Impressions - June/July 2016 - 30

Using parchment paper
as a smoothing application
leaves a soft print without
the transfer effect of a
Teflon sheet.

It is no secret that ink temperature has a
direct correlation to its viscosity. The preferred
printing temperature for plastisol is between
80˚F and 125˚F. For most shops, this is typically not an issue, as the facility is climate
controlled. However, for facilities in colder climates, temperatures can drop at night.
When a plastisol's temperature dips, viscosity can increase and leave you with a thick
and stiff product to start the day. Some small
facilities keep their primary inks under the
dryer in an effort to keep them warm and
creamy. This is fine during the day, but is of
little help when temperatures drop.
The Secret: At the aforementioned Minnesota facility, the production crew used an
old equipment crate that was large enough to
hold up to 12 five-gallon buckets or a combination of five- and one-gallon containers.
Next, they cut a hole in the side of the crate
and inserted a flexible dryer exhaust duct,
which was connected to a heater. Prior to
leaving the facility in the evening, they would
load the crate with inks needed to start the
next day's shift, turn the heater on low and
leave for the night. The next day, the warm
inks were ready for printing. To top off the
project, they stenciled "The Inkubator" across
the front of the crate. 
Rick Davis is a 30-year veteran of the textile screen
printing and manufacturing industry. His background
includes plant management, process troubleshooting,
quality control and variable control. He is a member
of the Academy of Screen and Digital Printing
Technologies and is a regular contributor to industry
trade publications.
P.30

Screen Printing Products

when exposed to a light source

7. M&R i-Image Series
Computer-to-screen imaging and exposure
system  Includes dual-exposure source i-Image
STE II (SGIA's Product of the Year)  Combined
with M&R's Uni-Kote and Eco-Rinse, a single
operator can coat, image, expose and rinse up to
400 preregistered screens in eight hours

10. Ryonet Gamma Block Ink
A ready-to-use black ink made specifically as
an underbase to block dye migration  Can be
printed through mesh ranging from 110-230
 Features a smooth consistency that allows it to
flow through high or low mesh counts

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8. Great Dane Graphics Operation Screen Print
Educational series providing beyond-thebasics training in challenging screen-printing
applications  Training includes creating proper
artwork; separating and printing positives;
preparing screens; and printing  Also includes
two DVDs with five hours of video tutorials

11. Garment Decorating Supply Digital Transfer
White Toner Printer
Complete line of OKI Data LED laser transfer
printers, including the Pro Color OKI Data 920WT
printer with white toner printing capabilities
 LEDs run at low temperature  White toner
allows for bright white transfers onto nonwhite surfaces

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9. International Coatings AXEON Enhanced
Reflective Direct Print Ink
Line of non-PVC, non-phthalate screen-printing
inks  Combines the appearance of silver metallic
shimmer during daylight with the enhanced
visibility of a reflective ink in low-light situations

12. Rutland Silextreme Silicone Inks
Can print on difficult fabrics, including polyester,
sublimated materials or digital camo  Features
lower cure temperature, a high degree of
elasticity, and a soft hand and feel

I M P R E S S I O N S M A G . C O M JUNE/JULY 2016

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Impressions - June/July 2016

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