DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

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MRFanny
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DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by MRFanny »

Hi, I'm about to embark on a DIY exposure unit to save on costs as I am only doing things on a sample low volume basis for my label.

My question is what would be the optimum setup in terms of exposure lights. In my googling I have discovered that spotlight/flood lights offer better exposure in terms of details/halftones/fine lines but require a deeper box, some sort of cooling and longer exposure time. The other option is the UV fluorecent tubes setup which offeres super quick exposure, is more compact but isnt good for fine lines/halftones and is suseptable to shadowing because of its light dispertion characteristics.

What are other peoples thoughts on which is better? I came across a UV floodlight which is what I am leaning towards because of the faster exposure and light dispertion.

cheers.
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d fleming
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by d fleming »

If you want to shoot halftones go with a single point light source, Metal halide works ok.
MRFanny
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by MRFanny »

Thanks

So is there a considerable difference in exposure time between the two? If there is then it gives me more reason to opt for the UV Floodlight instead of a normal one.

cheers.
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d fleming
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by d fleming »

If you check your instruction sheet that normally comes with emulsion or visit ulano or nazdars sites to download a pdf you can find an exposure chart for each product listing light source, distance and exposure time.
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by MRFanny »

so is there is no difference in exposure time then for spotlight v's unfiltered curing UV. surely one has to be faster than the other otherwise why the difference in selling point.

i have yet to buy the emulsion.

ill just pay a visit to a specialist and see what they think.
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d fleming
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by d fleming »

Yes there is a time difference. Do your homework. Go to the supplier website and download the pdf files for the product and see for yourself.
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by MRFanny »

well thanks,

i was hoping someone could give me a simple answer as to which is more efficient in exposing from experience. I will just ask a supplier and get a direct answer to my question.

appreciate your input.
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d fleming
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by d fleming »

SImple answer, metal halide will be faster than a spotlight. There's 30 years of experience for you. Your best bet is still to get the instruction sheet for the emulsion you will be using and study it. :P Best of luck to you.
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by BMXER »

We sell plans for building your own flourescent tube UV exposure unit and include instructions for doing a step wedge test with it at http://www.knight-mfg.com/plans. Doing a step wedge test will give you the correct exposure time for any particular emulsion/mesh count you happen to be using, and will eliminate a lot of hassle that you will likely experience otherwise. Our unit does a good job with exposing fine detail, is easy to construct, and you can adjust the plans to make it any size you desire.
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Re: DIY exposure unit - spotlight or UV tubes?

Post by iamryan »

ive used a flood light i got for like 15 dollars at home depot.
just make sure it emits UV
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