I've been thinking a lot about getting set up for some pt/pd and other alt process contact printing. I have begun some research on various UV Source options, including a purpose-built DIY 'box'.
I did a Fleabay search to start and see what's out there and there seems to be a proliferation of graphic arts and silkscreen type sources. Someone even has one of (what kinda looks like) a silkscreen source here in the classifieds for sale as well. I could be mistaken about that, though.
I see that most of the screen printers have a glass 'platen', similar to a scanner, covering the bank of bulbs and most have a lid that seems to close flat over the platen/bank. Not much room for a contact frame.
Anyone have any comments about these type sources? Maybe even some experience with pt/pd printing using one of these? Are they capable of even illumination and reasonably short printing times?
It appears the horizontal, "lights-up" arrangement would require a little modification to suit for my purpose, but it seems feasible. Probably standard ballast and sockets allowing swapping tubes for something more optimized for alt process use?
There are a few proper UV Exposure units for sale here and there, but these screen printers can be got for about half what a purpose built photo source commands.
Thanks for your advice!
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