tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41758953401700727632024-03-15T18:12:30.637-07:00ScreenPrint 101Product and technology updates from Brown Manufacturing Group, Inc.Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594901930587723353noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-16813705383133912662023-12-08T10:53:00.000-08:002023-12-08T10:53:56.226-08:00Thank you for an outstanding 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1sOKfY5gGGABcArcFos1SnrSAJJo_im1_kVLcoX526Lhen8r4KV8BbQSNYUj6JFB3iUNnIJRCtyYQUPPFonqaKJXmxS0YCeQuC745UsmQipVxUYE73QthhdyikBVM6he4AtudY8u0_va1AQAfbUN9MDHH579_-JUbWSbTpo74IDA9etRz0pROe-cq80/s2240/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1sOKfY5gGGABcArcFos1SnrSAJJo_im1_kVLcoX526Lhen8r4KV8BbQSNYUj6JFB3iUNnIJRCtyYQUPPFonqaKJXmxS0YCeQuC745UsmQipVxUYE73QthhdyikBVM6he4AtudY8u0_va1AQAfbUN9MDHH579_-JUbWSbTpo74IDA9etRz0pROe-cq80/w640-h360/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> 2023 has been an amazing year of expansion and growth. <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown</a> and <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> have expanded in personnel, product lines and facilities and we are already busting at the seams.<p></p><div>In the summer we added a Crown to our life. A building on Crown anyway. This doubled our production space and allowed for larger projects to expand. Our staff was thrilled with having more room to work in and spaces they could call their own. This building added 3 overhead loading doors, 4 docks and way too many offices. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown</a> product line expanded into their space with the ability to put up many machines at the same time which allows for additional testing and product development. Yes, there are some cool new features in the works. It also allowed for the development of a larger <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">ElectraPrint</a> machine that should be introduced in 2024. The other feature that has sparked the growth of our <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown</a> business is custom colors. Our local high school is all blue and orange. Go Rockets!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> software developed many additions to the <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" target="_blank">Linx</a> suite. Inventory, product fixers, purchasing as well as new connections to other platforms. The diversity of this product line gives solutions to most POD production issues and it applies to a diverse area of application. That software team has been gettin' it done.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> machine team is amazing. The flagship <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/firefly.html" target="_blank">FireFly</a> product line has bloomed to a myriad of applications. From the initial design of individualized curing, this has transitioned into a workhorse for applications from screen print to pretreat to DTG to wide format. The diversity of possibilities is very exciting. The <a href="https://brotherdtg.com/downloads/Digital-Line-DL2000-Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Digital Line</a> product for Brother International has opened additional opportunities for the <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/firefly.html" target="_blank">FireFly</a> and all the components involved. </div><div><br /></div><div>What is so interesting about our new facility is that it has allowed for bigger items to spread their wings and for the <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown</a> staff to take ownership of specific products and make that section of the building all their own. Our software team developed an internal <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" target="_blank">Linx</a> IC that has allowed for easy communication and information sharing within all facilities and our partners. We expect that software to broaden our reach for direct contact with our customer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for your investment into <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown</a> and <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> in 2023. All of these changes excite us to create new products, adjust existing ones and grow into new areas. We are excited about 2024 and what that will bring. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-73873553283922137432023-07-18T07:02:00.003-07:002023-07-18T07:02:39.745-07:00Cleanliness is the first maintenance task for every machine<p>Our service department often is asked what the maintenance requirements are for any and all of the machinery we manufacture. We appreciate machine owner's desire to keep their investment in peak condition for maximum production and long life. For some of our products, the maintenance list is quite low as are the suggested stocking parts. However, as the complication of the machine increases so does the upkeep. </p><p>Many long standing customers will brag that they have kept their machines in proper working condition for 20+ years. While this is a testament to the design and durability of these machines it is also a good determinate of the condition of the shop. Well maintained, but could use some updating. So, as we do appreciate the compliments and understand the owners pride of ownership, there is benefit from keeping updated tools in your shop.</p><p>Returning to the question of maintenance requirements, as machines increase in complexity the list of daily, weekly, monthly and bi-annual tasks gets longer. These tasks will be noted in the manual that is provided with the equipment. If the machine is equipped with computers, then maintenance tasks are available within the software and reminders for mechanical maintenance can be preset. The use of this software feature is very helpful in managing all of the essential tasks. Some customers use this software to schedule additional tasks within the production floor for non-computer driven devices.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The number one maintenance task for any production floor is cleanliness. </h3><p>Textile decoration as an industry is inherently dirty. The lint from fabric floats through everything and the production processes typically require liquids that are sticky. So lint and fibers will get stuck to everything. The lint will also adhere to any greased or lubricated surface of a machine. And it will get pulled into fans, fan belts and chain drive systems. So let's see chat about havoc that can create.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Electronics will overheat and malfunction due to clogged fans</li><li>Electronic connections will degrade due to lint interference </li><li>Lubricated surfaces which allow for smooth machine movement will get clogged, affecting print quality and machine operation</li><li>Conveyor belts will wear faster and will transfer dirt and debris onto the final product</li><li>Registration and indexing systems will become inconsistent due to dirt and debris and this will affect registration</li><li>And machinery aside, what employee wants to work in a dirty shop. And employees are a production floors most expensive and important asset.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">How clean do we suggest? Lint free is the key.</h3><div>How do you keep a garment decorating shop lint free. You do it by making cleanliness a top priority on the floor. Cleanliness makes for happier employees and fewer shut downs which will increase production and profits.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">The good, the bad and the ugly.</h4><div>Let's start with the simplest items, <b>fan filters</b>. These are designed for easy on/off. And they are used to keep the electronic cabinet fans clear of debris so that they can move cool air across the electronic components.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp71CMvC-staRH0bsO6M69ScvbJSoa6rWkZmgzQGd4AQnHhLG91rRnR22NfuzMA2Pt4V97KvqLjdvZHzb49qYu0IVFEKdl-xQEk3cVAjVP0rfXFdTN2lf6o_CMN2A7HWBhW51OWMOb3kWg4nS_y9a9kHV3sAgJelRodNSItMZTvmBEYUveha_ufdB5nQ/s4009/fanfilters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="4009" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp71CMvC-staRH0bsO6M69ScvbJSoa6rWkZmgzQGd4AQnHhLG91rRnR22NfuzMA2Pt4V97KvqLjdvZHzb49qYu0IVFEKdl-xQEk3cVAjVP0rfXFdTN2lf6o_CMN2A7HWBhW51OWMOb3kWg4nS_y9a9kHV3sAgJelRodNSItMZTvmBEYUveha_ufdB5nQ/w640-h266/fanfilters.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we can move to the <b>fans. </b>Whether in the control cabinets or used to move air in and out of a curing chamber, they are essential to the design and function of your equipment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdID41Z8rSsxQ4qMxcC_Ls5B8y6hsNxONMxnqGuwRaRUNjoqqpLhRIHbWCAjV7LdYsfAfdQUURp16PdxTZ4T341r1n75xi5pTkEDfbRgPrLvtKXUsmq63o8h72ahTsEzXaz8bOygAAETh99Cvj6zWanw9Gck4ZmmO4_Sp0bGRi7Vscq1WRjKM7vs5y58/s3867/fans.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="3867" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdID41Z8rSsxQ4qMxcC_Ls5B8y6hsNxONMxnqGuwRaRUNjoqqpLhRIHbWCAjV7LdYsfAfdQUURp16PdxTZ4T341r1n75xi5pTkEDfbRgPrLvtKXUsmq63o8h72ahTsEzXaz8bOygAAETh99Cvj6zWanw9Gck4ZmmO4_Sp0bGRi7Vscq1WRjKM7vs5y58/w640-h276/fans.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now what does all this do to internal components? Electronic components shut down when they are too hot. Being covered with lint will cause this. Relays will fail, switches will stop communicating and thermal cameras will shut down. Production stops.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FWOKPvxJ4gjwu468BFURkWFQ1Ymlhq8XBZ2SyJg4JaIzSygm8bbscCFHug4KIxyDmpZSAR5IX3O-6nCubMn9zDjTqld08jGKWk87jvMB8HD--1uUDFfVDguFhzPglKyi1h5ui1QveXutMauvipaXThXvB-XNa2zdiIrGixZPokcI7twaIgfQKLWGdDc/s3974/compnents.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="3974" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FWOKPvxJ4gjwu468BFURkWFQ1Ymlhq8XBZ2SyJg4JaIzSygm8bbscCFHug4KIxyDmpZSAR5IX3O-6nCubMn9zDjTqld08jGKWk87jvMB8HD--1uUDFfVDguFhzPglKyi1h5ui1QveXutMauvipaXThXvB-XNa2zdiIrGixZPokcI7twaIgfQKLWGdDc/w640-h268/compnents.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What about the <b>chassis</b> and the mechanical items. They appear to be pushing through but are they? Or are you setting them up to fail? And there are no GOODs here. Seriously, yuck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22eCflH72TjXMWjBxMRLX9xkbvoamxILCuVkZNaDASEHAloGwceuKbc0_2pOwjuq2ITbAGSKWu3Lo436wsD_3oelnGaM9JrFrwipIYiV2yTDC9bZ0NYJF_M75acSosTS7BXtVl5G9awxawEXnQ5D2yN8_hN58i-FbnaEmTiw-tos-UFCHzLv_Q85_oiA/s3821/chassis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="3821" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22eCflH72TjXMWjBxMRLX9xkbvoamxILCuVkZNaDASEHAloGwceuKbc0_2pOwjuq2ITbAGSKWu3Lo436wsD_3oelnGaM9JrFrwipIYiV2yTDC9bZ0NYJF_M75acSosTS7BXtVl5G9awxawEXnQ5D2yN8_hN58i-FbnaEmTiw-tos-UFCHzLv_Q85_oiA/w640-h158/chassis.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And what <b>employee</b> wants to touch these? And if they do, how do they touch fresh garments and ship them completely clean? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzFd3Vh7hW_GV59iYFP7HEspyVvOdXOKJuHD_5zeljgzOgYPF411qL3vru9bhOXenWBohPS-TO6BdwlJtKVjFU7GubnYlRi6TOSkGhmSXgfEhfrrRX5W6C7eI_qC_7zjLoBS21H-_fVRDJfLZOrVSbYNXmeNqjmLYmOs2ogDDX6bnYezol_7esUONIDM/s3877/controls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="3877" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzFd3Vh7hW_GV59iYFP7HEspyVvOdXOKJuHD_5zeljgzOgYPF411qL3vru9bhOXenWBohPS-TO6BdwlJtKVjFU7GubnYlRi6TOSkGhmSXgfEhfrrRX5W6C7eI_qC_7zjLoBS21H-_fVRDJfLZOrVSbYNXmeNqjmLYmOs2ogDDX6bnYezol_7esUONIDM/w640-h276/controls.png" width="640" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Ok, we think we have made the issue clear.</h4><div>So this week, at the end of a work day, pick something and clean it. Start with wiping down the outside, both the controls and the chassis. Then get a vacuum and clean out the internal controls. The whole job should take 20 minutes. Then another day, pick another machine. Go through the whole shop and clean everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time we will chat about those preset maintenance items available in your software.</div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-74923871134149150692023-04-21T07:28:00.002-07:002023-04-21T07:28:18.110-07:00For Brown, it is all about customer service<p>When a person calls <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown Mfg</a> they get a person. We do not use automated attendants or voice mail on our main phone system. When someone sends an email to what appears to be a generic email address such as <a href="mailto:sales@brownmfg.net">sales@brownmfg.net</a> or <a href="mailto:customerservice@brownmfg.net">customerservice@brownmfg.net</a> or <a href="mailto:linx@brownmfg.net">linx@brownmfg.net</a> those emails land directly in a person's inbox so they can be addressed quickly and directly. These corporate choices are based on the elemental belief that direct person-to-person interaction provides the highest quality service to our customer. Call us old fashioned, but we get thank you comments from our customers on a daily basis.</p><p>Another customer service item that we offer is custom paint as an option for new machinery purchases. This generates excitement for people who have their machinery as part of their customer's experience. These businesses sometimes have a production shop as a showroom and they have a corporate color scheme to match. Recent colors have included combat green for a customer who services military families, hot pink for an all women's shop, and red white and blue because, well, just because. </p>One added benefit item we offer is creative installation solutions. We cater to community printers. These are typically businesses with very limited space and often owner/operators of the machinery they buy. Their production spaces are often not commercial, do not have loading docks and many times are multi storied. One <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">ElectraPrint</a> leaving this week is no exception. This installation involves a set of stairs into a lower level with 36" doorways. <p></p><p>To accomplish this task, we take the machine apart into manageable pieces. The base, the print hub and the platen hub are all packed separately. The heads, platen arms and accessories are on other pallets. </p><p>Our installer has tools available to assist with moving these pieces into tough spaces and to reassemble these pieces in the final location. Once assembled, the installer will continue with the standard installation process and training of the customer. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="3230" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWo02kvowjew15WyBFR6zqWhMb5ZvhiUdeukrqaRs8y1eiB7kqffOTCwcq2iXBemfXwOFNfdOCMN4MpBOsiEhBcyvoTl1qt8w63mN3swhlELET2_9vCaNPk5gGD46IBr6F4DPh1rkRFkAsPpw7U2CmAtnYBLT4CTiuCHMQjFqXtJ5EOeYGluhghcl/w640-h264/Asset%201.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, this is a fun one. But not unique. We have many stories of fun installs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, if you are thinking that it is time for your shop to step up into an <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">automatic press</a> but you are concerned about how it will fit into your space, contact us. <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/index.html" target="_blank">Brown</a> has solutions. We also have over 50 years of experience at these creative installations. We are here to assist you, person-to-person, in making your business more productive and more profitable.</div><br /><p><br /></p><br />BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-92036712044066697172023-03-01T07:00:00.006-08:002023-03-01T07:00:38.277-08:00Brown is our name, but we are open to other options<h2 style="text-align: left;"> An army of machinery. And some are painted Military Green.</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="1000" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mZkpFB2N-SgiMS-E-caEej7UwmRVGePnGyNIgU3-KF8CSOJlTgqCQUUkL7DIV82i9VTrq5_Rcx1t-L7YJdJZj62u8g-IzNpnK3KC0W32aKO64rsTDoy9IL2pKkCTsmMmB-ObLcT0iSZR16wAcEyj5-H-4nEL1ljgSDg_Z6R8w55fDruMbpYWKWTV/w640-h318/autos.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>We have done some fun custom colors in the past. Bright pink, red, purple and blue have all popped into our assembly line as customer request. This is our first military green. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/curing_systems.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="1000" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQvoFs-gdbZuXMXLllwbgOzAr2O9_mJDLdWQPkqt9lwxPB9cOKLGiHkz7uzFPT8N6fBshxowBS33eaYp38Dn-ygn--E2PRmxIBjY_IB8zk4YGFTfudQxUVbSZE36ftfnT4cxob9uY7MkG4y0D6-cWnagSwPFOQCoJz6fzn41OfQRfIGaL4LiKV9VR/w640-h326/dryers.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The whole shop for this customer will be color themed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If this is a feature that interests you, please contact us for information on how we can custom paint your machinery to make your production part of your showroom experience.</div><br /><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-52437861312332676182022-12-13T06:13:00.000-08:002022-12-13T06:13:15.021-08:002022 brings big changes for Brown<h2 style="text-align: left;"> Go big or go home.</h2><div><br /></div><div>As the old saying goes, Brown chose to go BIG this year. We have expanded our space, our people and our product line. We also added a few colors to the Brown machine pallet for a little fun. With expansion comes change and a few bumps in the road. But our staff was ready for a few challenges to get us through.</div><div><br /></div><div>BrownDigital has a developing partnership with Brother International. This partnership has fostered new product for the Print-on-Demand world that Brother specializes in. The POD sales strategy is immediate delivery of one off printed items. Garments have a large segment of that market and they require a few additional processes compared to other one-off pieces. This rapidly expanding market requires faster machinery to keep up with the volume and Brown delivered with the DigitalLine, an exclusive product for Brother.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EC2OSgHgjRA" width="320" youtube-src-id="EC2OSgHgjRA"></iframe></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbu5SrG7GxxapAKp2nXAXKUh2YLK5DH9KGTVJOHJ8IJNHd_cDN3rwlqJhDte_eKbQBcuxLSuoZmxYfkT_z7qwN4B91E2qqf3YckEcwwKQKrbRHmKJK_wc5EFCgcF1QFu-w1oAOYdZra7hew0k8cZRbRB5uQHVAltWsKv7IGVDUt0JoYkoZALNBdW0/s4032/IMG_7589.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="ElectraPrint" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbu5SrG7GxxapAKp2nXAXKUh2YLK5DH9KGTVJOHJ8IJNHd_cDN3rwlqJhDte_eKbQBcuxLSuoZmxYfkT_z7qwN4B91E2qqf3YckEcwwKQKrbRHmKJK_wc5EFCgcF1QFu-w1oAOYdZra7hew0k8cZRbRB5uQHVAltWsKv7IGVDUt0JoYkoZALNBdW0/w150-h200/IMG_7589.heic" width="150" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The size of this system required additional assembly space. So, Brown added a Crown. Well an address on Crown anyway. The added space has allowed all of our production departments to stretch their legs a bit. As an example, where the space on Stafford allowed for 2 <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">Electraprint</a> machines to be assembled at the same time, this new space allows for 5. As well as multiple <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/manual_printers.html" target="_blank">manual machines</a> and <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/curing_systems.html" target="_blank">curing systems</a>.</div><br /><div>Your staff appreciates the space and is looking forward to upping the volume to fill the new building.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p-AzsxQE9LxkYi0nXFTkhNl1H6nJx2EZQ_MaPl2Q_ckt8d0TYH9ba6FSBIy62stgTb2BwkNnfGw031VP-AQIns8tbuSPaTRiWAJUXmET-hfBIYkDz5UG9rfmfOJ9yHieyhoMSTNL0Y2FZueGVNdBZhhaZQbujN-WgUYis7HCy9JLsu6n5_z3yfRP/s4032/pink.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p-AzsxQE9LxkYi0nXFTkhNl1H6nJx2EZQ_MaPl2Q_ckt8d0TYH9ba6FSBIy62stgTb2BwkNnfGw031VP-AQIns8tbuSPaTRiWAJUXmET-hfBIYkDz5UG9rfmfOJ9yHieyhoMSTNL0Y2FZueGVNdBZhhaZQbujN-WgUYis7HCy9JLsu6n5_z3yfRP/w200-h150/pink.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The fun of the <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">Electraprint</a> and Brown lines has been the "choose your color" option that we have introduced. We have assembled a variety of colors in 2022. Bright red, hot pink, military green have been shipped as well as the tried and true chocolate brown. Do you have a color scheme in your facility? Need us to match it? We are on it. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One other expansion that is a direct result of the POD market is the addition of new software modules available for the <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" target="_blank">Linx Production Software </a>. In addition to the already stellar workflow application, new modules for inventory management, purchasing and QuickBoook integration have been developed to fill the every changing needs of our POD customer. <a href="mailto:linx@brownmfg.net" target="_blank">Contact us</a> for additional information on how Linx can improve the work flow and organization within your production floor.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new space and the new offerings have made our lives a little stressful (as moving often does) but the impact of the change and the production results just keep showing us that this was a well needed expansion and that we have more room to grow.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-35352312164443950132022-08-08T11:51:00.004-07:002022-08-23T04:50:27.360-07:00Innovation Center at Brother International<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwnFLFS1nVIbGpWFKIdHhTYM0OjHvexyAMR1LMAAnBKHE-KOP1tMnCG1DJG4zE2kXIX-YMe0qUZVkmcxbJBJw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>It has been a long time coming and the Brown staff is excited to see that their hard work has paid off. Brother International opened a new training facility at their Bartlett, TN location and the BrownDigital product line took center stage. </p><p>This new product line has been under wraps for 2 years. A single operator loads a garment and these garments are pretreated and digitally printed and returned to the same operator. One guy does it all. Amazing.</p><p>Thank you to Brother International for the opportunity.</p>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-25161921119006152592022-05-10T09:54:00.000-07:002022-05-10T09:54:49.172-07:00Getting creative during the supply chain crunch<p><br />For anyone who is chasing garments of every type and style, we understand your pain. The supply chain issue is applicable to everything from ramen noodles in the grocery store to automobiles. It is not just the finished products, but the raw materials and the sub-assembly items.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">So what to do?</h2><div>Get creative, that's what. We have had conversations with customers who tell us that they have called 7 vendors to fill one order. Or that they have converted brands to fill the order and told the customer that the original brand was unavailable. Or they have had to start from scratch with the sale to find items that would fit both the customer and the supply chain issues.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well folks, it isn't just shirts. Anyone who needs a new car will know of the shortage of electronics that has stopped car production. Or chat with someone in the foam industry and they are out of the base chemical to produce styrene box inserts. Or try to find copper wire to install new power drops into a facility. The list is long and diverse.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2yUqTP31iCKkRrrlzxgkYNINxKNcutpOybeva6Dz9USwv_FCXP-ymS3pGy6VwcCi10om1Gv7k2dN2MED8Yfv_j0OGo7wkaWUXAkFM8p0VkjwmwNBN3iH-iUmbcLnQ2m-3DbR-m6rU5tVjWDTR1HTQGbU4g52zJUnZoRVYlIQ9jE3WO_FlRebrgncY" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2yUqTP31iCKkRrrlzxgkYNINxKNcutpOybeva6Dz9USwv_FCXP-ymS3pGy6VwcCi10om1Gv7k2dN2MED8Yfv_j0OGo7wkaWUXAkFM8p0VkjwmwNBN3iH-iUmbcLnQ2m-3DbR-m6rU5tVjWDTR1HTQGbU4g52zJUnZoRVYlIQ9jE3WO_FlRebrgncY=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>In our world, we struggle with it all. Electronics to wire to small basic switches. The largest eye opener is DC motors. The screen printing industry, as a US whole, uses the same couple of motors on all conveyor ovens. It has been this way for over 30 years, so all of the ovens in the field also use these motors. Guess what. They are not available. So we have had to get creative. We have sent customers to motor repair shops. We have offered used motors at a drastic discount. We have upsized motors and sent additional mounting brackets to make them fit. We have found alternates that need new brackets but will work. Anything to keep our customer's production running.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just like you, we are going to great lengths to keep our customer's machines running.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Changes coming?</h4><div>China, who is is one of the US largest trading partners, continues to shut down full sectors of their country. While this continues the world will see additional shortages depending of what items are produced in those sectors. </div><div><br /></div><div>We want our customers to be aware that supply chain issues run deep but that the Brown team is working diligently to keep your shop operating at the top level. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-26245834024045582622022-01-05T06:27:00.002-08:002022-01-05T06:27:21.285-08:00POD production? It's where the world is.<p>Our roller coaster world has made traditional printing businesses take another look on how they generate orders. When schools and restaurants were closed, many of our community printers had to consider other avenues for revenue generation. The world of online shopping became essential for all decorators, whether one off orders or bulk. These orders can be challenging to pull into standard community printing production management. </p><p>The old school paper production tickets are messy and confusing for small orders. Barcode systems that can function for both small and bulk orders are cleaner and more efficient than sheets of paper floating around a production floor. Scanners at each workstation can pull up all order details within seconds and connect directly with shipping software. With <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" target="_blank">Linx Production software</a>, the barcode will also drive the printers, laser engravers and sublimation systems. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Wait, what? It can connect my online to my production machine and back to my shipping software?</h3><div>Yes, <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" target="_blank">Linx Production software</a> can do all that and with additional modules it can connect to QuickBooks® and manage inventory and purchasing and print bulk orders. That is a lot of features that every shop needs in the world of POD. </div><div><br /></div><div>While much of the US is opened back up schools, businesses and events, the online store is now a required element to a business. Many businesses who used to allow sales people in their doors are now preferring to look online and connect through teleconference platforms. These options allow higher time flexibility for the buyer and keeps additional people out of their workspace. With the latest variant wave, this is a required element.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">So how does <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Linx Production software</a> do all that?</h3><div><p style="text-align: left;">Beginning at a web store, information for an order is pulled into Linx and a barcode is assigned. This information includes garment data as well as art and print locations. The PNG artwork is ripped for the DTG as well as scaled for garment size and print location. For other print mediums, the art is converted to match the requirements of the output device. The operator loads the item, scans the code and the output device has all the information needed for production. Print specifications are preset by the user as well as pretreat and cure requirements.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Orders can be sorted by all major factors. This aids in purchasing, product picking, pretreat scheduling and customer management. At shipping, a binning system allows for gathering of multiple items of an order with notifications when an order is complete. In the QC department, if a product does not pass inspection, the barcode returns to th production schedule for a reprint.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />A QuickBook plug in will also connect your orders directly to your billing department. Inventory modules are available for small and large users. Custom API connections are available to give full flexibility to your production needs.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How do you get started?</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsyesCiaX7YkLZBusqpTemns44TBhn3l_QuJe-OglGW4s47iNKlFWkOhjCbR9866f-VG1pIdGBnIqs-wzBNr67AoRIqyAiE8qypHgzMP00zkTiA9kmMCq_nq6DSf-nGXP0TfGISiKOtvM124vR6L9PHNxMEp3bdxRw6i9rcwZcUlx4whjtFvhso6lk=s600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Lins Production Software" border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="600" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsyesCiaX7YkLZBusqpTemns44TBhn3l_QuJe-OglGW4s47iNKlFWkOhjCbR9866f-VG1pIdGBnIqs-wzBNr67AoRIqyAiE8qypHgzMP00zkTiA9kmMCq_nq6DSf-nGXP0TfGISiKOtvM124vR6L9PHNxMEp3bdxRw6i9rcwZcUlx4whjtFvhso6lk=w200-h76" width="200" /></a></div></div><div>Call BrownDigital today for information on pricing and how this system can be used in your shop. It is quick to install, simple to learn and will speed up order processing for small or bulk orders.</div><br /><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-22332901836769340542021-08-13T13:26:00.001-07:002021-08-13T13:26:14.181-07:00So many decorating options.<p><br />Brown did some recent DTG print testing and I had some thoughts. This particular test involved a print run of about 72 shirts ranging from youth medium to adult 3xl. It has a white crest print and a multi-color full back on a dark shirt. A typical order for a community printer. And a profitable one if handled correctly for your shop. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sdVfJaDc7EFMwaE4PBT7m-I3gu9APOm8UeWar1hxRFPzw0FP5LyhykM6lz9NggTqv8s9UaTT8uJkAGQSCrPeEZtPcKHwif8JvxOQQF6eWOOGBtjjEwj2p5XvCBVCUSGSaNNphsbUJkE/s2048/65022062378__750E0370-0773-49C0-8DDF-41BA069863FC.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sdVfJaDc7EFMwaE4PBT7m-I3gu9APOm8UeWar1hxRFPzw0FP5LyhykM6lz9NggTqv8s9UaTT8uJkAGQSCrPeEZtPcKHwif8JvxOQQF6eWOOGBtjjEwj2p5XvCBVCUSGSaNNphsbUJkE/w254-h339/65022062378__750E0370-0773-49C0-8DDF-41BA069863FC.HEIC" width="254" /></a></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">What is correctly?</h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">DTG</h4><div>This run was done with a digital printer and our <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/Synergy.html" target="_blank">Synergy</a> pretreat and <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/firefly.html" target="_blank">FireFly</a> cure systems. At 72 shirts with a white under-base, this job took almost 2 hours. The image quality was fine but it did look like a digital print. They are clean but they do not pop. The estimate on the cost of each garment includes time and materials.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Shirt $2</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ink $0.95</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pretreat $0.30</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Shop time cost $1.66</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Labor $0.83</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Total cost per shirt $5.74 </b></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The positive to DTG printing is that once the art is approved there is no additional processing of the art to print. A quick conversation from the PNG and it is ready. Also, employee training is minimal. Everything is determined by the <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" rel="" target="_blank">Linx</a> program within the machines and the operator only loads and unloads. Additionally, the software will resize the art to the size of the garment, the job is easily repeatable and there is no clean up at the end.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Screen Print on an automatic</h4><div>So, what would happen if it were printed on an <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">ElectraPrint</a> auto press? Front and back, this job would be finished in less than an hour. The look would be crisp and it would pop off the shirt. The size of the print on the youth would be the same size as on the 3XL, which is a negative. There is set up and clean up. The art needs to be separated and screens need to be made. Presuming that this design could be printed with 6 colors, this is the estimated cost per garment.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><b>Shirt $2</b></div></div><div><div><b>Ink $0.06</b></div></div><div><div><b>Films/screens $0.08</b></div></div><div><div><b>Shop time cost $0.83</b></div></div><div><div><b>Labor $0.42</b></div></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div></div><div><div><b>Total cost per shirt $3.31</b></div></div></blockquote><p><br /></p><h4>Screen Print on an manual</h4><div>So, what would happen if it were printed on an <a href="https://www.brownmfg.net/masterprinter.html" target="_blank">MasterPrinter</a> manual press? Front and back, this job would be finished in about 2 hours. The look would be crisp and it would pop off the shirt. The size of the print on the youth would be the same size as on the 3XL, which is a negative. There is set up and clean up. The art needs to be separated and screens need to be made. Presuming that this design could be printed with 6 colors, this is the estimated cost per garment.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><b>Shirt $2</b></div><div><b>Ink $0.06</b></div><div><b>Films/screens $0.08</b></div><div><b>Shop time cost $1.66</b></div><div><b>Labor $0.83</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></blockquote><p><b>Total cost per shirt $4.63</b> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Is cost the only factor in the production path?</h3><p style="text-align: left;">Well, we can all say "no" to that answer. But there is $2.50 per shirt here in profit. So COGS cannot be ignored.</p><p style="text-align: left;">COGS is a significant factor. That calculation has to include machine time, shop time and labor time. However, judging the flow of your shop, the availability of your staff and their skill sets, and the print preferences of the final customer will sway the final production decision. If they want "pop" then they will want screen print. If they prefer a soft feel, then DTG is a good plan.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So the real answer is that there is not a "correct" way to do this except to follow some basic guidelines.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Is the customer happy with the finished product?</li><li>Did you deliver on time?</li><li>Did you make a profit margin that you would want repeat the job?</li><li>Did this job delay other jobs that were more profitable?</li></ol><div>If your answers are yes, yes, yes and no, then you have chosen wisely within the parameters of your production facility. If any other answer comes up, then reconsider for future jobs what needs to shift. Was the print accepted, was job late, or did you not make enough of a profit margin? Because in the end, it is a happy customer with a solid bottom line that we are all striving to achieve.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-44823758076666864292021-06-14T07:05:00.006-07:002021-06-14T07:05:35.796-07:00New web site launch<h2 style="text-align: left;">We are excited to announce the launch of new web sites.</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://brownmfg.net">brownmfg.net</a> is our main catalog site for Brown equipment. </h3><p>This site features the products for screen printing, from screen room to final cure for all production levels. Additional content will be added as it becomes available and this site is more mobile friendly than our previous site.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT-lcLbWxm0xsECqn-Epum8PpKrd8DA3u7cGTohYCRsfjjDMlCHI2eHCHtCPI4n8WEXB5zadslue83-dOEm0zs4eT4cgId37ahZO8EORj6wXxv1y0006hizia2jEEccLvg-OpUpYjMyA/w200-h154/ap67j_2017_600.png" width="200" /></a></div>On this site you will still find the popular <a href="http://brownmfg.net/electraprint.html" target="_blank">ElectraPrint</a> automatic printers. These are the only fully electric machines on the market. There are suggested parts list for many of the machines as well as cut sheets for installation.<br /><p></p><p>From this page you will find links to the associated products such as the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/set-n-go.html" target="_blank">Set-N-Go</a> and the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/quartzflash.html" target="_blank">QuartzAir flash</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfg.net/set-n-go.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Set N Go" border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="600" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfYBx7-scwAaNN77W-0IM_NC7UYc2O0qXYxNeAcv8rFATJKo-EZix2NlI8L8iAwmJRYQE7YdMTWOlhmO9bXtt-Njew4jrcbhZv0lmtaBrSA153rs8lHH6mFLsryj7B1cADxrDbrgHoYM/w200-h123/set_n_go_combo.gif" width="200" /></a></div><p>Within this site you will also find information on all of our t-shirt ovens as well. This includes the TRX series, the UltraCure x-series, the PonyDryer and the Sierra dryer. It is a comprehensives site that will provide all the details to help choose the right one for your shop and to help plan for the installation.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com">brownmfgdigital.com</a> is our main site for BrownDigital products.</h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/dragonair_crimson.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="dragonair crimson" border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="464" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeMtfgRH8Vn5xfLw5iVT8ziaiXf0h44OxhyphenhyphenQac4C3_FcAc5e47CIJgv1XR8Vq2XvOvYQ-TiRdC-QbGCcUpW8a4qQ2sko-SlZKSdtpbEm-9ojni-pk8OpixwvH8wm3J_OHoGutpurLDto/w200-h153/DC2406%25400.1x.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This site features the products designed for DTG decorators. Direct to Garment printing has different requirements for preprint and curing than screen print and these products will speed up the workflow for all levels of production. </div><div><br /></div><div>On this site you will find the <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/dragonair_crimson.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Crimson</a> which is a small DTG dryer designed to cure DTG prints at a faster rate and higher quality than a heat press. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cv93o1rLR6tLJ4mC3_Zl0X7fLjjKCRtxEzUr_wBIw3rijcNZ9_aT8b7flN_tI5rbZZy-K2-8lojBiUGRbVrk4Qj0DqVT8KfRmrNqvXZZ2CN5Q4RdXyKLcvb5qu3nCtPwuU1jajTiCQY/s1917/Shipping2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1917" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cv93o1rLR6tLJ4mC3_Zl0X7fLjjKCRtxEzUr_wBIw3rijcNZ9_aT8b7flN_tI5rbZZy-K2-8lojBiUGRbVrk4Qj0DqVT8KfRmrNqvXZZ2CN5Q4RdXyKLcvb5qu3nCtPwuU1jajTiCQY/w200-h113/Shipping2.png" width="200" /></a></div>Also on this site, is the<a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/linx.html" target="_blank"> Linx Control System</a> integration software. This app takes your web store orders and integrates them directly with your DTG printers and through to your shipping department. This is all run on a barcode system that keeps production flowing smooth and creates consistency within your final products. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We invite you to peruse these sites. You will find something that will help you shop with its production flow, product quality, or bottom line.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-20330526541598410762021-05-20T14:06:00.001-07:002021-06-14T06:27:53.143-07:00When to update to new stuff?<p>Tech changes every day. Our fast paced world is presenting us with new, and better, ways to accomplish most things on an hourly basis. Some of this is very intriguing such as electric vehicles or 3D printers. I do get annoyed, however, being told that I have peeled a carrot wrong my whole life and this new hack or tool will be the only answer. And though I am sure that my carrot peeling skills are just fine, at what point does the machinery in my shop need to upgrade? When is the new really better than the old?</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What can the new tech do?</h2><div>If the new gadget is cooler looking than the old one you might be inclined to switch. Aesthetics in an automobile are important. We all like new, shiny things. However there are certain requirements that make a new device worth adding to a shop.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/550/sierra-conveyor-oven" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1000" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRlJqyu2z0S2ggayPhbJ8YZXPd8IxTUeAhZ2wU7TbWLC-5yyWAmPFalPZjuPWMaZsNoTioQv8PNQnXcoBPIceWPdZto6Iy-IW98PAvaG70UY37pK_BA7pwVwuGORrjXM1YQNli938TmE/w320-h270/sr3607_1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>does it make a process faster?</li><li>does it reduce costs?</li><li>does it make a final product better?</li><li>does use less floor space for the same results?</li><li>does it require less power for the same production?</li><li>is it easier to use?</li></ul><div>There could be more to the list, but the idea is that a new gadget needs to improve production either with cost or quality or time. If it does not do any of these things, just wait. Another version will.</div></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What does the new tech NOT do?</h2><div>Yes that is important. If the new item does go faster or reduce costs but it makes an inferior product it is probably not worth the investment. If it goes faster and makes a great product but the cost makes the RIO low, then it is not worth the financial outlay. If it does not do all the steps in production that the current version can do, then this is not a gain. New is not always better.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">When should the old tech go, no matter what?</h2><div>I say that with some wisdom. As a manufacturing company who has produced machinery since 1979, we help people every day fix stuff. We offer free phone service and with the use of digital photos, Zoom and FaceTime we are able to fix most old machines. Many times that repair is priced quite reasonable and the customer keeps using a machine from the 80's. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKz_lAyQYykOFsG7K63eBV9s4LgZsROsgqwhvQ-WpI9jd7Jicr3Zb_trR7YQrzj77IzMuxqAV63mT_ipDGKlsRZtpa42dbuHzM7ZsgvVqjMPStSLOFrkcochdddI_VYN4QacZQ1WuwEc/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKz_lAyQYykOFsG7K63eBV9s4LgZsROsgqwhvQ-WpI9jd7Jicr3Zb_trR7YQrzj77IzMuxqAV63mT_ipDGKlsRZtpa42dbuHzM7ZsgvVqjMPStSLOFrkcochdddI_VYN4QacZQ1WuwEc/w150-h200/Resized_Resized_20210520_100055.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>However, sometimes old is old. Broken is broken. And being thrifty (read cheap) does NOT help your bottom line. Maybe you can get the parts for a 1984 machine. However, how long were you down waiting for them? How long did you have to search for a supplier for them? Are they the direct replacement or did you have to modify the machine to make them work? All of those items cost money. Down time means late production. Your search time means you did not spend time making sales or managing your production. Modifications to old stuff takes both your time and down time and they are never quite what you needed. Is that cost beneficial?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We do understand small business and the need to keep costs down. We understand budgets. We also know that if you have big equipment with big repair bills you have a hard time paying, then your really needed smaller equipment to suit your space and revenue. Crunch those numbers sometime. You might be surprised to find out that that big stuff you bought at a great price is costing you more than you make and newer smaller stuff would make you more profitable. Hard to fathom sometimes but it is true.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">How can we help you figure it out?</h2><div>Most people do not like to discuss financial situations with sales people. But the truth is, good sales people want to see their customers succeed and make money. Think about your own style. You want to have return business and you treat a customer with the goal of seeing them again. Capital goods sales people are the same. We would like you to buy well so you do well. Then call us again for the next cool tech item that you are interested in. So consider sales people as allies who gain when you gain. Ask them if it is worth it to keep with what you have or go new. Yes they will pitch new as hard as they can. They have kids to feed, just like you. But good ones will help crank the numbers to see if the justification is there for your shop.</div><div><br /></div><div>You might be surprised by what you learn.</div><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-50136206343790561782021-05-04T06:52:00.001-07:002021-05-04T06:52:07.358-07:00Trade shows have restarted. Are you coming?<p> Our first show of the 2021 season is fast approaching. We are truly excited. There are so many positives to the trade show experience that it is hard to list them all. Most importantly is the direct connection we get with our customers. We are on the phone all day, we have many emails, and we have taken full advantage of new tech with FaceTime and TeamViewer and Zoom. But there is a different connection when the interaction is face to face. Or mask to mask as these will be. </p><p>It is also better for our customers. It is harder to determine what is the right path when purchasing a capital good if you cannot touch the product. Consumables are easier, but hard goods are similar to buying a car or a house. The user needs to be in direct contact with the product to understand all of the benefits and how they will affect their personal production floor. We find that very fitting with manual screen presses. These are certainly a "feel" item. The operator has to like how the press flows with their hands.</p><p>So now both the exhibitor and the attendee have new opportunities. Visit us in Irving and in Indianapolis. We can't wait to see you.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://graphics-pro-expo.com/event/irving-tx/" target="_blank"><span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></a></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://graphics-pro-expo.com/event/irving-tx/" target="_blank">Graphics Pro Exo</a> </h2><div>May 13-15 in Irving, TX</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://graphics-pro-expo.com/event/irving-tx/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvC04IC92CTCSoffnaq0maSERWQpukt-Wde3JNbUM8hwKRGNbJdaroCXQ_5x_Xm0fyQ88V0FKis6zFcBy9z5pgd1b_rBgF0uN2xWIDEH3xasSz_FypURFh_Xo3WOfgBLuI_RweAR6N_I/w640-h414/Brown+Mfg+Group+GPX+Irving+Special+Invite.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h2><a href="https://graphics-pro-expo.com/event/indianapolis-in/" target="_blank"><span><!--more--></span><br /></a></h2><h2><a href="https://graphics-pro-expo.com/event/indianapolis-in/" target="_blank">Graphics Pro Exo</a> </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">June 15-17, Indianapolis, IN</div><div><br /></div></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://graphics-pro-expo.com/event/indianapolis-in/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y1AxFCrWV0CPODLVONVVcTNWZsMiGGXY2lHhTwf9YrV9eoeWlL5WfAvkFCMXUPjKuAM5ZUDDReeVjUJLd4moMN4l99mbBbAfNQjyyRMwSXtFN2E2ZiaodsvQr4Ho9RQdC9g-mKgHK2g/w640-h414/Brown+Mfg+Group+GPX+Indy+Special+Invite.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-71435770224388381212021-04-20T08:02:00.002-07:002021-04-20T08:02:19.791-07:00Time to reconnect and restart<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRby0a2FlhHvKtNnQTeySgi1Cx2ZCKOA5SsmtpZeyE8IZMpVEP75WKNdSwX1M7Ln1Qh9IO8LCahlT09_aj3NK-e0Evy0RU_BT9mYnuFesEyU9RKs6sQL6w_Nx5AQSnuIKMeQLpYJrCi8/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="960" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRby0a2FlhHvKtNnQTeySgi1Cx2ZCKOA5SsmtpZeyE8IZMpVEP75WKNdSwX1M7Ln1Qh9IO8LCahlT09_aj3NK-e0Evy0RU_BT9mYnuFesEyU9RKs6sQL6w_Nx5AQSnuIKMeQLpYJrCi8/" width="320" /></a></div><h2><span style="text-align: left;">Are you ready?</span></h2></div>Even in Michigan we are beginning to see the world shifting back. It was with great celebration that our own John Ball Zoo opened to the public and that the local little league signed up for t-ball. There is more work to do, but now is the time to connect with those customers who limited their ad dollars to survive the past year. Restaurants, event venues and tourist businesses will be eager to see creative new marketing suggestions to restart in the post-COVID arena.<p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">So what new do you have for them?</h4><div>The same old-same old will feel comforting. Yes, we could all use a little pre-vid ease. However, since EVERYONE will be trying to get attention, what will you bring to the table that is new and interesting? We have had plenty of time to think about that.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Can you offer longer runs at better prices? An <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/103/electraprint-junior-automatic-textile-printer" target="_blank">ElectaPrint</a> can help with that.<br /></li><li>Do you chase the athletic market the is back in full swing? Screen printed number are less expensive and nicer for the athlete than heat seal. But you need to be equipped for that. There are lots of options. Check out the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/125/slider-number-printer" target="_blank">Slider</a>.</li><li>Looking for short run customization? DTG is a great source for new work. The <a href="https://brownmfgdigital.com/dragonair_crimson.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Crimson</a> could be just what you need to cure those goods.</li><li>Do you offer super fast turn around? The a <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/109/fastflash-flash-cure-unit" target="_blank">FastFlash</a> would speed you up. Is yours hot and ready?</li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJOk9ZPXz5euUBFy0Q_JMXVdPpXsisJdSnZ5K_Ev0fIgDG3vgAzKu3dW3id6AZs2dVGPcyXjC06ZkpxxiVHkFotN9IS5aed1IxzSTtVPY8NDOoZLBRvcmcmxePnKHQoWPlNozSvVqODw/s600/ap68_2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Can you reduce your set-up fee because you are making screens quicker? An <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/372/led-exposure-system" target="_blank">LED exposure unit</a> would give you this capability.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.brownmfg.net" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="BrownMfg" border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjModRux88EBlieG9_SpugxlKen_VTTI7mj9-ewFLeKyRcwto4l6QqQs-sJMjtYUY4PsrPidw4pdtO_-7UjXdjhcCtgv1L53vN9i3mroBssgEkxt7RyzhHfh-0xHWVbLPsFZfGlG7vC-P4/s16000/blog.png" title="Brown Mfg" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Go for the close. Give them a reason to return.</h4><div>People talk big, but it is the repeated on-time delivery of quality goods that keeps them coming back. It is creative thinking of new ideas that generates new revenue. It is the commitment to internal growth and change with complete follow through that grows businesses. Doing the same work each day should create a smooth flow of production and a quality product. However, if you do this for too long it will also cause stagnation. The end of the pandemic offers each business an opportunity to add something new that will generate a buzz of excitement.</div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-60324534442872675732021-03-17T12:42:00.000-07:002021-03-17T12:42:10.857-07:00Start your engines. The season is about to begin.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp6Iu10TQgzIo9dKOj_aRofcWPZ9-nwv7IVxhFjd8KPvz28_msmDSwnbcmjL7oIYD_ZjvHNd8QUc7dGPc-xYCKolmPVGeRk6zNoXx1V0ievhRT4lVS_3cV76V72OqdnsJ9icfbPAr5Kg/s600/start+you+engines+_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIp6Iu10TQgzIo9dKOj_aRofcWPZ9-nwv7IVxhFjd8KPvz28_msmDSwnbcmjL7oIYD_ZjvHNd8QUc7dGPc-xYCKolmPVGeRk6zNoXx1V0ievhRT4lVS_3cV76V72OqdnsJ9icfbPAr5Kg/s16000/start+you+engines+_1.png" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"> Are you ready?</h2><p></p><p>The season is about to begin. It has been a long time coming but it is finally here. Are you ready?</p><p>What exactly does that mean? Are your machines ready for all the action about to happen? Let's go over what you should be doing now so you are ready for all the orders that are coming your way.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Check under the hood.</h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">Conveyor ovens</h4><div>Your curing system is the most important machine in the building. You can print in any number of ways. But getting a shirt cured has limited resources. So keep your conveyor ovens at optimal performance levels. How do you do that?</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Clean it. Yes, it is the most important thing. Get all the fuzz off of it and out of the control panel and fan systems. The biggest reason for oven failure is overheating due to lint build up and fan functionality. So get out the shop vac, open the control panel and clean it out.</li><li>Replace stuff. We understand that in low times, the cost of replacement parts can seem prohibitive. However, if you are down during the busy times due to lack of maintenance, the cost to the business is higher. Cooling fans, old drive motors and dirty or torn conveyor belts are quick to change and will reduce down time during high volume months.</li><li>Have commons part parts on hand. Some items are low cost and quick change. Having these items on hand will lower any downtime. Relays, heater connectors, fans and fuses are small and inexpensive. These are highly recommended to stock on your shelf.</li><li>Check out the drive system. Worn sprockets and chains will cause power spikes that will damage a motor control. This will double your replacement cost.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">Automatic printer</h4></div><div>Unless you want to manually pull a squeegee on the long run you have, you should spend a little time making sure that your Electraprint is running well. There is a reason that it asks every time it turns on, "Have your greased me today". It is important that all the moving parts on the machine have lithium grease applied and lint removed. This includes squeegee carriages, head side rails, cheese wheels and lift mechanisms. There are a few other items on the press to check.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Squeegees and floodbars need to be sharp and smooth. No nicks or dull edges. </li><li>Have some extra squeegees because color changes just slow you down. A squeegee for each color group is a great investment.</li><li>Platens are clean and the rubber coating doesn't have bubbles or tears. A great print happens on a flat, smooth surface. Don't skip on the basics.</li><li>Chains and motors and sprockets do wear. These are what drive the print heads. Check now while you have time for a sprocket change.</li><li>Clean it up. Seriously, clean shirts come off clean printers. And it is the cheapest way to keep a press run smoothly.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">What should be in on your parts shelf in case of a pit stop?</h3></div><div>Each machine has some essential items that cannot be bypassed. And many of these are inexpensive so having them immediately available is like having a spare set of tires ready when the car rolls into the pit.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Dryers</h4><div>This is all about moving electricity. Simple parts will keep an oven rolling until bigger items can arrive. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fuses or panel breakers</li><li>Power breakers</li><li>Relays</li><li>Terminal blocks for older heat chambers</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: left;">ElectraPrint Automatics</h4></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Photo eyes -- there are a couple of types, so have one of each</li><li>Safety switches</li><li>Flash controls</li><li>Head cable set</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">What tools are needed for the pit stops.</h3></div><div>It surprises us often that many of our customers own industrial equipment but do not think to have a basic tool box anywhere in their shop. This does not need to be an extensive set of tools, but some basics are needed to keep a shop rolling through a pit stop.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Open end wrench set</li><li>Socket set </li><li>Screwdriver set</li><li>Nut driver with 1/4" socket</li><li>Basic multi meter. Our phone techs can teach you to use one, but they are really handy when working on anything electrical.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">So get ready to race.</h3></div><div>Order some inks, get your screens stripped and coated and set out your print stations. There is business in the air and the race to the finish will be a wild one. Let's not have any crashes into the wall. We will all get to the finish line. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-75758332224943271032021-01-14T12:08:00.000-08:002021-01-14T12:08:10.219-08:00DragonAir Crimson engineered for DTG production<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='325' height='270' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynyog1JUAjpDwrMUmldDGJpZD6SeZwH6reetQ8g6PcddhGGE26jPkxDDn5F4io07DGGbkxrW1EtZvGNCYLoA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p>We are SO EXCITED. The <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/crimson.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Crimson</a> oven is fresh out of design and through production and is into DTG print shops throughout the US as well as globally. Our engineering team dug deep to get this done and the design is a winner. It addresses all the technical requirements for curing DTG inks and incorporates them into a machine constructed for low volume, high quality production.</p><p>Though small on size, this machine is packed with features that are essential. Direct-to-garment printing uses pretreat solution and ink that requires high volume air flow and stabilized heat. In a short chamber, the garment needs an additional boost to get the cure needed. These parameters were used to engineer this machine from the ground up just to meet the needs of DTG low volume production.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Major control features</h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/crimson.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="DragonAir Crimson" border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="464" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu14bBN12PHfIwwqadO1TF3A3XQjNqumcatijfbMghFQDKZsm0mkH8BjvEF4qhqr9PD0kQH9saeuZ_sMOlS7wjMGFFM0axwRsubYVGQ5Qa7K-9utsWYCGdACyy1trsz_6cA3I7fvbKpE/w320-h245/DC2406%25400.1x.jpg" title="DragonAir Crimson" width="320" /></a></div>The Crimson comes equipped with many features that professional DTG printers know are needed. Starting at the control systems, this unit includes digital temperature control on the main chamber. This reads the temperature at belt height and regulates cal-rod style heaters for optimal control. These heaters are also have indicator lights for quick and easy verification of function.</div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, the Crimson includes a heat bump on the front of the heat chamber. These quartz heaters are controlled separately from the main chamber and are monitored with indicator lights. This allows rapid response to garment temperature requirements and quick heat build of product for faster production. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYJ8tu-mWKOkdnaU22bFTkwgy9YpBL5pjv6FqFqUI0ZDvMCUI84-5y19eXisHvfVQV3iYq1Zuj4ZVyePdtDF4erOsJdtZ6w1Iwfht_ihkJriUEKVGC8WqfaMFq-Bie8moJw34-TAh2AI/s1110/DAC+core.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1110" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYJ8tu-mWKOkdnaU22bFTkwgy9YpBL5pjv6FqFqUI0ZDvMCUI84-5y19eXisHvfVQV3iYq1Zuj4ZVyePdtDF4erOsJdtZ6w1Iwfht_ihkJriUEKVGC8WqfaMFq-Bie8moJw34-TAh2AI/w320-h230/DAC+core.png" width="320" /></a></div>The air requirements of DTG inks are serviced by the variable air speed control. DragonAir Core Technology circulates hot air around the heaters and onto the belt for rapid evacuation of water. This air can be quickly adjusted to match a garment's specifications. Also, the discharge from the garment can be funneled through the heavily insulated air box on the end of the chamber. This is designed to connect to the exhaust system of a production shop and to contain the water vapor to exit from one location.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">Construction features</h2><div>The heat controls combine with a variable speed belt to give the operator a wide range of curing options. This speed control is connected to a heavy-duty drive train designed with long lasting durability. Crowned rollers making belt tracking simple and adjustable baffles are used to shield internal temperature from external influences. All of this is packaged nicely on an industrial frame which requires minimal space.</div><div><br /></div><div>The DragonAir Crimson is engineered specifically for DTG low volume production. This small unit is the perfect addition to any small digital facility who is ready to move on from using a transfer press for curing and is looking for a true DTG production machine. </div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-13419435227393370342020-12-15T09:41:00.000-08:002020-12-15T09:41:17.970-08:00Wow, what a year. Big challenges with huge accomplishments.<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcFJVL88BOxR4zt1Jr_GDEznR_sJurphuOehy0xj2JVYUMWZNNgTTU7ECmcjp1unbmlySHA0Es46-jT54IB8C6IyOpPc2f-OTMybCnrJeUc_7Y3t0o-UH9PJJa23BKlufMxrB8ByoOOA/" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcFJVL88BOxR4zt1Jr_GDEznR_sJurphuOehy0xj2JVYUMWZNNgTTU7ECmcjp1unbmlySHA0Es46-jT54IB8C6IyOpPc2f-OTMybCnrJeUc_7Y3t0o-UH9PJJa23BKlufMxrB8ByoOOA/w305-h400/IMG_2733.jpg" width="305" /></a></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"> Seriously, murder hornets?</h2><p></p>We are printing the annual shirt give away for our staff and we wanted to commemorate all that we have accomplished and we referenced all that has encumbered us. 2020 is a year full of challenges. When the list was drawn up, it amazed people that there were so many challenges that they did not remember all of them. And we had to remove some from the list because the list got too long. <p></p><p>However, the important items on this list are the accomplishments. These are made more impressive because it is 2020 but our staff has pulled off some simply amazing things.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="BrownDigital" border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="756" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclR_4U8x8Ni_1nUnxPoX9QAsY754OXR1xeohwi3G5j1GP-Fn2xaI_edMF7COrcc1dFfaNu9NRQh6Z4XxXKQNp2SirqQ82MH2hiiCKGdLZOPovTKEbgEilP3gEYbXTUGL_oqz7ClHeeko/w200-h89/BrownDigital.png" width="200" /></a></p><p>We have a wonderful relationship with <a href="https://brothergtxpro.com" target="_blank">Brother International</a> which benefits the <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> line of machinery such as the <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/synergy-pretreat.html" target="_blank">Synergy</a> and the <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/firefly.html" target="_blank">FireFly</a>. This connection has pushed our engineering and production staff for both problem solving and increased production. They have met the challenge with both faster delivery dates and innovative solutions to production issues. The software for these systems as well as hardware modifications are constantly updating and the assembly staff and engineering have worked diligently together to keep ahead of our customer demands.</p><p>With the Brother connection comes high volume travel for our installers and technicians. During all of the shutdowns and travel restrictions, our staff has moved seamlessly throughout the US and, unbelievably, the world. International travel is difficult but our staff is safe and we are thankful for their efforts and enthusiasm for the project. We are thankful to our customers in Asia for being excellent hosts.</p><p>C1 and C2 will be presented in 2021. The engineering effort for this was Herculean. There is no other way to sum up all that has happened and what we are expecting. However, 2021 will be amazing. Just wait, this one is amazing.</p><p>All of the items list so far are driven by <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/linx-software.html" target="_blank">Linx Control System Integration</a>. BrownDigital machines all host a component of the Linx Suite of software. Each product presented their own tech challenges for both function and user interface. Our software people have written code on the fly, tested in shops, fixed software that was not ours, and taken zillions of service calls. These calls have come at all hours of the day or time zone and our people have responded without complaint.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="www.brownmfg.net" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="589" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHgTZ8Eo6hlrTRZHPXhP_wdMXdmG_6Y0rk-T4CDGiI4tD9JEkveruB355oZlUUXYjofQ9Sqr6Py4PlrmEoA3CE_ahxLcSG_YLrXVU-4ME1Vtk1ExHTPdtha4756eM_XrzzoSBddB9-qI/w200-h144/round_halftone.png" width="200" /></a></div><p><span></span></p><!--more-->Brown is the bread and butter of our business. We could not be where we are without the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/104/electraprint-automatic-textile-printer">ElectraPrint</a> and the <a href="www.brownmfg.net" target="_blank">Brown</a> line of machinery. The Brown product line supports our growth into new industries and into new projects. This group is ever flexible in the daily challenges and fluidity of our production needs. There is diversity in the skills of this crew. New or used, printer or oven, this staff keeps our bills paid and our trucks on the road and our customers happy. <p></p><p><span></span></p><!--more--><br /><p></p><p>Like the entire world, we celebrate the delivery of the first vaccine as it ships from our home town. Western Michigan is a hub of new technology with creative hardworking people that make it all happen. Our new products and the people who design and build it are excited about the future. Almost as excited as we are about this vaccine (well, may the vaccine is a bit bigger). The Brown family and the team of committed people look forward to the new changes that will arrive in 2021.</p>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-13660839008249744092020-11-09T08:54:00.000-08:002020-11-09T08:54:12.870-08:00Used versus Reconditioned. What's the difference?<p>One thing that 2020 has created is opportunity. No, we don't hear that very often right now, but 2020 created expansion in some sectors. The POD (print on demand) market is exploding and that benefits the direct to garment decorator. Masks are a new product all-together with a need for everyone to own many, so corporate branding is essential on these. This benefits both the DTG printer as well as the direct screen printer. </p><p>One other market that is growing is the used equipment market. With the rapid shifting in the global economy, many printers are dumping their current machines due to loss of business or change of direction. These machines are both manual and automatic printers and curing systems for large and small. Much of the local business is still available and new small printers are looking at that opportunity with the idea low overhead by working without store fronts or from home.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Do you buy Used?</h3><div>Used machines are like used cars. They are being sold for a reason. And even when the current owner says, "it ran great yesterday" there are issues. Many times these issues are easily fixed if the cost of the machine is within budget. When buying, each machine type has different functionality to pay attention to.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Manual Printers</h4><div>When looking at manual printers, most things are fixable at reasonable cost. Just make sure the cost of the press is minimal.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Are the platens in good condition?</li><li>How clean is it?</li><li>Do the print heads come down and seat tight within the registration gate? And if not, is the gate adjustable?</li><li>Do the micros work?</li><li>Are the head lifts strong, springs or gas shocks? And if not, are they still available?</li></ul></div><h4>Automatic Printers</h4><div>When looking at auto printers, replacement parts are costlier. Also, if you have never set one up and want a tech, make sure one is available and that you are aware of that cost. Covid-19 has limited travel and increased these prices.</div><div><ul><li>Are the platens in good condition?</li><li>How clean is it?</li><li>Do the print heads come down and seat tight within the registration gate? And if not, is the gate adjustable?</li><li>Do the micros work?</li><li>Are the motors or air cylinders in good condition? This can be a very expensive fix.</li><li>Are there squeegee and floodbar sets?</li><li>Does the flash work and what power is required?</li><li>If this is an air driven machine, do you have the power to run the compressor?</li></ul></div><div><h4>Curing Systems</h4><div>Dryers are the mainstay of production. Used ones are available everywhere. And these are tricky to determine if they are fully functioning.</div><div><ul><li>How clean is it?</li><li>Do all the heaters turn on?</li><li>Does the belt run and how old is the drive assembly?</li><li>What is the condition of the belt?</li><li>Does the air system function?</li><li>Does the oven have digital controls? If so, these are more expensive to repair.</li><li>Is this manufacturer still in business? If not, replacement heaters will be difficult to find.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">What does Reconditioned mean and is it worth the cost difference?</h3><div>Reconditioned machinery from Brown has been inspected from top to bottom. We will admit that we do not clean used machines as we do not want to charge for labor that the end customer can do themselves. However, all machines are inspected and repaired for all specifications. Parts that are marginal are replaced. Wiring in all ovens is inspected and replaced, if necessary, through the heater rack and into the controls. Heaters and motors are replaced if they are not functioning. Control panels are rewired and updated to current technology. </div><div><br /></div><div>What is all of this worth? That is up to the buyer. Our machines are more money than used ones. However, we know they will work when you get them and Brown provides a 30 day warranty on the complete machine as well as a 1 year on any item we replaced. That is a reassurance that pays off in production time and your potential profits.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking at a used machine, contact us to see if that machine is priced where it should be. Ask us for the potential repair parts costs. And then see if we have a comparable item that is reconditioned. You can determine what value that is to you But we believe that downtime costs more than any up-charge of refurbished.</div><br /></div></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-55487314470172559602020-09-28T08:18:00.004-07:002020-09-28T08:18:39.451-07:00The new marketplace economy, does it apply to all sectors?<p style="text-align: left;"> In our whirlwind of 2020, everyone is adapting. On demand commerce is bigger than ever. One-off garment demand has not slowed. And now Amazon is in the mix with their latest addition. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://magazine.promomarketing.com/article/merch-by-amazon-new-facility-buys-400-million-digital-printing/" target="_blank">Amazon to Buy $400M in Kornit Digital Printing Equipment, Open New Merch by Amazon Facility</a></h3></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">Our <a href="www.brownmfgdigital.com" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> line of machinery is a solution for a production issue within DTG printing and Brown has benefited from the on-demand increase. However, our smaller community printers have been highly impacted. Their business is face-to-face and relies on local events, schools and tourism. Thanks for the gradual reopening in some states we are seeing those customers printing again. They have gotten a small boost from the mask mandates and this is a new product line for many of them. <a href="www.brownmfg.net" target="_blank">Brown's</a> new <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/551/mask-attachment" target="_blank">mask platen</a> is a nice solution to making this a profitable product.</p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the largest issues that has affected industrial goods is how to show people what is available. Trade shows have become virtual. Online video presentations do a nice job. But, like buying any large item, many people would prefer to personally see an item run. As an example, in a recent car purchase there were 2 vehicles. They were the same cars, only a sedan versus a hatchback. They were similar mileage and the same age and the same price. The hatchback would have been preferred and if we could only have purchased sight unseen it is what we would have chosen. However, we were able to drive both and the sedan was a better choice. So when selling large ticket items, most people would prefer to see what they are buying.</p><p>Brown and BrownDigital have spent time establishing customer connections so that there is confidence that what we manufacture is well designed and will be well supported. However, we are looking forward to in-person sales events. Contracts for these events are signed and we know that the hosts are spending time creating a safe environment for visitors. But will they come?</p><p>The pondering of this whole conversation is how to move either back to in-person sales events or how to present large ticket items in a remote world. As time passes and more time becomes available, Brown will be presenting more video information for both new items and repair tips. Let us know what you would like to see.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><blockquote><p> </p></blockquote>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-90724124913125150872020-07-20T09:56:00.000-07:002020-07-20T09:56:14.172-07:00Who's hot! Reading the field.After spending a weekend watching lacrosse games, I was impressed by the goalies and the communication on the field. We all know that the team who communicates the best has a higher chance of winning. This communication gives direction for both the offense and the defense. But what really caught my attention is how relevant this process is to our current climate. There is a phrase that I have only heard on the lacrosse field. <b>"Who's Hot".</b> <h3 style="text-align: left;">Who's hot</h3><div>This is a shout out from a goalie to look for the shooter. Because that information can change rapidly on a field the team must adjust to the fast changing situation. Isn't that the same in selling and reacting to customer needs? A few months ago we would have said that the spring sports and tourism market was next to be hot. We geared up for teams and beaches, for school camps and 5k runs. But none of that happened. </div><div><br /></div><div>What did happen was an explosion of digital printing on par with Black Friday. And it did not let up. Those who answered the call for on-demand production, they are working huge hours to keep up with demand. They would not have foreseen this would be one of the top volume quarters in the year. What they need to consider is whether there are tools to manage these orders that will make the process smooth from web order to shipping. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other explosion was the requirement for masks. The mandates that have been issued have made these standard attire and customization is a massive opportunity. Large orders with corporate logos or small orders for bars and restaurants are flooding in. Attachments that will hold these items without spray adhesive are necessary. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tools to respond to the call.</h3><p style="text-align: left;">On the sports field, the defensive players slide and rotate to block any shot but the offense is constantly moving the ball for the best shot at the goalie. And in this ever changing global situation, decorators must do the same. We cannot be defenders and hope to ride it out. We must be on the offense looking for any opportunity to capture our market share. So we need the best tools available.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">On-demand printing tools</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWwcZgq62SwC1yItorFALCvS6YEMWUNRbSSf_xb3-Zixd_WtMIUgiseXYGVsHUP3ggp12J930knzv3iyaFQ64cn803_1x9UDz6iJj3hV6Oe8ElaaOodcCMSJom01MuLR6_FKkTJH0e-w/s600/Lynx_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWwcZgq62SwC1yItorFALCvS6YEMWUNRbSSf_xb3-Zixd_WtMIUgiseXYGVsHUP3ggp12J930knzv3iyaFQ64cn803_1x9UDz6iJj3hV6Oe8ElaaOodcCMSJom01MuLR6_FKkTJH0e-w/s320/Lynx_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/linx-software.html" target="_blank">Linx</a> is a production management software that connects your online store through your art room and onto your DTG devices. It moves those products into ShipStation and allows tracking of orders from beginning to end with file conversion and a rules engine to manage print and cure parameters. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Mask Printing</h4><div>The mandates for masks has taken this once disposable product and put it into the mainstay of fashion. Corporate logos, fancy pattern, political causes and many other designs are in hot demand. However, many of these masks are 2-ply and they cannot be held to the platen with adhesive. Additionally, who wants to put adhesive on their face. So a <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/551/mask-attachment" target="_blank">2-ply hold down</a> for manual or automatic presses is a necessity.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfItNIScKYzhsDlVgZgIGE1uRYbffhQgXor0ZPjpy8iSw4WO1on0mGIt8qy9yvTrUj2tg-P6EgHeZw4NtQeA41s0Gl8VpCj-wt1ZKztQHT-stMnbr01_QB55QJwTgltX1EcI2Pi_nPnpQ/s2048/maskplaten.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfItNIScKYzhsDlVgZgIGE1uRYbffhQgXor0ZPjpy8iSw4WO1on0mGIt8qy9yvTrUj2tg-P6EgHeZw4NtQeA41s0Gl8VpCj-wt1ZKztQHT-stMnbr01_QB55QJwTgltX1EcI2Pi_nPnpQ/s320/maskplaten.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/551/mask-attachment" target="_blank">2-ply Mask hold down</a></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Who's Hot</h2><div>This is not a question of temperature in the room but a question of "are we taking advantage of the opportunities that are presenting themselves". Do we have our best people with the right tools to get this done. The winning lacrosse team creates opening for the hottest shooter. Pick the tool best to help your move forward in the current climate. Potential sales are there if your team keeps eyes open and connects together to take advantage of what is available on the field.</div><div><br /></div>BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-82738436736401058022020-05-13T09:31:00.002-07:002020-05-13T09:31:33.394-07:00Linx software is a solution for production management Orders come in and orders go out. In many shops that means that there are pieces of paper following that order through all through the production process. Some shops place those in plastic protective sleeves to keep them from flying about, but most just stack them on top of shirt piles and move them along with the goods. With today's technology, why would anyone do that? Because, it has always been done that way and it works. Most of the time.<br />
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But there must be something better.<br />
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<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/linx-software.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="600" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWwcZgq62SwC1yItorFALCvS6YEMWUNRbSSf_xb3-Zixd_WtMIUgiseXYGVsHUP3ggp12J930knzv3iyaFQ64cn803_1x9UDz6iJj3hV6Oe8ElaaOodcCMSJom01MuLR6_FKkTJH0e-w/s320/Lynx_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok, sounds catchy. But what does it do?<br />
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<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/linx-software.html" target="_blank">Linx</a> is a production management software that pulls orders from your online site, sends them to preset stations and pushes them into shipping. The only thing that is printed is a barcode sticker that is attached to the garment. It gives all departments including the artist, purchasing, production and shipping access to the order with the ability to sort all orders by the information that is relevant to that department.<br />
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The Linx app keeps all departments connected and can be integrated into most parts of the imprintables industry. This system can be connected to DTG, laser engravers, plotters, and many other decorating operations. </div>
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With this available, why would you want all that paper?</div>
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<br />BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-79012526221766015362020-02-24T10:09:00.000-08:002020-02-24T10:09:20.496-08:00Set-n-Go. Go where? No, go faster.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv4mviWci5U8VWFLfvId7ADEwaR3UMZnwDja0jhuiHNqssQ7voHzOjrKoE4_JJEbCOjmC6DLPi2tw-_SrkiciQrZUiWsELkYmPZx_MtYTY2ZPbd-nLdEymUbJHY5b4cOcGP_bW49Ux5c/s1600/set_n_go.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="85" data-original-width="534" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv4mviWci5U8VWFLfvId7ADEwaR3UMZnwDja0jhuiHNqssQ7voHzOjrKoE4_JJEbCOjmC6DLPi2tw-_SrkiciQrZUiWsELkYmPZx_MtYTY2ZPbd-nLdEymUbJHY5b4cOcGP_bW49Ux5c/s320/set_n_go.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every manufacturer of printing equipment touts a pre-registration system. This is not one of those "do you want fries with this" kind of items. It is a serious tool and we think that it is a necessary piece of equipment whether you are printing manually or on an automatic. Old school printers and many do-it-yourselfers will say that this is unnecessary because they are so fast in set up, but experts disagree. These systems have gotten so elaborate that you can purchase printers to put the art exactly on a screen so that press registration upon set up is perfect. These high end systems would not be developed if they did not have major benefits that offset the costs. They will cut your screen set up time on a multi-color job down to 5 minutes.</div>
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Time is money</h3>
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Speed and accuracy, my friend. Speed and accuracy. Hypothetically, if artwork were always placed in the exact same spot. If screens were loaded into the press in the exact same spot. If artists registered the art to the final garment each time. Then job set up would be so perfect that press adjustments would not happen. Imagine the speed.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Little to no micro or macro adjustment of the press</li>
<li>no platen adjustment</li>
<li>no checking of the artwork location on the garment and adjusting to fit</li>
<li>straight prints all the time without hassle</li>
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Yes, some of you will say that you never do any of these things. Seriously, we know you do. That is why we put all of these adjustments on a press. However, we know that all of these adjustments will cause set up for every multi-color job to be a minimum of 15 minutes. </div>
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How does it help?</h3>
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By starting back at the art department, a set of predefined art locations will cause the artwork to land on the correct location on each garment without adjusting the platen or the garment upon load. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmfubbv37O0GSk-d0ZFzt3fvi-yCjps_jiN12cQ3NWnNWA7ZoRslckQ9KccW96i8BOAuEi5E5Zr-UrMJT8YS9Ns_W5d1BtdMBSHm4HQyXa08f21sFdkuSzJ9fPQle5DrVj1QLELO0MWk/s1600/horizon+line.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="60" data-original-width="867" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmfubbv37O0GSk-d0ZFzt3fvi-yCjps_jiN12cQ3NWnNWA7ZoRslckQ9KccW96i8BOAuEi5E5Zr-UrMJT8YS9Ns_W5d1BtdMBSHm4HQyXa08f21sFdkuSzJ9fPQle5DrVj1QLELO0MWk/s640/horizon+line.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If the Horizon line of your artwork represents the collar of the garment, the the artist has a good starting point of knowing where to place the art. General rule is that there is a 3" gap between the collar and the top of the art. Also, if the Horizon line is also the top edge of the platen on the press, then you can say that all garments load so that the collar just falls off the platen. If the artist and the printer match, then the operator only needs to load the screens a to the preset stops and the platen will not need adjustment. This is the same for all art locations. Preset the location of the pocket or the back print and allow the collar to always just fall off the shirt board. This simple rule of preregistration systems saves time on every job. No more guessing of platen location. No testing of shirt load location. No wondering this run will match the previous run of the same job.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaRJB0kk0sbML9_2wBIsXSDGJWjllRQgyyw4NyHm_x0y26RdioSDznbFttHQ7zXKCE10cpG_EKk3HY7FAArO2krD5utacqs-5NAcDCGcZyhsX2LJyIkfVCOvGRlNYiTnNDv8zk7VH4iI/s1600/set_n_go_combo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaRJB0kk0sbML9_2wBIsXSDGJWjllRQgyyw4NyHm_x0y26RdioSDznbFttHQ7zXKCE10cpG_EKk3HY7FAArO2krD5utacqs-5NAcDCGcZyhsX2LJyIkfVCOvGRlNYiTnNDv8zk7VH4iI/s320/set_n_go_combo.gif" width="320" /></a>How do you get the screens exposed correctly. </h3>
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Let's think through the next steps of the process. The artwork comes from the art room with horizon lines and registration marks on each film. The platens are fixed in location. Now if every screen is burned using a fixture that matches a fixture on press, then set up is a breeze. And by fixture, we do not mean a t-square. We are looking to speed things up, not slow them down.</div>
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The screens go on a jig, the art matches the jig. Process the screens and then load them against the jig that is on the press. Sounds clean and simple, right? Ok, let's slow this down and list this out. The artwork is set against a standard registration template so that template should be affixed to the screen box. In some systems, there are pins that the artwork sits on. In some, the fixtures are on the exposure glass. In ours, the template is adhered to the yellow box. The screen seats agains the guide pins and then the art is taped on while matching the template.</div>
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Once the screen has been processed, the screen is set into the press against a guide pin bracket. This bracket flips down so that it stays on the press but is out of the way of the operator. Check out this video for a quick "how it's done".</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YL_QFz3ebpY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YL_QFz3ebpY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Yes there will be some short term time spent on learning new steps. However, if the press set up time drops to under 5 minutes, then the value of the system is justified. The faster we move a job through the shop the higher the profits.</div>
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BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-20954653191853600212019-12-24T06:59:00.001-08:002019-12-24T06:59:48.287-08:00Proud to be recognizedWow, what a whirlwind. We are already to chestnuts roasting and new year's parties. Where did the year go? Some years we reflect on the solidity of the market or of certain product lines and are thankful for the consistency of our long term customer base. This year, we are thankful for all of this plus the new markets that have expanded our customer base. While our <a href="http://www.brownmfg.net/" target="_blank">Brown</a> machine line has stayed consistent and strong, the <a href="http://www.brownmfgdigital.com/" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> of machinery and software has opened new possibilities. But, what additional benefits are derived from the expansion of our business?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVz0Ox2iITcZ-mL3UZNVFObS99mde8SWximI5bUoKbzACh2C0owNdREmuF9o7Wrd9uS8j1rR9koeYy-M8Q-P1UyYoWAl-7bDY9LGmlyCh_X-iRWOU0JQrhJBCEhxGj4AKDmGA2SrXGMo/s1600/DSC_0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVz0Ox2iITcZ-mL3UZNVFObS99mde8SWximI5bUoKbzACh2C0owNdREmuF9o7Wrd9uS8j1rR9koeYy-M8Q-P1UyYoWAl-7bDY9LGmlyCh_X-iRWOU0JQrhJBCEhxGj4AKDmGA2SrXGMo/s640/DSC_0292.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MMI Awards banquet </td></tr>
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Brown Manufacturing was recognized as the 2019 Business Partner of the year for <a href="http://www.mmionline.com/" target="_blank">Mid Michigan Industries</a>. <div>
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<span style="background-color: #e5e5e5; caret-color: rgb(48, 48, 48); color: #303030; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">MMI provides jobs and training for individuals with barriers to employment in six Michigan counties and is a leading employer in the central Michigan area. We are also one of the largest community rehabilitation providers in Michigan.</span></blockquote>
Brown was responsible for full time employment of 11 individuals with disabilities. These people manufactured and assembled small components of the machines in the Brown and BrownDigital lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnSRT6tWHGCBlOBGB01V2Ouc0wHAJakaR-0dx7cmJgGyXqBlzUaJyOkgXt63bslXT8NylWgLT3-7Q83wQV1srj3Uo2I9jLICup_zz1Mrf78VjMY0V5Jdxle3kMIWVm-SEchyphenhyphenNPUdFDr8/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnSRT6tWHGCBlOBGB01V2Ouc0wHAJakaR-0dx7cmJgGyXqBlzUaJyOkgXt63bslXT8NylWgLT3-7Q83wQV1srj3Uo2I9jLICup_zz1Mrf78VjMY0V5Jdxle3kMIWVm-SEchyphenhyphenNPUdFDr8/s400/images.png" /></a>So while we are excited to share our product line advancements and our new marketing directives, we are most proud of how we help our community. In the first week of June we donate machinery and prepared screens to the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts. This is the largest all volunteer festival in the country and it celebrates all of the art forms that are in our community. This partnership with Brown has lasted 20+ years and we look forward to 2020.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbSTc-2r9-ANkoMs7udBr3SF3lNZSYPduS0daZxy2A7ZWTSXQlGCgdCCz4s2ip0NikAlbRQ0LJ8_aXalRohnFI4MENQypPwQ740CtNa2zVketF7_x4zXmNz3hTGYdQpWLrB-rrVKsPNE/s1600/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbSTc-2r9-ANkoMs7udBr3SF3lNZSYPduS0daZxy2A7ZWTSXQlGCgdCCz4s2ip0NikAlbRQ0LJ8_aXalRohnFI4MENQypPwQ740CtNa2zVketF7_x4zXmNz3hTGYdQpWLrB-rrVKsPNE/s200/image.png" width="200" /></a>At Thanksgiving, the Brown family members participate in the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot. Like others in the country, this one is a fundraiser for our inter-city public schools. This annual fundraiser has over 4000 participants and proceeds benefit after school athletics for about 6,000 K-12 students. In 2018 more than $80,000 was raised.<br />
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It is a primary element of the our family business that we cross train workers so that they benefit from acquiring new skills. All of our staff build multiple types of machines and learn everything from assembly to welding, powder coating to screen making, building maintenance to machine crating. It is this diversity of skills and appreciation of hard work that keeps people at Brown for years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1ybHSZIIwVCLi8hBgn0iY7P0DnyX_cSf9aYShxdx4Qc1E8ov_tBMisH7ksq-dp0hrpU_o24ut_xBgAAsXtbJD-g4y8g8V1ho37f8oWY17BvXhSk8tBuoWbNt3bGmnF8X54Nr5OkBFzc/s1600/DSC_0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1ybHSZIIwVCLi8hBgn0iY7P0DnyX_cSf9aYShxdx4Qc1E8ov_tBMisH7ksq-dp0hrpU_o24ut_xBgAAsXtbJD-g4y8g8V1ho37f8oWY17BvXhSk8tBuoWbNt3bGmnF8X54Nr5OkBFzc/s320/DSC_0268.jpg" width="320" /></a>We look forward to the growth of 2020 and the opportunities that will allow Brown to give back to our community and our people.<br />
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For more information on our product line, please look at <a href="http://www.brownmfg.net/" target="_blank">Brown Mfg</a> and<a href="http://www.brownmfgdigital.com/" target="_blank"> BrownDigital</a>. <a href="mailto:sales@brownmfg.net" target="_blank">Let us know</a> any questions you have about or products or these local events.<br />
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BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-25737132310237018632019-11-15T09:18:00.000-08:002019-11-15T09:18:35.407-08:00DTG curing for community printers<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/index.html" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> offers some amazing machines for large volume DTG producers. Between the <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/firefly.html" target="_blank">FireFly</a>, the <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/griffin.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Griffin</a> curing systems and the <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/synergy-pretreat.html" target="_blank">Synergy</a> pretreated production capacity is high and expandable. These systems provide high quality finished goods as well as volume which have made them mainstays in these shops.<br />
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But what is available for the smaller or community producer who needs to be faster than a heat press allows? Or one who would like to increase their quality to satisfy a higher lever customer? BrownDigital offers curing systems for those DTG printers as well. <br />
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<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/fire.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Fire</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgcOQ3b0s5I3WGRitAcNx0uGyixKiWwWtBwEFiiKF0iKftWyM7KZ-h-2Xem-GuzucqJbKoseDgMXAavQYBvdVw03IO6FFsIuiFzBv3RdsGkF4A7nN35XloG5MxiFDH2WK1sEJckpO8MA/s1600/dag4811_1_cmyk_r1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgcOQ3b0s5I3WGRitAcNx0uGyixKiWwWtBwEFiiKF0iKftWyM7KZ-h-2Xem-GuzucqJbKoseDgMXAavQYBvdVw03IO6FFsIuiFzBv3RdsGkF4A7nN35XloG5MxiFDH2WK1sEJckpO8MA/s640/dag4811_1_cmyk_r1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/fire.html" target="_blank">DAF-3611 DragonAir Fire (aka Black Dragon)</a></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/fire.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Fire</a> is offered in a 36" x 11' configuration. Standard features include:<br />
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<li>DragonAir Core Technology</li>
<li>TRX software for control of all curing variables </li>
<li>Adjustable heater height</li>
<li>Adjustable convection air</li>
<li>Digital belt speed control</li>
<li>8" heat bump with adjustable temperature control</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_1BWm2RBAIYjmrRhTfZAKuHJHXzDvqwcIRuu7OrcuocdfaizVRo2lKRWKMhQPhNKdI5FDqmsOBVVOZ9hLWBVIZzJfsgsc1_jzNno-nIS1xwfhvRbQKLmY2tTNQIq0xAKzhFhq6b8WC0/s1600/DA-core_r2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_1BWm2RBAIYjmrRhTfZAKuHJHXzDvqwcIRuu7OrcuocdfaizVRo2lKRWKMhQPhNKdI5FDqmsOBVVOZ9hLWBVIZzJfsgsc1_jzNno-nIS1xwfhvRbQKLmY2tTNQIq0xAKzhFhq6b8WC0/s640/DA-core_r2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DragonAir Core Technology </td></tr>
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The DragonAir Core for this system features air that circulates within the heated chamber and is scrubbed with filters. The water vapor is exhausted from the chamber to increase the cure rate. Adjustable heaters allows for different substrates and different ink density.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBPKU81q4lGZvqFkp8jh9YKuNFUH6PozityFlOSA8pi7J9v2tZ0e9i8aseajfciaHMvZX5f3sDLJqoPYtnmDm32gOtSoHVvX5e32HgcZpFUS9Ny8__rPToIusUDoDJFurcZmuXtcLtS8/s1600/MaintTRXScreen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBPKU81q4lGZvqFkp8jh9YKuNFUH6PozityFlOSA8pi7J9v2tZ0e9i8aseajfciaHMvZX5f3sDLJqoPYtnmDm32gOtSoHVvX5e32HgcZpFUS9Ny8__rPToIusUDoDJFurcZmuXtcLtS8/s320/MaintTRXScreen.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TRX Main Running Screen</td></tr>
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The software feature on the Fire is one that sets this apart. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Storage of up to 36 production profiles</li>
<li>Touchscreen adjustment of all variables of garment cure</li>
<li>Analytics of production costs </li>
<li>Storage of up to 18 maintenance tasks</li>
<li>On board diagnostics</li>
<li>much, much more</li>
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<h3>
<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/crimson.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Crimson</a></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlNOab2eBNOtkq7B6_a5KIqOh2Q0sav3ChtekBmzlNl-3dANspbo1LKzBBEvaWPhQRy0Kiwu_UkWanjk5KJHUh5HDbhMfE2NH3rpwpMF9kcTSFfdyLXvx1tIYW_4J3jyF-BMCCJ0cHHo/s1600/crimson_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlNOab2eBNOtkq7B6_a5KIqOh2Q0sav3ChtekBmzlNl-3dANspbo1LKzBBEvaWPhQRy0Kiwu_UkWanjk5KJHUh5HDbhMfE2NH3rpwpMF9kcTSFfdyLXvx1tIYW_4J3jyF-BMCCJ0cHHo/s640/crimson_1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/crimson.html" target="_blank">DAC 2406 DragonAir Crimson</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzHRODha33RpBoXa4973NUYNch9lVeZhYiPP9rNdcJxaooIZ5sJGpsU7m0dWnQ7OWmy_SQe17okTrjzTrFPRiA3A1vd141_jo4w2lRmmKW9Uir0PxnWJQQ9Y3S0ritLozjKsJbc8oIR8/s1600/crimson+core.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1110" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzHRODha33RpBoXa4973NUYNch9lVeZhYiPP9rNdcJxaooIZ5sJGpsU7m0dWnQ7OWmy_SQe17okTrjzTrFPRiA3A1vd141_jo4w2lRmmKW9Uir0PxnWJQQ9Y3S0ritLozjKsJbc8oIR8/s320/crimson+core.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This baby dragon is new to the BrownDigital product line. Offered with a 24" wide by 6' long belt, it can be expanded by adding additional chamber. It offers the main feature of DragonAir Core Technology at a cost that is appropriate for smaller shops. Hot air is recirculated through the chamber to cure both DTG inks and pretreat. </div>
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<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/crimson.html" target="_blank">Crimson</a> Features include:</div>
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<ul>
<li>DragonAir Core Technology</li>
<li>Digital temperature control</li>
<li>4" heat bump with temperature adjustment</li>
<li>Adjustable convection air</li>
</ul>
<h3>
<a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/index.html" target="_blank">Is DTG for you?</a></h3>
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So if you have one digital printer or many <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/index.html" target="_blank">BrownDigital</a> can improve your production flow with a curing system that is within your price range, production requirements and space restrictions. Contact us to talk about which system is best for your bottom line.</div>
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BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-38115958302285719312019-10-15T09:44:00.000-07:002019-10-15T09:44:11.443-07:00DTG curing systems are different, and need to be.<h2>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">Not your grandpa's </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">t-shirt</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"> dryer</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-u-1bbynmEXmVa-FXlLfA3OjiWdjpKljrY8fZo_AqGfNi3RyLvWv6MZKu6qXmnQGvxQg0J-77XKXFLuGbpA62gk4okvPlxwEzceZO7rnkbiMMnNdyzmQsG09Uiz_-T2iiK_oylBlst8/s1600/Brother_GTX_Red-Shirt_RGB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1024" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-u-1bbynmEXmVa-FXlLfA3OjiWdjpKljrY8fZo_AqGfNi3RyLvWv6MZKu6qXmnQGvxQg0J-77XKXFLuGbpA62gk4okvPlxwEzceZO7rnkbiMMnNdyzmQsG09Uiz_-T2iiK_oylBlst8/s200/Brother_GTX_Red-Shirt_RGB.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.1px;">Digital printing is a specialty market requiring a new way of thinking. Rapid production of low volume, high quality graphics is necessary to produce high profits. The DTG printing process is different than traditional decorating. The chemistry of the inks and pretreat require new curing temperatures and times. They </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">also need a different type of cure. Traditional IR heat with a little moving air just doesn't do the job. This technology is designed for plastisol and, though it can be used for DTG, it will not give the best results.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">So what's different?</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><br /></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Let's start with pretreat. What is it? </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Pretreat is a sticky liquid that mattes the fibers into the garment to create a flat, smooth surface for printing. Most pretreat needs to be sprayed onto the garment and then heat pressed to get the best results. This process is slow but effective. Conveyor ovens, if designed for the job, offer a faster process with fewer operators. Pretreat needs heat and air. Evaporation is essential. So, convection heat is optimal. The garment still needs a 3 second press after exiting the oven to flatten the fibers. What a convection oven offers is less standing around for the operator.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Now the ink. Water based and white under base passes make this more complicated.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; letter-spacing: 0.1px;">Water based inks need lots of air flow and time in the </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">chamber. Water is slow to evaporate and the chamber needs to evacuate the water without pulling out the heat. Temperatures are lower than plastisol but times are longer. Traditional ovens boil the water out with direct heat and evacuate the air with standard exhaust. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">The white under base, which can have multiple passes also needs to get the water evacuated. This increases the time in chamber but the top color passes cannot handle the extra heat, so convection air is the optimal solution as the garment temperature stays more stable.</span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Why not use what you have?</span></span></h3>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN-eCCulHN1sxRvRYRHl8wZ4d-BibNas3hAK9XhSPBklK81SaoL4GAI7LMHVT0hQhiyyyLVqaGkx-IZ1J8y3xJrCoFf3QosLMJUzS2p7cQ-qn-xwcCMfdUMPe8ZalOZNZ5bzJbPT3hKE/s1600/dryer_header.gif" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">You can. And we sell ovens that will work if that is your best plan. Yes, the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/260/trx-series-conveyor-oven" target="_blank">TRX</a>, the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/102/ultrasierra-series-2-electric-conveyor-dryer" target="_blank">UltraSierra X-Series 2</a>, the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/99/airblazer-conveyor-dryer" target="_blank">AirBlazer </a>and the <a href="http://brownmfg.net/p/100/ponydryer" target="_blank">AirPony</a> can cure DTG inks. And they are a lower cost than ovens specific to DTG. So if budget is a concern, our years of experience can help you use plastisol technology for your digital prints. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">However, we do not recommend them. </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Why? You say. </span><i style="font-family: calibri;">No, it's not because we want to sell higher priced stuff.</i><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> It is because the technology to cure plastisol inks is not the same as the tech to cure digital inks. Traditional ovens, like the ones we have been building for over 30 years, are great at what they are designed for. They ramp the temperature of the garment up as they radiate heat directly onto the ink. The ink does not need to evaporate, it needs to cure. Plastisol inks, generally, require a cure at 320°F through the ink film. As</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> long as the full ink film gets to this temperature without scorching the garment, you can go as hot and f</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">ast as possible. Once the plastisol hits temp, it becomes a solid sheet of plastic that is adhered to the garment. So air is a nice feature to reduce hot spots in the oven or to force air into specialty inks like puff. However, it is not needed for cure.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Options?</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Gas ovens are a possibility for both ink types. They are convection systems that sit the garment in hot air and evacuate smoke and steam. However, in order to get to temperature, they need to be large. Most shops do not have the space or budget for these ovens. They also require a large power supply in addition to the natural gas connection. In order for the garment to get to temperature quickly, they often have an IR bump in the beginning of the chamber and this requires 240V power.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
So what do you look for?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Heated air, and lots of it that is contained within a closed system that scrubs and reuses it. Another necessity is a quick blast of heat to bring the garment up to temperature quickly. The fast temp bump will get the garment hot before it sits in the heated air which will speed up the cure time. Additionally, that heat needs to stay in the chamber. So cool external walls will keep the chamber hotter and the work environment cooler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Digital temperature controls are essential. Since garments are in the cure chamber for a longer duration than traditional curing, maintaining the top temperature will speed up cure and avoid scorching. Digital controls maintain chamber temperature ±7°F and this will alleviate any cure concerns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Belt speeds that are slower than traditional plastisol cures are warranted as well. Our pulse generators allow for belt speeds as slow as 99 minutes in the chamber. Plastisol cures are 30 seconds to 2 minutes. DTG needs 2 to 6 minutes depending on passes and the amount of pretreat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">BrownDigital</span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYrlezouM2tua_xT0M5SntmoCLEJdffAZRCqKJawvScL0bIMueSdHrXOtV_t1teNDGn1ic8IeXaA3cot1JEc-GtVUqZhAPujvCMqtUcIGh3Eh16OihjcOcM8K3F3_D_2pmigTogBRqeU/s1600/DA-core_r2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYrlezouM2tua_xT0M5SntmoCLEJdffAZRCqKJawvScL0bIMueSdHrXOtV_t1teNDGn1ic8IeXaA3cot1JEc-GtVUqZhAPujvCMqtUcIGh3Eh16OihjcOcM8K3F3_D_2pmigTogBRqeU/s1600/DA-core_r2.png" /></a></td></tr>
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DragonAir Core Technology</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB-LzgXj0McZXf2AiTQc4IlkIXrsJML3BclH0QzXAGSiq706Jto28lH_LQvRbVchUZxGFcM2CThLMH6jkUpcIKnr5v2CcLe53-FTBRB4vUD4oZDJYf46J03ua_zbJ9km5TIGvJvqxWD0/s1600/crimson_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirB-LzgXj0McZXf2AiTQc4IlkIXrsJML3BclH0QzXAGSiq706Jto28lH_LQvRbVchUZxGFcM2CThLMH6jkUpcIKnr5v2CcLe53-FTBRB4vUD4oZDJYf46J03ua_zbJ9km5TIGvJvqxWD0/s200/crimson_1.png" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">The DragonAir line of curing systems is designed for digital, water-based, plastisol, polyester, and specialty printing for fast paced, high production shops. The DragonAir Core Technology™ ensures consistent and complete curing on all garments.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">The new Crimson Dragon is designed for smaller shops with singular DTG devices. The offer DragonAir Core Technology as well as digital temperature control in a compact footprint. Priced for community printers, this allows a screen print shop to install a small oven just for DTG. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIUYXqjXM9AJIfsn9hAa5X1fWHbdNaj0jeITkBnZfR5SnmiRkbLYZnyraRqIVnw7e0JOh4-PdkPGBh3GBq5IR7DKGqDdJMfmh7yytXdEbqs2zB1AyYnmmL0BUWhS9wGsFux0t2oaREpQ/s1600/dag4811_1_cmyk_r1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIUYXqjXM9AJIfsn9hAa5X1fWHbdNaj0jeITkBnZfR5SnmiRkbLYZnyraRqIVnw7e0JOh4-PdkPGBh3GBq5IR7DKGqDdJMfmh7yytXdEbqs2zB1AyYnmmL0BUWhS9wGsFux0t2oaREpQ/s200/dag4811_1_cmyk_r1.png" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">The <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/fire.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Fire</a> is for larger DTG producers who need additional belt space and are looking for higher end controls. They feature TRX software for full control and storage of up to 18 separate garment profiles.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz5zcW45bMfrB8sP6oR7mICs4ryvT_zwsuoHeXvRUXCVaVLTQgfPM2oS_YXMwdoeobbr7r6fd4iyUORroaEghpmX7dBjFrwxNthU8uSzJFngT9egx_kZxMUDwgO0MUqy0Ncm3y4sqB4A/s1600/griffin_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="600" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz5zcW45bMfrB8sP6oR7mICs4ryvT_zwsuoHeXvRUXCVaVLTQgfPM2oS_YXMwdoeobbr7r6fd4iyUORroaEghpmX7dBjFrwxNthU8uSzJFngT9egx_kZxMUDwgO0MUqy0Ncm3y4sqB4A/s200/griffin_1.png" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/griffin.html" target="_blank">DragonAir Griffin</a> systems are for full DTG producers. Expandable and utilizing TRX software technology, these dragons give flexibility and durability for the ever growing digital market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">The <a href="http://brownmfgdigital.com/firefly.html" target="_blank">FireFly</a> is patented technology that goes one step beyond the Dragon line. This revolutionary system will allow any type of garment to cure through any belt at any time. Thermal imaging cameras monitor and adjust for each garment as it travels through the oven.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7JiovaM4_m6OLpMCbWXQ66HWeqdHKrj0cIThkAGTNWG9nHcqAt7rncB7RXB0LPX25ZI_WqGTHLfqI_aIGV1KnoEJcTXz-c2MJZU_x72H3dbclaV2D2vsk6sadNJoDy_-B1XzCm1DMUE/s1600/2x27-45_1_wht.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7JiovaM4_m6OLpMCbWXQ66HWeqdHKrj0cIThkAGTNWG9nHcqAt7rncB7RXB0LPX25ZI_WqGTHLfqI_aIGV1KnoEJcTXz-c2MJZU_x72H3dbclaV2D2vsk6sadNJoDy_-B1XzCm1DMUE/s320/2x27-45_1_wht.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.10000000149011612px;">Not your grandpa's t-shirt oven because these are not printed on your grandpa's carousel. Advancements in the industry push all of use to create new technologies to accommodate. Look at your production facility and see if old school is still best. It may be, or not.</span></span></div>
BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4175895340170072763.post-58390138027238636662019-08-29T07:01:00.001-07:002019-08-29T07:01:35.303-07:00Preparing for new equipment installationGrowth and expansion in a business is driven by the arrival or hope of new customers and orders. This justifies the cost of new equipment in all levels, whether a new exposure system that allows for faster screen production, a new DTG to expand into new markets or a new automatic press for quicker turn around. This expansion is exciting and trying times and there are some tips for preparation of installation of the new equipment.<br />
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What to expect upon machinery arrival.</h3>
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Depending upon what is coming, a machine may be installed by your own staff or it may need a technician. However, one this is certain. It will arrive on a truck and it will be heavy. It will need planning for the unload and connection. What exactly does that mean ? It means understanding how to get the product off the truck, having a door and path wide enough for the equipment to reach its final location, having utilities and services ready and finally having people on hand to help.</div>
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If it is coming on a commercial carrier.</h4>
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Common carriers, those are the semi-trucks seen on the road, then accommodations need to be made to get the machinery off of the dock high truck and onto your production floor. If your location has a dock, then a pallet-jack is typically sufficient to unload from the truck. If your location does not have a dock, then there are a couple of options. First, a lift gate can be requested. These are an additional cost and additional delivery time. Also, if the crate is larger than a 4' x 4' area, then a lift gate will not be large enough to handle the skid. Second, a fork truck can be rented and the crates can be lifted from the back of the truck to the ground. This rental is typically the same cost as a lift gate. As a final option, a roll back tow truck can meet the carrier and move the crate onto their bed and then lower it to the ground. This is typically economical and most roll back drivers are trained in this process.</div>
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Once the crate is in the shop, equipment must be available to remove the equipment from the crate. This will require people or a fork truck. Smaller machinery can often be lifted with a few people but anything like an embroidery machine or an automatic press will require a fork truck to place the machine into position.</div>
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If it is being delivered by the manufacturer or distributor.</h4>
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Typically, a driver for a manufacturer or distributor will have a plan for getting machinery to the ground and often a plan for placing it into position. However, that installer will need people to help. One person cannot move machinery without additional muscle.</div>
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What should be ready at your location?</h3>
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An installers time is limited, so to get the best use of that time the shop should be completely ready for the product to install. This means that in addition to having a way to move the machinery from the truck to the shop floor, there needs to be a path large enough for this to happen. This could required a ramp up some stairs. It could require a door removed or widened. It could require that other machinery in the shop be shut down and moved temporarily. All of this need to be accomplished before the truck arrives.</div>
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The next item on the list is the arranging of services and utilities. If this machine requires water, air, electricity or gas, or a drain then then need to be set in advance. New ovens, compressors and automatic presses require high voltage and amperage to operate so have those lines available in advance. Compressor air lines should be run before machinery is placed and if the compressor is the new addition, check to see how water will be released from it during maintenance.</div>
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Training is a thing that takes concentration.</h3>
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If the installer is also the trainer, then the staff needs to be prepared to stop production and pay attention. This will reduce issues in the long term and make everything smoother. If the machine is a set up and go, then your staff will still need time to experiment with setting that are best for you production. Exposure times are calculated differently for every shop and emulsion and only recommendations can be offered from the manufacturer. Curing times and temperatures change in each shop, so be prepared to adjust setting and check every job. Set up for manual and auto presses is different with every press. So learning this will take time.</div>
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If you are expecting a new printer or embroidery system, you should have artwork prepared for testing. We do not recommend single color jobs as these do not offer enough challenges to learn the process. But we do not recommend a high end job that you have never printed before. Learning a new machine and a new process at the same time will cause frustration and additional down time. So solid 3 to 4 color work is best.</div>
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Also, do not hold jobs in house waiting for machinery to arrive. Learning a new process with a deadline looming is stressful and leads to trouble. If you have jobs in house that this equipment was purchased for, then either send it out for now or print it how you would have before. Yes, we understand that quick ROI is the hope, but frustration of learning is not going to help. Keep the stress down anyway possible.</div>
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This is exciting, right?</h3>
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Yes, it is. New business and learning new skills is always exciting. Set yourself up for smooth transitions and take breath. Remember the steps. Be prepared for the truck. Be prepared with utilities and services. Be prepared to learn. Don't overload your shop with production delivery dates on new stuff. And have some fun with your new toys.</div>
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BrownMfghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18090205167633761741noreply@blogger.com