Patented System Complete: SpaceFrame Uses ExpressLiner Disposable Ink Cups

Download SpaceFrame brochure here (PDF)

INK cups have now come full circle, from being fragile and expensive to now nearly a disposable item with the patented SpaceFrame™ using ExpressLiner™ plastic ink inserts with easily replaceable carbide metal or ceramic doctoring rings.

The SpaceFrame system was developed by Trans Tech as a sister product to the revolutionary ExpressLiner introduced in 2006. The device significantly reduces the cost of entry to use the patented RedStar Multicup system in pad printers. It also allows pad printers that rely on magnetic force for ink cup hold-down, to enjoy the benefits of the ExpressLiner product line.

Now the operator may choose to use the disposable ExpressLiner in a conventional RedStar MultiCup or instead, if he prefers, in combination with a SpaceFrame unit. The name simply describes the product: an anodized aluminum support frame that surrounds a center space designed to accept the ink cup liner, and external features to interface that assembly to Trans Tech pad printing machines.

The full range of magnetic hold-down SpaceFrames, shown with matching ExpressLiner inserts; from left, 60mm SpaceFrame with ExpressLiner, (shown with ceramic doctor ring); 90mm frame and liner (shown with carbide ring); and 130mm frame and liner (shown with ceramic ring). Shown below: all three magnetic hold-down SpaceFrames; note the locations of magnetic inserts for each size.

The full range of mechanical hold-down SpaceFrames: from left, 60mm, 90mm and 130mm. Shown below: all three mechanical hold-down SpaceFrames; note the recessed edge for holding the ExpressLiner lip.

The key feature of the ExpressLiner is its polypropylene substrate. With its molded plastic groove it holds the carbide or ceramic doctor ring securely but with enough flexibility to allow proper ink doctoring of the cliché. When the production run is complete, the ring can be easily removed for cleaning and the liner discarded.

The ExpressLiner system was introduced by Trans Tech in 2006, offering dramatically reduced cleanup effort and time to pad printers. This system consists of a custom-engineered liner with a groove that accepts the installation of a doctor ring, which then fits inside a RedStar Multicup or SpaceFrame housing – thus protecting them from ink exposure and the associated messy cleanup.

After printing with this system, the operator simply removes the ExpressLiner from the cup, removes the doctor ring from the liner, and disposes the used liner. The doctor blade is cleaned and installed in a new liner for the next setup, reducing the time required to change ink types or colors, while minimizing the opportunity for cross contamination of ink.

SpaceFrame is available in Trans Tech standard ink cup sizes with 60mm, 90mm and 130mm doctor rings, and for mechanical or magnetic hold down designs, as well as for standard Sealcup-style systems.