Impressions - Team & Spirit Apparel - Fall 2014 - 16

Squeegee Speed
Allowing for the fact of applying all the previously mentioned steps and having a good ink with good printability, you
should be able to maximize your squeegee speed, which will
contribute to productivity. The ﬁnal objective of the squeegee/
screen working in concert is to transfer the desired ink ﬁ lm onto
the fabric's surface with minimal penetration into the fabric
(Figure 4).

HEAT CONSIDERATIONS
Polyester fabrics are synthetic, which means that they
potentially are sensitive to heat. For this reason, we want to
control the amount of heat to which the fabric (including the
dyes within that fabric) is exposed to.
The two primary sources of heat in the printing process are
from the ﬂash units and, of course, the dryer. A major secondary
heat source (which many printers overlook) is the platen temperature, which can cause serious issues when not addressed.
You should conduct a separate ﬂash temperature test
when working with polyester. Keeping in mind that you
want to minimize the amount of heat to which the fabric
is exposed to, set the ﬂash time and temperature just at the
point where the ink is emerging from the ﬂash unit dry to

the touch. Using this as a starting point, you can begin your
test printing. As previously mentioned, monitor the platen
temperature. As your production progresses (on manual or
automatic presses), the platens will begin to absorb heat that
will contribute to the ﬂashing/gelling process of the ink ﬁ lm.
When working with quality fabrics keep the total ink/fabric temperature below 360°F. Although most polyester inks
cure at the 315°F-320°F range, it is easy for the ink and garment to receive excessive heat during the production run. A
temperature of 360°F is the point where many polyester dyes
begin to sublime or turn from a solid to a gas. Once the dyes
are released from the ﬁbers, it is just a matter of time before the
dye migrates and discolors the ink ﬁ lm.
Employing a non-contact pyrometer (temperature gun)
will allow you to check the ink temperature going into and
coming out of the dryer. This will work as an insurance policy
to ensure your polyester garments are not receiving an excessive amount of heat.
Polyester performance fabrics should be treated as a specialty products and you should have the procedures in place
to control, the printing parameters to maximize your quality
when your goods go out the door. Knowing your fabrics and
controlling your variables are two major keys to success.

Rick Davis is the southeastern regional
sales manager for Triangle Ink Co. He is a
35-year veteran of the textile screen printing
and apparel manufacturing industries. His
background includes plant design, management, troubleshooting, apparel manufacturing and consulting. He also is a member of
the Academy of Screen Printing Technology
(ASPT). For more information or to comment on this article, email Rick at rdavis@
triangleink.com.
Thanks to Yep Screen Printing in Orlando,
Fla. for their assistance with the printing for
this installment.

* Many variables go into printing on today's performancewear fabrics. By learning the
printing parameters, this can be a lucrative addition to your screen printing services.
Garments courtesy of Gildan Performance.

16 * Fall 2014

Impressions - Team & Spirit Apparel - Fall 2014

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