Impressions - September 2015 - 34

When working
with a particular
Inventory should be either in the
actual inventory area, at or on the press, or
in the packing/shipping department. Scattered
boxes signal disorganization.

practices are not enforced in any facility.
Signs include:
Condition of the ink containers:
There is no reason for ink to be dripping
off the sides of buckets. Training in ink
handling, as well as proper housekeeping
practices, will be evident throughout the
entire facility, specifically the ink department.
Lint/adhesive on the press: Although
you seldom will come across an immaculate press, a regular cleaning and maintenance program will be readily reflected in
the condition of the screen-printing equipment and tools used, such as the squeegees
and flood bars.
Random scattered boxes: Inventory should be found either in the actual

contractor, you can
determine the facility's
general volume
capacity based on its
equipment and how
long the staff typically
prints daily.

inventory area, at or on the press, or in the
packing/shipping department. You easily
can identify unattended boxes of goods, as
they won't be moved for a while. This is
another sign of poor organization.
Safeguards emphasized: Safety procedures include OSHA Right to Know
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
compliance; proper safety procedures;
properly maintained first-aid and eyewash stations; proper safety equipment/
clothing for solvent tanks; screen reclaim/
degreasing; goggles and proper ventilation
for the spot-cleaning station; properly
marked fire exits; and fire extinguishers throughout the facility. Also, it is
important to have proper hazardous
waste-disposal procedures. Large, licensed

apparel companies often will request
documentation to confirm that contractors are in compliance with EPA and
proper procedures regarding this. Confirming such procedures when reviewing
an out-of-country facility can be more
challenging, but you still can ask.
Working Environment: Although a
small percentage of printing facilities are
air conditioned, it is important that the
environment be at least bearable for the
printing staff. This includes evaluating aircirculation systems (i.e. A/C ducts or ceiling
exhaust fans) and any in-plant air conditioning, and determining whether proper
exhaust systems are used on all dryers.
Screen quality: As finished product
quality is directionally proportionate to
screen quality, evaluate the frames used.
Retensionable frames are a direct reflection of the company's commitment to
achieving superior quality by using highertension screens.
During your walkthrough, confirm the
company has a standard operating procedure in place for monitoring and retensioning screens that are used in the daily
production process. Although automated
screen coaters are seen as an unneeded expense by some, it shows the facility's commitment to quality and consistency in its
screen stencils. Automated systems deliver
a consistent and uniform stencil coating
from screen to screen.
Many higher-end and larger textile
screen-printing facilities have made the
commitment to computer-to-screen (CTS)
imaging systems. This shows their desire to
produce a quality image and, in most cases,
it is integrated with the prepress registration system to minimize setup time and
lost productivity.
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Impressions - September 2015

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