#roqout

VOL 2, NO. 2 VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON - APRIL 2015 www.ScreenPrinting.comROQ Press FREE

Premier EditionThe Final Frontier, Forty Millimeter’s New High Caliber Machine, The Grateful ROQ’ers, Keeping The Dust Off

THE FINAL FRONTIERIt’s been two and a half years since we first dropped ROQ equipment into the U.S. and Canadian markets. Since that time, we have seen over one hundred early adopters add a little green to their shops.

When we met them in Portugal, S.ROQUE had already been around in Europe for over thirty years. As a result, their technology pipeline and product roadmap were already fully developed when we launched in the west. Its things like that, hard work, great engineering and solid customer service, that has made them the second largest machinery manufacturing company in the world. Despite that, I personally think their tagline should say, “We’re only #2, so we try harder,” because this is absolutely true. It is a common occurrence that our communications with the ROQ technical and sales team run late into the night or early morning. It’s clear that they don’t settle for second best.

ROQ has been through two significant upgrades and a brand facelift over the past two years. This year, the evolution

continues with digital readout micro controls on the ROQ Eco and Oval Evolution Presses, and a brand-new universal registration system, which receives roller frames, pin static frames and allows channel clamping for versatility.

ROQ also has one of the best warranties in the business—two years for both parts and labor. Since we

have recently passed the first warranty expiration dates, we wanted to share what we’ve learned. Guess what, ROQ machines break down every once in a while. They aren’t perfect? Of course not. What machine is? However, despite the inevitable, out of the thousands of dollars in spare parts we have on the shelf, we have only had to use less than 5% of our

inventory to fix problems. This proves the durability and reliability of ROQ equipment. Current and future owners alike can be reassured that we have plenty of backup parts just in case something does happen.

Ryonet® stands behind the durability of ROQ equipment. Kurtis Van Kampen, manager of our Automated Products Group has implemented multiple programs that either extend the warranty or re-certify machines after their official U.S. Manufacturer’s Warranty expires. Kurtis, Buck, Mark and their team of eight Certified ROQ Field Engineers have built an impressive support system. They are always ready to assist, and only a phone call away. Ryonet’s priorities are clear: that those who invest in ROQ can realize their ROI for years to come.

So, to all of you current ROQers, future ROQers, and those still deciding on their next move, we are excited to continue strengthening the North American Screen Print market with you. Here’s to learning, growing and succeeding together! #roqout

BY RYAN MOOR · VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON

NEED HELP? Don’t call Ryan— Expedite service and call the Ryonet® Field Engineering Team. AVAILABLE 24/7 AT 888-475-2985.

Updated branding can be seen on the RoqPrint Oval Pro P24C10 and YOU XL P18C16

BY BUCK PREMO · COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

Forty Millimeter’s New High Caliber Machine

Mike Roncarti, the owner of Forty Millimeter, has a family history of working in the offset printing industry and has worked in the business for many years himself. In 2006, he decided to start his own screen printing business. Like most screen printers, they started with a six color four station manual and with demand, quickly added an eight color ten station automatic.

After nine years, having outgrown their automatic, it was time for a new state-of-the-art screen printing press. They looked at all of the major brands over a period of several months. They needed a modern press, one that was easy to set up and break down, but sturdy, and durable with a proven track record. It was also important that it was quiet, fast, and had a modern, user-friendly interface that a new hire could learn in a day. They also wanted to deal with a company that had a professional demeanor and knowledgeable service, available when needed. Who did they choose? You guessed it—Ryonet and ROQ.

In a recent conversation, Mike commented that we have delivered that and more at a price that was more than competitive. All of this without the high-pressure sales tactics that they experienced elsewhere. At the end of the day, the ROQ was a no-brainer for him. “Ryan and the entire Ryonet Team were nothing but professional and knowledgeable and able to offer the perfect solution for our needs,” Mike said. They started

AFTER ROQ-ING THE WORLD FOR 30 YEARS, THE USA SEES ITS OWN GREEN GROW

Forty Millimeter’s P16 custom namedrop print arm modification

• Moonlight Embroidery RoqPrint YOU XL P14C08• All Aspects Apparel RoqPrint YOU M P10C08• All Aspects Apparel HotRoqit XL• WolfMark Ties RoqPrint YOU XL P12C08• WolfMark Ties HotRoqit XL• Gator Graphics RoqPrint YOU XL P12C08• Gator Graphics HotRoqit XL• Elite Team Supply RoqPrint YOU M P10C07• Elite Team Supply HotRoqit XL• NIKE, Inc. HotRoqit L• Strictly T’s RoqPrint YOU M P10C06• Strictly T’s HotRoqit XL• The Sign Dude RoqPrint YOU M P10C08• The Sign Dude HotRoqit XL• Superior Silk Screen RoqPrint ECO L P12C10 L• Superior Silk Screen HotRoqit XL• Ryonet L.A. Classroom RoqPrint YOU M P10C08• Ryonet L.A. Classroom HotRoqit M• Anything Goes RoqPrint YOU M P10C08

RECENT FAMILY ADDITIONS

off thinking that they wanted a twelve color press. We suggested a YOU XL P16/C12 configuration, which was perfect for their needs. This option gave them a true twelve color press with two open dedicated heads for the Evo and Eco flashes. Not only did that decision save Forty Millimeter money up front, but it also gave them the option of adding two more print heads in the future.

Setting up with the PRU and pin system is fast and easy. Since the arrival of their new machine, Forty Millimeter has cut their setup time by ten-fold. The old tri-lock system was big, clumsy, time-consuming and never as accurate as “they” claimed it would be. With the new pin system, screens, squeegees, and flood bars are simple to put in. On

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Keeping The Dust Off

A2 • THE FINAL FRONTIER

TIPS FOR AUTOMATICS

RYONET REGAL • VOL 2, NO. 2

BY MARK BERRYMANVANCOUVER, WASHINGTON

It’s that time again! The deep freeze is ending and we can finally look forward to another busy season. Before we kick into high gear, let’s take a little time to do some spring cleaning. As owners of ROQ automatics, we should be aware of maintenance cycles for the internal workings of the press. We all know about lubricating internal moving parts and so forth, but what about maintaining the outside of the press? What do you do about spray glue build up, lint and dust accumulation, and ink that is in places it should not be? Since we all spend a great deal of time at work, the workspace should be functional and clean, and having a good housekeeping plan is essential.

Shop areas should be clean and functional without obstructions. Some of us have limited work spaces and in the heat of the battle we often let the little things go. There is an empty box, here is an ink container or chemical container. It all adds up to a small disaster. Someone is going home with wet ink all over themselves. Like a good chef, return the product back to the shelf as you use it.

DEALING WITH DUST AND LINT BUILD UP: • Since we work in an industry that deals directly with garments, lint and

dust will be produced. Typically, you find it covering everything, including equipment. No big deal right? WRONG! Lint and dust contribute to part failure. Think of it like this: have you ever had to open up your computer only to find it is covered with dust? No wonder why it’s running slow! The same principle applies to high-performance ROQ equipment. Dust and lint can invade those vital areas of the machine which may lead to part failure.

HERE’S HOW TO COMBAT THIS:• Wipe down the outside of the press once or twice a week. Make sure to check

areas that can’t be seen. A simple press wash will not harm the painted surface, and will also remove dried plastisol and spray glue. Knock off the dust bunnies.

• Clean all of the fan ports on your flash units by simply removing the grills and soaking them in warm water. A shot of compressed air will clean off any excess lint. Be sure to turn off the main power prior to cleaning.

• Clean the inside base. This is where the “brains” of the press are kept so be extra careful. Again, turn the main power off. A good shop vacuum will do nicely to clean, but be mindful around the electronics, use an antistatic cloth and hand wipe dust away.

PROACTIVE MEASURES FOR THE WORK AREA:• Typically, Spray glues are prime suspect for trapping lint and dust in both

the load on and off positions. Plus, they coat the floor with a sticky coating. Liquid glues are a good way to eliminate most of the issues covered above while reducing airborne glue and VOC emissions. With that said, getting away from spray glues may be impossible. Liquid glues do not always have the best sticking power for sweatshirts or thicker substrates.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:• Stick to liquid glue. It is a great alternative to spray glues, and can also be

reactivated with water. It is best used with t-shirts and thin substrates. The down-side is that it’s performance is not as good for fleece and water based printing, and it does take some extra time to apply to the pallets.

• If you have to use spray glue, an easy and cheap way to prevent sticky floors is to lay lengths of cardboard under the load on and off positions. This can be extended all the around the base of the entire automatic and will catch all of the glue and any ink droppings, plus it can be changed out quickly.

• Establish a cleaning program and stick to it. Any way you look at it, cleaning the shop is a drag, but it’s important to keep the work area and machinery clean and happy. Start your spring cleaning habits now and keep them throughout every season. You’ll be glad you did.

The Grateful ROQ’ers

Many of you may not know this, but I used to be a deadhead. I have attended 48 Grateful Dead shows before Jerry died and two after he died, but they don’t count to me, it just wasn’t the same. My first introduction to screen printing was actually the “grateful golfer” T-shirt that I created to sell at Grateful Dead shows in the late 1980’s. Here I meet my brethren.

Our partner Alex Alves of Shirt Bakery got his ROQ over a year and a half ago. In true form, it was a “buy it, and they will come” situation. And they did! Not long ago, Ryonet received a call asking if we knew a printer who could print water based ink located in Connecticut and we referred them to our family member Alex. Once hired, Alex took the bull by the horns. He proved that he could provide what the client needed and is now printing 10-20k unique items per month for the end user.

Setting up his ROQ was a unique challenge, a custom setup, and one of a kind process. In true ROQ form, Alex again took the initiative and created a solution for a need that we had never considered before. He is a huge music fan and, close to my heart, a Grateful Dead aficionado! Thanks to that, he has truly made his ROQ a unique machine. With

a full audio/visual system set up on the press, now while he is printing his cut goods at 1100 per hour he is also enjoying some great music. This is an environment I would personally love to work in, to reminisce the 48 Dead shows I attended.

I also want to give a big shout out to Greg at Lotus Mountain, another ROQ owner. If my memory serves, he has over 300 Dead shows under his belt. No doubt that we walked past each other on numerous occasions in our past, without even realizing that our paths would cross again. You have to love our ROQ family and how circles inadvertently intertwine. We all seem to meet up at a common point. Where quality, precision and a particular way of life is paramount.

As a side note, Alex of Shirt Bakery’s press was the first ever Ryonet showroom ROQ press. It is the one and only 400V machine in the whole United States of America! What makes it special is that it runs on 220V via boost transformers. If Alex ever moves to a location with 480V, we can change the transformers and this thing will operate on pretty much half the amps of any other machine in the U.S. or Canada.

BY KURTIS VAN KAMPEN · COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

“What a long, strange trip it’s been!” (Grateful Dead, 1970, Truckin)

One more reason toA ROQ compatible manual press.

the off-chance that the registration is slightly off, a simple twist of the micro-registration sets things in place without having to unlock anything.

Another reason Forty Millimeter chose the ROQ was for its unique ability to be modified for name drops, since name drops are a large part of their current business. One head was slightly modified allowing the printer to slide the entire screen forward and backward. With this capability, they were able to create multiple name drops per screen, instead of using only one screen per name drop. Not only does that make their printing faster, but it was also modified at no charge. Solutions from other press manufacturers they talked to made them think that they would end up with a “franken-press.” When you look at Forty Millimeter’s ROQ , you

would never know that it has so many modifications.

The ROQ YOU is both fast and quiet. Forty Millimeter recently ran a one color left chest print at 1132 pieces per hour and it was quiet enough to carry on a conversation with someone at the other end of the shop. They have expressed that this press has been a pleasure to use and has dramatically improved their profitability in a very short amount of time. The faster set up and tear downs without all of the headaches have made all of the difference.

If you want to see some of the prints Forty

Millimeter has produced check out their

Instagram @40millimeter and on YouTube

at Forty Millimeter for their awesome video’s

showing this awesome press in action!

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