Providing the screen printing industry with quality information and resources.

Laminating Stencils

Posted by TJ

screen printing screenscreen printing screen

All shops can expand their screen printing opportunities with simple stencil
making procedures that are sure to surprise even the veteran screen printer
with the graphic results.

Profit Chart Quick Reference

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The following chart will give you a quick look at your current or potential profits

Profit Chart Quick ReferenceProfit Chart Quick Reference

3 Dimensional Images

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3d image3d image

All images are 3 dimensional.  The thickness of the ink film determines
opacity and how the image feels.  Now with high density ink, there are
other opportunities to create very attractive new graphics and to increase
productivity.

Image Dimension

Posted by TJ

Printing ImagesPrinting Images

All images are printed in 3 dimensions.  The x-y dimension is the image size, but the thickness determines opacity.  A screen printer’s requirements can range from the thinnest deposits of ink for process and CD prints to the thickest for high density ink on textured fabrics.

Getting Started Screen Printing

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Start PrintingStart Printing

Most people starting out spend too much money.  If you are new to screen
printing, the risk is you will buy what you do not need or more than you need.

Local businesses and schools usually do not request more than two colors.  They may not
have the need or want to pay for more colors.

Cutting Power Costs

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Power CostPower Cost

Cutting costs is the quickest way to improve profitability.  The electric
bill can be cut easily in most businesses.

Studies our Company has conducted in shops large and small reveal that 50% of the power
bill typically comes from only one use of power – flash curing.  The
other half of the power bill comes from everything else –  indoor
and outdoor lights, conveyor dryer, automatic press, embroidery machines, and
more. 

Print Ringspun or Open-End Tees?

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T-shirtT-shirt

Ringspun has a slightly softer feel and appears to be better for printing
a process job for a modestly higher price per shirt.  Which is the better
shirt?  That is where the mystery begins.

How to Print High Density Ink

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Screen Printing inkScreen Printing ink

High density ink requires retensionable screens and capillary film.

The retensionable screens at very high tension will be dimensionally stable to hold registration when printing off-contact and release a deposit of ink that is uniformly thick.  An off-contact screen is critical for the mesh to “peel off” the ink deposit without picking ink out of the printed image. 

How to Pick a Cap

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CapsCaps

Picking the right cap is the key to successful decorating.  The requirements
of each decorating method include a specification that facilitates decorating.

Embroidery requires a stiff front panel known as a fused buckram, or structured, or constructed
cap, so that the sewing will be in registration while the needle is punching
through the material at machine gun speeds.

How to Build Thick Stencils

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EmulsionEmulsion

The emulsion companies have made this job easy with the introduction of stencil
material coated to a polyester sheet.  The sheets are available in various
thicknesses from 10 to 1000 microns thick.  The sheets can also be easily
laminated to create thicker films.