Screen Printing for Lab
Screen printing is a printing technique using a mesh to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. A blade or squeegee is moved across the screen to fill the open mesh apertures with ink, and a reverse stroke then causes the screen to touch the substrate momentarily along a line of contact. This causes the ink to wet the substrate and be pulled out of the mesh apertures as the screen springs back after the blade has passed. One color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multicolored image or design.
Screen Printer in Storage
FamiLAB has a set of screen printing equipment in storage in the warehouse.
Screen Printer of TomLong74
As of 2011, Tomlong74 owned a four-color, two-station, Flash-Cure manual screen printing press and was willing to share the use of his equipment with the lab for classes and fundraising events.
The Equipment Needs/Has:
1) One dedicated 110V outlet.
2) Venting above Flash-Cure Unit.
3) Shop sink with wet blast area.
4) Darkroom with dry rack area.
5) Small space in the fridge for the emulsion.
6) Shelves for inks, tape, squeegees, etc.
7) Storage racks for not-in-use screens (currently using short 2x4's).
Note: 3 & 4 can be housed together.
External Links
- Wikipedia article on screen printing.
- How To Screen Print (articles, video tutorials, educational materials, tips & advice, equipment, supplies) by Catspit Productions LLC.
