We have been screen printing for 28 yrs using the same brand of machines since day 1. We started out using the American Multi-Printers then upgraded to the Centurians. I have been on TSPMB for many years under the user name smsigns. Our printers have always complained about printing hoodies and the issues with the hoods getting caught on the print head guide blocks.
My dilema is that since I have always used American's equipment (and those of you who know me understand we have a shop full of the presses), and have felt the need to be loyal to them. Our service tech has ordered 2 M&R Gauntlett 2's for our hoodies to be done on.
Can anyone tell me what the learning curve is and did we make the right decision to use this press for our hoodies? We choose these units because all of our flood bars and squeegies (can't spell) will interchange with no issues. Are there any issues that I can be made aware of with the new units? We purchased 2 10/12's with 4 quartz flash units. The tech has been a tech for both American and M&R in the past so I am certain he can work on them. Our centurians are tanks, these gauntletts do not appear to be as tough. We have good help but they can be a little rough on our equipment.
Are there any daily preventive maint. that should be done? i.e. grease, other checks?
Sorry about the long post. This is the first time I have posted on any board for a few years since the Barnes and Hoffman issues on TSPMB. I wanted to let the BS cool down a little so real info could be shared again.
No, you will not convince me to change our entire shop over to M&R, so don't try. We love our Americans and as long as I am at my desk, that is what we will use. I just needed a better press for hoodies.
Re: M&R question
Hello KM:
Our company Action Engineering manufactures Zipper Hoodie Pallets that are designed for use on the machinery that you are purchasing. I can say with certainty that the M&R machines design has a definite advantage over the Americans when it comes to printing on Zipper Hoodies.
I think you mentioned the main interference with your American brand presses being the front pallet support arms and guide blocks. That won’t be an issue with the M&R machines. The material can hang freely off the front end of the pallet without a concern of being snagged.
The main challenge when printing on Zipper Hoodies is being able to print up to and/ or over the zipper hem assembly. Our Zipper Hoodie pallets have a machined channel down the middle of the pallet that allows the zipper/ hem assemblies to drop to the print surface. We have shipped many of them for many years and had almost 100% satisfaction with them. There are a number of tips and tricks we can offer to you when you get them if you so require.
For more information on this item – please see our website page –
http://www.actionengineering.com/Cat-24-1-532/Zipper_Hoodie_Easement_Pallets.htm
Thank you and good luck –
Action Engineering, Inc.
sales@actionengineering.com
actionengineering.com
Erik Naftal
Action Engineering, Inc.
Atlanta, GA. U.S.A.
800-228-4668, 770-934-1584
actionengineering.com
sales@actionengineering.com
Re: M&R question
Nice the OP never once mentioned printing on zippers as an issue, in fact never even mentioned zipper, the clearly stated their issue is the hoodie being snagged on the palette attachments.
Re: M&R question
You are correct inkman. I am pretty sure we already have figured out the front print issue already or we would be in a lot of trouble. We waterjet all of our pallets for any custom shape we may want and tape them to the clamp system ourselves. Can't fault a little self promo though, get it in while you can.
Re: M&R question
Perhaps I over stated my reply. My apologies. Allow me please to restate my reply -
You asked - "Can anyone tell me what the learning curve is and did we make the right decision to use this press for our hoodies? "
Answering the second part of the question - As a supplier of solutions for printing zipper hoodies we have observed that M&R Style machines are better suited for this type of printing than American Style machines.
If you would like further information on the solutions we have for you please call us or visit our website.
Congratulations on your new machines.
Erik Naftal
Action Engineering, Inc.
Atlanta, GA. U.S.A.
800-228-4668, 770-934-1584
actionengineering.com
sales@actionengineering.com
Re: M&R question
Are you from Chillers Wholesale
Resellers Edge LLC.
Re: M&R question
I would say the learning curve will be short, I started on MHM and then went to M&R and I was surprised how similar printing was to manual printing ( but a lot faster) My manual guys switched to the M&R auto with no problems. Also I recently started using the TRILOC and have excellent results and honestly wished I had not waited for it.
Never had any problems printing hoodies on mine.
Re: M&R question
Been printing hoodies on M&R for 15 years, no problems!
Re: M&R question
Yes, we are Resellers Edge