Impressions - October/November 2021 - 43

for equipment that has a dramatic effect
on productivity or items that may take
longer to source. For example, if you use
a special bulb as a light source in your
screen-exposure machine, you should have
a replacement bulb handy, as they may take
longer to acquire. Extra dryer belts also
may take longer to find, so remember to
check with your supplier.
Create a Contingency Plan
Now is the time to plan for different scenarios.
Which cotton shirt brand can you
purchase instead of the one you currently
use? Which alternate bleed-blocking ink
can you use on a red polyester shirt?
You may need to purchase samples of
alternate products to determine whether
they work for your shop. Don't wait until
you're forced to bring in a product at the
last minute without testing it, especially if
it's a new material. Be diligent with R&D
and product testing to ensure you don't run
into problems later, such as ink washing
off or dye migration.
If you need new equipment, check its
availability now. Industry lead times, especially
for screen-printing presses, may
extend into next year, depending on what
you need. Also, network with other screen
printers on social media. For example, Facebook
has several screen-printing forums,
and you may find printers who share valuable
information about the availability of
certain products you may need.
Manage Demand Volatility
As of press time, there's a tremendous
number of container ships docked at California
ports waiting to be unloaded. This
is partly due to their larger sizes and the
upcoming holiday-season rush.
In addition, we must recognize the
effects COVID-19 has had on the labor
force - not only dock workers, but also
everything else that comprises unloading,
trucking and distribution. There's no way
to sugarcoat what's happening: unprecedented
volatility. As such, protect your
company from panic-buying situations
by following these steps. The more you
plan now, the better off your shop will
be while navigating this stormy supply
crisis. 
Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager
for International Coatings. He has been screen
printing for more than 42 years and teaching screen
printing for more than 12 years; is a regular contributor
to International Coatings' blogs; and won SGIA's
2014 Golden Image Award. He can be reached at
kstevens@iccink.com. For more information, visit
iccink.com and read the company's blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.at
kstevens@iccink.com.
For more information, visit iccink.com and read the
company's blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.
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SFX inks, such as puffs, glitters or
shimmers, may be adversely affected by
raw-material shortages. Photo provided
by International Coatings.
OCT./NOV. 2021
P.43

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Impressions - October/November 2021

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