Stretch Devices Instructions on Stretching with Newman Roller Frames

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Newman Roller Frames FAQ’s

· What is the advantage of Newman Roller Frames vs. Glued Frames?
There are many answers to this question. Consider these: High and controlled tensions, ability to retension towards mesh stability, faster printing, accurate registration, faster set-ups, better ink lay-down resulting in brighter white’s and colors, ink savings, mesh savings and emulsion savings.

· What tensions do you recommend?
We provide tension charts for both manual stretching and automatic stretching using our Newman Roller Master. You can download both these charts from our website at by clicking here.

· What’s the difference between the silver bolts vs black bolts?
All silver bolts require an anti-seize lubricant prior to assembly. The newer black bolts have an anti-seize lubricant baked-on and does not require additional lubricating. This speeds up the assembly process as well as provides the perfect amount of lubrication. This prevents your torque wrench from miss-reading the torque settings.

Torque settings
Silver bolts / M3-UL: 55 ft/lbs max.
Black bolts / M3-UL: 55 ft/lbs max.
Silver bolts / MZX-UL: 45 ft/lbs max.
Black bolts / MZX-UL: 45 ft/lbs max.

· What is the difference between the MZX-UL 23”x31” OD and M3-UL 23”x31” OD frames?
The MZX-UL frame has a smaller roller diameter at 1 7/16 - inches and has a maximum tension capacity of 35 Newtons. It is more suitable for manual shops that need to print large images as well as the small auto shop that does small volume work. The M3-UL frame has a larger roller diameter at 1 5/8 - inches and has a maximum tension capacity of 85 Newtons. It is our “Automatic” frame and it is 300% stronger than the MZX model even if the printer chooses never to go above 40-45 Newtons. Although the MZX-UL can be used for automatic printing, we recommend the M3-UL for medium to large shops with multiple automatics who do not want any screen tension limitations.

· I have problems with keeping my Newman Roller Frames flat. What am I doing wrong?
If you are stretching your frames manually, make sure the table you are stretching on is perfectly flat. Next, make sure you are using a torque wrench (Not a ratchet) and that it is set to the proper torque setting. If you are using a Newman Roller Master, make sure the table is on a flat surface. There is a level adjustment on one of the legs of the Roller Master if needed. For more information, please contact Stretch Devices at 1-800-523-3694.

Torque settings
Silver bolts / M3-UL: 55 ft/lbs max.
Black bolts / M3-UL: 55 ft/lbs max.
Silver bolts / MZX-UL: 45 ft/lbs max.
Black bolts / MZX-UL: 45 ft/lbs max.

· Will Newman Roller Frames fit any type of press?
Newman frames will fit a majority of textile and graphic type presses. We recommend contacting your nearest Newman dealer, or Stretch Devices to ensure that your press will not be an issue.

· What is the most common cause of screens ripping?
There are several reasons why a screen will rip. However, the most common is “Improper Frame Care or Handling”. Because you are now using tighter screens, you must handle them with care. Avoid dropping them, dragging them or throwing them around. Where ever you see frames lying on the floor of your shop put a “mesh safe” rack there. Instead of carrying them in both hands, put them in a “mesh safe” mobile press cart and transport them to your press. Use the correct tape and/or Fabric Protectors on your frames. Contact Stretch Devices for “mesh safe” mobile Racks, mobile Press Carts and Fabric Protectors.

· Do you make custom size Newman Roller Frames?
Yes. We can make CD size frames or large format frames up to 40 feet. Contact Stretch Devices for more information at 1-800-523-3694.

· Is training available when I purchase my first Newman Roller Frames?
Yes. Contact your nearest Newman Roller Frame dealer for training.

· Can Newman Roller Frames go on a lease?
Yes. In fact, if you are in the process of leasing new equipment, consider adding Newman Roller Frames and our PinLock Registration System with the lease.

· What type of tape should I be using for my Newman Roller Frame?
We make a blue “Zone” tape specially designed for the squeegee side of the frame in that it minimizes the amount of adhesive used on the roller keeping the roller clean. We also make a “split-liner” tape that only adheres to the mesh, and not the roller. Both tapes are simple to work with and both peel off the frame in one piece.

· What tools do I need to stretch a Newman Roller Frame?
We a supply a Tool Kit that includes a specially designed Magnesium Extended Open-End Wrench, High-Industrial Torque Wrench and a High-Industrial Socket. You will also need accessories such as Alignment Clips and Corner Softening Tools.

· Is there an automatic machine that can stretch Newman Roller Frames?
Yes. We make an automatic stretching machine called a Newman Roller Master. This machine enables you to stretch your Newman Roller Frames in both directions simultaneously, and only requires air to operate. The Newman Roller Master enables you to stretch your mesh up to 20% higher vs. manually, keeps your frames flat and produces more stretched and production-ready frames per hour. We make many different models to fit many different sizes of Newman Roller Frames. Including large format.

· What’s the difference between your stretching tables vs. others?
Our Newman Roller Master is an “Automated” machine and operates by air. Unlike other tables which are done manually by having to turn one roller at a time. The Newman Roller Master is made of all metal components. The other table is made of both metal and wood components.

· Why does my mesh tear during stretching?
First, you must realize the mesh count, manufacturer and its tension requirements. Then, inserting mesh and corner softening must be done correctly. We have a stretching manual that will guide your through this process. Contact your nearest Newman Roller Frame dealer for information.

· Do you have stretching instructions for Newman Roller Frames?
Yes. These instructions can be downloaded from our website at by clicking here.

· Do you recommend using the Shur-Loc panels?
There are a few shops that do use the Shur-Loc panels successfully. There are some limitations to this product that you should know before you invest in them. Please contact Stretch Devices for more information.

· What torque setting should my torque wrench be set to?
Torque settings
Silver bolts / M3-UL: 55 ft/lbs max.
Black bolts / M3-UL: 55 ft/lbs max.
Silver bolts / MZX-UL: 45 ft/lbs max.
Black bolts / MZX-UL: 45 ft/lbs max.

· Do you have replacement locking strips?
Yes. We offer them in 50 ft. rolls. They are called Universal Locking Strips and come in White or Black colors. The White locking strip would normally be used with mesh counts of 83 or higher. The Black locking strip would normally be used with mesh counts of 60 or lower. Contact your nearest Newman Roller Frame dealer for more information.

· What should I use to clamp down on my round rollers?
We make a Clamp Adaptor that fits over the roller which will give you a flat surface to clamp down on.

· Do you have a pin registration system for Newman Roller Frames?
Yes. We have a Newman PinLock Registration System. This is a comprehensive system that addresses registration throughout the art dept., screen dept. and production.
Art Dept:
We provide a Grid Layout Board (GLB) with a Pin Bar attached to one end of the board. The board should be used on top of a light table so you can see through it. Pre-punched carrier sheets are also part of the system. You will place one carrier sheet on the (GLB) aligning it to the Pin Bar. Place your outline film of your design on the carrier sheet and position it on the (GLB) to where it should be located on the screens. Attach the positive to the carrier sheet with clear tape. Lay another carrier sheet over the top of your outline positive and then register the next color to the outline positive. Attach this positive to the carrier sheet. Repeat these steps for each additional color. Once all film positives are registered and attached to carrier sheets, send them to screen-making.
Screen Dept:
We provide a Pin Bar that matches the Pin Bar used in the Art Dept. Each of your Newman Frames must have a set of PinLocks attached on one end of the frame corners for the next step. Set your coated screen on a flat table, mesh side up, and place your Pin Bar over the PinLocks to engage it. Then, take your carrier sheets with the positives attached and lay the carrier sheet over the screen, matching the carrier sheet to the pins of the Pin Bar to locate and position the film. Tape the carrier sheet to the frame, and remove the Pin Bar from the frame. You now have your first film positioned to the screen. No measuring, no guessing, NO MISTAKES! Take the screen to the exposure unit and expose as normal. (Note: There is no need to put any other type of equipment on the exposure unit to line the frame up to each other.)
Production:
Underneath “one” of your press pallet, we will attach a swing-fixture that swings out with “pins”. You will use this pallet as normal while printing, and then swing the fixture out from underneath when you are ready to register a design. Place all the screens into the press as normal. Locate the swing-fixture pallet and swing the fixtures out with the pins. Locate this pallet underneath the first frame; engage the pins up to the frames PinLocks on both corners. The pins are either “in” or “out” , and is a very effective visual and does not require “feeling” or “guessing” if the frames are in the right position. Once the frame corners/PinLocks are engaged to the pallet swing-fixture pins, lock the frame down and repeat these steps for the next colors. When you are finish “pinning” all the colors, simply retract the swing-fixture back underneath the pallet and start your first test print. You do not need to remove the pallet. Expect to reduce your set-up times by at least 50%. The Newman PinLock Registration System has been in production for over 10 years, is proven and is extremely fast and accurate.

Note:
As good and economically necessary as these Pin-Registration Systems are, don’t be misled into thinking that they are a CURE-ALL and that there is not a learning curve. While considerably less time and skill is required during press set-up, much more skill and attention to detail is required at art and film preparation, screen-making and press maintenance if one is to realize the system’s full advantage.

· Can I take the mesh and image off the frame and use it again?
No. Doing this will distort the image as it comes off the frame as well as inserting back into the frame. You will never be able to get it to line-up to other colors within the design. If you try and do it for one color designs, you may still have problems with circles and straight lines. We do not recommend this!

· Can I retention mesh with the design still on it?
It is not recommended as you will distort the image and it will not line-up to other colors within the design.

· What is the benefit of retensioning mesh?
The benefit of retensioning mesh is to stabilize or work-hardened the mesh at 25 Newtons or more. Doing this will enable you to control many variables or problems inherent to LOW screen tension during the screen-making and printing processes. Stabilizing and Controlling your tension will allow for FASTER SET-UPS, FASTER PRINTING, BETTER QUALITY and REPEATABILITY!

· What do you recommend to protect the mesh around the rollers?
We recommend using our Fabric Protectors which are specially designed to wrap around the roller and protect the mesh during handling. In addition, we recommend our White Solvent Resistant Tape which you would place over the mesh and roller during your initial stretching.

· Do you make tension meters?
Yes. We manufacturer our meters here in the U.S. at our factory in Philadelphia, PA. Our meter is the only meter in the world with all stainless steel hardened gears; shock-proof industrial grade internal gear movement and all jeweled sapphire bearings. The Newman ST meters read from “0” to “130” Newtons.

· Can I use my Newman Roller Frames in a dip tank?
Yes. All Newman Roller Frames are 100% sealed.

· Can I use Newman Roller Frames for any type of screen printing?
Yes. We manufacture frames for many types of printing including, CD, Textile, Graphics, Large Format, Industrial and Specialty Printing.

· Why should I use Newman Roller Frames, I only do spot prints?
Because you can control your screen tensions, using Newman Roller Frames will give you a better deposit of ink ON the garment and not INTO the garment. This will allow your white inks to print brighter and with a much smoother hand using only one squeegee stroke. Registration will also be more accurate due to tension control.

· I am a NEW PRINTER, why should I start with Newman Roller Frames?
Screen printing has a long list of variables. The majority of these variables can be avoided by doing one simple thing. Control your screen tensions! Whether you are printing a simple 1-color design, or a difficult process design you will need a common tool, the frame. Regardless of what mesh you use, you will be able to immediately eliminate a whole list of variables in the printing process simply by being able to control your screen tensions. You cannot do this with a static wood frame or aluminum frame. Start your business with the right frame for ANY type of work that comes your way.

· Besides a better ink deposit, what other benefits does higher and controlled screen tensions give you?
A higher and stable screen tension will give you better registration, consistent coating thickness of emulsion, faster and more efficient reclaiming, emulsion savings, ink savings, faster set-ups, less wear-and-tear on squeegees and presses, consistency and repeatability from job-to-job.

· How does stable and well tensioned screens affect Graphic Printing?
CONTROL, CONTROL, CONTROL! Can you print a job without stopping to re-register, modify inks, or slow down your press just to make a job print correctly? Newman Roller Frames will allow you to print more efficiently, therefore being more productive.

· Are there any Articles published that I can read about Newman Roller Frames and its technology?
Yes. Our website has several detailed articles by Don Newman that are worth reading to better understand the theory behind screen tension and how it relates to our products. Click here for articles