little rips / holes in Mesh

[PalletDrone]

I use reten frames and Newman mesh 156, 230. the 110s are just fine.
After a short print run I get small holes and little rips in the mesh on the long sides of frame on the mesh thats on the frame. The part of the frame you roll the mesh onto.
The mesh on the frame in the clamps is ok.
This happens on mesh that has been reclaimed one or more times. my best guess is that after you wash the screens out you get tiny bits of emulsion and ink left under the screen between the frame and the screen and that turns rock hard. The flood bar and or squeegee pushes down and after a few 100 swipes the friction from the hard emulsion cuts the mesh.
I think that is whats going on but im not sure. they are very small rips that grow

My Q is, Do any of you have this happening to your mesh? Did you find a way to fix it?

[ROADSIDE]

I have ripped some screens but not after a short run.
Is your squeegee bigger then the pallet the shirt is on?
Are you using any off contact?

Like I have said many times.... screens are like dogs. If you treat them right they will treat you right.

[PalletDrone]

23 x 31 screens 156mesh
Squeegees are 16'
Mesh is about 33n on the 1st run.
I get very small holes in the mesh that’s on the frame. Where the mesh rolls onto the frame.
After the first runs I reclaim and want to retighten the mesh but the holes scare me from doing that.
I’m not ripping screens I am getting little holes it in.
My off contact is that of a quarter from pallet to mesh.

Can the Floodbar or Squeegee be doing this? They don't push that hard on the screen.
is it from friction of the screen and the old bits of emulation on the frame?

[d fleming]

Most likely going to be crud on your rollers cutting the fabric. Clean and finger check all surfaces that come in contact with mesh. Get rid of any irregularities. Smooth is the key. After you restretch, put a good heavy tape or vinyl over rollers where they come into contact with press so you don't have a fabric sandwich between two metal contact points. A rough spot on the arms that clamp the screen to the press could do it as well so check that also.

[PalletDrone]

The mesh on the frame in the clamps is ok.

put a good heavy tape or vinyl over rollers where they come into contact with press so you don't have a fabric sandwich between two metal contact points. A rough spot on the arms that clamp the screen to the press could do it as well so check that also.

Guess I should post some Pics ..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/ ... e/rips.jpg

[d fleming]

Try putting some tape or vinyl over the fabric on outside of frame, between frame and press.