DIY Metal Halide Vacuum Exposure Unit

[@andrewrthomson9114]

For others wanting a good way to attach the hose to the rubber sheet, you can use a car tire valve stem because they have rubber attached to the bottom of the brass stem fitting just cut some of the rubber down then use a large inside rubber tire patch and put a hole in the patch so you can push the stem through it and then (Contact Cement Glue) them together Put glue on both pieces of rubber sheet and stem bottom let them dry to the touch, then place them together and press down hard with your hands for a few seconds. Afterwards do the same glueing process to the rubber sheet or mat.This works great, our 6' carbon arc lamp table was manufactured and bought for our ink silk screening, and metal etchings Business. I am very mechanically inclined and have to check out how everything is made, and I thought how easy and I'm sure it is only a few bucks. You can get tire patches & valve stems at any car van or truck tire repair shop. (Please do remember to take the valve out of the stem or you will get no air flow period). Any bicycle shop will have a stem valve remover. I'm guessing educationally. Thanks Y'all Our Kind Regards Andrew R Thomson otteroutfitters.com

[@AndreMercado]

This ballast allows you to wire it in 120/220 volts. theres actually 4 different voltage inputs and the wires are clearly marked so its easy.

[@prestonshuttlesworth3138]

It looks great. I'm designing my new exposure unit now i like what you did

[@AndreMercado]

You'll find that its actually a killer setup once you're done.

[@Ujudgnme2]

This is awesome -- I am about start my unit and I want the halide light system,,,I am a bit confused about the yellow light -- I know its a safe light but dont know when I would use it. Love your unit. I dont want to get so involved where I have to buy tools...I like to use the tools I have and only purchase the items I need.

[@edmaddman]

Thanks for all the help. I hope you do well.

[@andrewrthomson9114]

The piece of string is suppose to go from the edge of the frame to your air jacket (where the hose attaches to the rubber liner) will suck right down try it out and see. Best of luck luv your table set-up. Happy Printing.

[@TheHalfNelson]

Awesome video. Any update in 2020?

[@AndreMercado]

I’ve learned a bunch since I’ve been screen printing for a while now. I think I would do UV strips since this monster takes up so much space .the make is not complex at all for UV ,Maybe i should build a couple of strips.... next project!

[@edmaddman]

Thanks man! This really helps out a lot. I'm going to start my build ON!

[@AndreMercado]

in the video its all open, now that im done only the bottom foot of the front is open to allow air cooling (I place a filtered box fan to cool)

[@AndreMercado]

the rope gives the air a path for the vacuum to suck it up, with no rope the the neoprene would stick to the glass and not let all the air out.

[@WintervalleyModels]

I didn't notice where you said what vacuum source you're using. What's the CFM on that?

[@nicozi]

if you used foam weather stripping it will keep the pressure from the vacuum pump lock in for a while.nice video though

[@ablescreenprinting4960]

Look up "Metal-halide Lamp" on Wikipedia and read the part about "end of life behavior". It says even new bulbs can explode... that it's rare, but it happens... and that there are ways to be safer. Also, read the part about "other safety concerns" i.e.: even brief exposure to this light can cause blurred vision.

[@lynnixon2486]

Love your exposure unit . I have a second hand frame and glass ... where did you get your Vacuum Abe black cover ? Neoprene from? Thanks heaps 🤔🙃🤩

[@AndreMercado]

Hey Lyn, the cover was from www.foamorder.com/neoprene.html , 3mm Neoprene covered on both sides.

[@edmaddman]

Thanks again, I feel better about being able to do this myself.

[@322doug]

Do you have a build video man???

[@mbrhythm1206]

The tubing from the vacuum to the blanket... What are you using there? What valves ?

[@gaianronin2110]

Hey guys, If your running a 240v 1000w metal halide ballast with a 1000w halide lamp, is that it maxed or can i run a timer aswell? Many Thanks

[@AndreMercado]

I use the yellow light when im in the garage taping up the film. Honestly I could've done without.

[@dexterxter8553]

This open frame, do you only use it at night. And i would guess the light source is a halide 1000 watt. And last, were can i find the measurments. Nicely built!!!!

[@AndreMercado]

I built them out of flat aluminum pieces I bought from Home Depot. Is this what you were asking?

[@MrKook78]

What type of valve do you use to attach pump to blanket? A link would be amazing!

[@AndreMercado]

yes, 20x24 in video.

[@edmaddman]

I got my bulb the other day and was wondering is there suppose to be anything in center arc bulb? The reason why I'm asking is my bulb looks burnt out. I called 1000 bulbs all they could tell me was to try the bulb to see if it works. But I don't have together yet. Idles your bulb have anything in the center arc tube? Mine has what looks like melted led or metal of some kind and that's it.

[@AndreMercado]

I did use foam weather stripping and its pretty tight but I do have the pump on until I finish the burn. in no way will it hold airtight.

[@edmaddman]

Because any bigger than that the exposure unit will be as tall as 5ft. And up right?

[@edmaddman]

I apologize for my ignorance on this but if I purchase this ballast am I going to have to do some wiring to this? What does yours plug into, a 110v or 220v outlet?

[@marktwain4095]

What should be the % elongation of neoprene?

[@edmaddman]

Hey Andre, I was wondering where you got your ballast for

[@ToughGuy59]

What did you use to put the hose through the neoprene blanket?

[@adityaprabhu.x]

Whats the spec on the vac?

[@AndreMercado]

Its a tire valve, I removed the the pin in the center.

[@adnieleinda]

where u get the conection for the blanket?

[@edmaddman]

Thanks man, now I know. Great job by the way!

[@edmaddman]

What size frame r u using? It's like a 20x24 I'm guessing?

[@edmaddman]

And does it run off of 110v or 220v I'm having problems finding one

[@darwinquiap8886]

What kind/spec of your vacuum motor?

[@AndreMercado]

Here's the rundown of parts. Ballast: BV-V90D7811K Venture V90D7811K - 1000 Watt - Pulse Start - Metal Halide Ballast - 120/277 Volt Mogul Socket: SOCK-243200 Mogul Base Socket - 12 in. Lead - No. 14 AWG - 200 Deg. C - 600V - 4000V Pulse Rated - Used with Standard Metal Halide. Bulb: MH-100064351 SYLVANIA 64351 - 1000 Watt - BT37 - METALARC - Pulse Start - Metal Halide - Unprotected Arc Tube - 3800K - Mogul Base. This combination is cheap and produces great halftone results.

[@juanbarista4747]

Whats the name of the blanket sir?

[@AndreMercado]

I got it here www.foamorder.com/neoprene.html 3mm double sided "smooth", you will only need one sheet as it is 51" x 83"

[@tanyankha]

Hi! Do you think it would be more effective if I used 2 400w Metal Halide bulbs instead of 1 1000w?

[@AndreMercado]

Not at all. The best thing about running the metal halide build is that its one source of light diminishing the light seeping through from edges, creating a even burn. The higher your wattage the faster it will expose. I expose at about 4.30 seconds, I've heard it's about 30 seconds using photopolymer emulsion.

[@anddecay]

your saying that you ca expose your screen at 4.3 seconds, I have a 600w MH, any tips ideas?????

[@DennyYustiadi]

Andre, what kind of fabric do you use for the cover? thx

[@AndreMercado]

Its 3mm neoprene. From foamorder.com. see last line in description. Item: Neoprene sheet, approximately 51" x 83", Black, 3 mm, with Black nylon backing

[@DennyYustiadi]

Andre Mercado Thank you

[@perez9420]

How did you make the pump into a vacuum

[@AndreMercado]

If you need anymore info let me know and I'll do a hangout one day so you can see it live and ask questions.

[@ugist-shirtmakassar481]

what is black rubber?

[@dayroloya]

neoprene

[@AndreMercado]

Yes, I just made this one bigger so I don't have to have my screen exactly in the middle.

[@forsaleau]

I Think you are using the wrong type of neoprene, that looks like wetsuit neoprene hence it not sealing properly, my exposure unit which I have built is fitted with 3mm commercial rubber neoprene, which basically looks like a smooth sheet of rubber not fabric. Nice job though.

[@AndreMercado]

I have been told that the pump system stays on while in use which makes sense, no system is 100% air tight or at least one that i build. :) the pump actually works perfectly, lid down no clamps and system is super tight. my halftones come out beautifully

[@AndreMercado]

I use double sided nylon backing from the link provided

[@cre8tivedm]

Hey @forsaleau i think I ordered the same rubber sheeting but havent received it yet. I'm wondering if I ordered the right thing. Got it on amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076DM3SWN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@AndreMercado]

forgot to mention I got it from 1000 bulbs . com

[@ablescreenprinting4960]

Oh, I almost forgot why I was horrified to hear that your 4 year old was playing around this thing (I mean, aside from the bare wiring & sharp edges of the sheet metal) Are you aware that Metal Halide bulbs can explode? I'm not sure if it's only when they get old, or if there are things that can make it happen when they are new, but the bulbs are known to shatter while in use, throwing hot glass shards. Every professional Metal Halide exposure unit I've ever seen had a sealed enclosure. Be safe.

[@ablescreenprinting4960]

On every industrial exposure unit I've ever seen, the vacuum stays on for the duration of the exposure. I like the idea of being able to shut off the vacuum pump for quiet operation, but I wouldn't count on it ever working. The seal around the frame is never strong enough, and the vacuum blankets eventually get little holes. Off-topic, but: I don't think children have any place in your screen printing shop. Too many ways for them to get cut, burned, poisoned, blinded or electrocuted. Sorry...

[@AndreMercado]

foamorder. com/neoprene. html