What do glow-in-the-dark ink and puff textures have in common? They both require clean, consistent screens to pull off. That’s exactly what Don’t Lose Hope achieved in a recent client job using the Baselayr VT2536 LED Vertical Exposure Unit.
This five-color print featured a moon graphic with puff ink and a glow-in-the-dark overlay. Craters and footprints were built into the design using recessed texture. To capture those details, they relied on their CTS imaging workflow. The speed and precision of the Baselayr VT2536 helped make every screen count.
Vertical Exposure, Built for CTS
Don’t Lose Hope’s darkroom uses a CTS (computer-to-screen) imaging system. For years, they were using a traditional exposure setup. But after switching to the Baselayr VT2536, everything changed:
- Exposure time dropped to just 22 seconds
- Detail improved across fine halftones and textures
- Darkroom footprint got smaller
- Production became more consistent and scalable
“Compared to our last unit, we’re exposing in a third of the time,” the team shared. “The screens are super clean, and it just makes our life easier. You can tell it was made with real shops in mind.”
RELATED: THE DON’T LOSE HOPE WORKSHOP: TOURS, TOOLS, AND TIPS FROM THE PRINT FLOOR
What Makes the BASELAYR VT2536 a Smart Upgrade?
- Compact Vertical Footprint: Save space without sacrificing performance. The upright design fits tight darkrooms and makes smart use of every square inch.
- Built for CTS Systems: No glass. No vacuum. Just a direct light path that pairs perfectly with CTS workflows like the Spyder II or Douthitt for sharp, consistent stencils.
- 405nm UV LED Power: Calibrated for every emulsion type, the long-life LEDs deliver fast exposures with less heat and lower energy use.
- Dialed-In Detail: Crisp halftones. Clean edges. This unit was made to handle high-res artwork without compromising on screen quality.
- Steel Construction, Shop-Ready: Powder-coated and built tough, the VT2536 handles the wear and tear of daily production with ease. Easy to clean, hard to kill.
- Lock and Roll Mobility: Move it where you need it, then lock it down. Ideal for modular shops where your workflow changes with your print schedule.
- Sized for Versatility: The universal screen slot fits up to 25" x 36" OD frames, giving you flexibility without slowing you down.
- Fast Turnaround Workflow: Quick load. Quick unload. Less time in the darkroom means more time printing, especially when every screen counts.
- Zero-Frills Power Control: One rocker switch. One IEC plug. No complicated setup: just plug it in, flip it on, and burn your screens.
- Efficiency Built In: LEDs rated for 10,000+ hours reduce downtime and maintenance. Clean, consistent exposure from day one to year three.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty: Covered where it counts. Backed by Ryonet, this unit is protected against material and workmanship defects.
- Made in the USA 🇺🇸: Engineered and assembled stateside with quality parts and attention to detail. Because your darkroom deserves the best.
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One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Screen Print Kind
This project was more than just a cool design. It was a chance to push creative boundaries with print. The moon design came to life with depth, texture, and glow. All made possible by great screen making.
As Rodney puts it, “We’re always looking to improve. This exposure unit is one of the best decisions we’ve made for our workflow.”
Trusted by the Shops Who Push for More
When Rodney Cuda, owner and founder of Don’t Lose Hope Screen Print, upgraded his darkroom with the Baselayr VT2536, his team didn’t just see faster screens. They saw smoother workflow, tighter detail, and a unit that finally felt built for real production life. Here’s what he had to say:
“We’re thoroughly impressed.”
We’ve been using the VT2536 Vertical Exposure Unit for a couple months now, and after imaging at least a few hundred screens, we’re thoroughly impressed. In my team’s opinion, there’s honestly nothing negative to say about it.
The unit is well constructed but light enough to easily roll around in the darkroom. The simple, easy-to-use design has been a huge plus. It takes less than 30 seconds to train someone on how to use it. The manual power switch is a smart touch that lets us keep it plugged in but cut power when not in use.
Adjusting exposure times is super simple thanks to the built-in timer’s clear directional buttons. It’s fast, efficient, and accommodates up to 25x36 screens—plenty of flexibility without limiting screen size.
Compared to our old LED unit that took about 60 seconds per screen, we’re now averaging around 22 seconds. Plus, not having to wait on a vacuum cycle is already making a big difference in our workflow.
If your shop has invested in CTS and you’re tight on space or budget, this is a no-brainer. It delivers performance without the price tag.
A big thank you to Ryonet for creating a piece of equipment that’s clearly been designed with real shop needs in mind. It’s streamlined our screen room and exceeded our expectations.”
—Rodney Cuda, Owner & Founder, Don’t Lose Hope Screen Print
