Epson and other printers setup these devices to have a "zero tolerance" when it comes to ink. If one ink is out then the printer stops working. If one computer chip on a cartridge goes bad then the printer stops printing. If you get a new set of inks and one cartridge is damaged then the printer will not print.
Frankly, be smart, give yourself a fighting chance. Have stock of inks so you can swap cartridges if needed. Get a refund or replacement later, but keep yourself working now.
Color mesh reduces the amount of light that “bounces” around during exposure which is most important when exposing films with fine halftone spots. I recommend the use of colored mesh such as yellow.
There are multiple light source units and single point light sources. Obviously, single point light sources control the light better and are advised to be used for more detailed film exposure. Multiple units scatter light and attack the films from multiple angles creating "undercutting" that reduce screen accuracy.
Both work, single source is better.
A tight seal between the screen, film and the exposure unit glass it critical to prevent "under-cutting". Under-cutting is when light creeps around the dark areas of the film positive and exposes the emulsion beneath it to light.
Frankly, that is complete failure to the system. Keep your blankets in great shape and achieve the best seal possible.
The tighter your screens are the brighter your prints will be. The tighter your screens are the less squeegee pressure is required to print properly. How much pressure do you think it takes to push ink through a screen anyway?
Tight screens improve registration by reducing or preventing "screen roll" (the pressure wave of mesh that rolls up in front of the squeegee much like a wave in the ocean), allows more ink to sit "on top" of the garment where it belongs rather than being smashed through the weave down to the platen (which helps fend off sublimation in more ways than one), reduces the need for massive squeegee pressure (which most printers apply), and finally lets you set your squeegee angle at a more proper upright position of 65 to 75 degrees allowing you to properly use the business end of the blade (the edge).
Frankly, using less expensive frames that do not achieve higher tensions (over 25 newtons) are costing you money, not saving it.
"Time is money, so don’t waste either".
