exposure stops near the end/edge of the bulb size. If you are just using compression, then you box doesn't have to be much bigger than your screen, which matches your bulbs plus their holders.

If you are going to put a vacuum lid on, you need at least 5" of free rubber between the outside of the screen frame, and the inside of the lid. You can probably make it work with less, but it strains the rubber and is tough to get it to seal and suck down.

Nicholas is right. In screenprinting (tables, screens, exposing units) you can always go smaller, but you can't go bigger. Build for the future, within reason.

[squeegeethree]

If you are building a rubber blanket/vacuum style exposure I would say at least 12" all around your frame to better suction.

[washy21]

Many thanks for this advice - it means I can get started, and I intend to build a vacuum model.

[Andymac]

Here's some pics of the clearance on our frames.

Screen clearances on TMI Eagle Exposing systems | Facebook

Sadly, now I'm getting old I don't have 12". I guess Brooklyn guys have bigger units.....

[washy21]

Cheers Andy - that helps a lot and I no longer have 12" either
J

[squeegeethree]

You guys can keep it under 12" if you keep your rubber loose.

[washy21]

My friends was 12" but he didn't use it as a rule