Screenprinting

This is an experimental design for reusable screenprinting screens. The basic idea is that a scoop coater is used to cover stainless steel screen with acrylic paint, which is used as a resist. A laser engraver is then used to remove the resist where necessary. After printing, the scoop coater is again used to fill the areas where resist was removed.

Bill of Materials:

• Stainless Steel Mesh
• 2020 Aluminum Extrusion
• Silicone Squeegee
• Acrylic Paint (any)
• Screen Printing Ink

Safe Operating Procedure:

Before using:

• Ensure that the screen has been properly coated and dried.
• Check that there is no tearing of the screen near the edges.
• Engrave your image onto the screen using [100% speed, 100% power] with a PLS6.75 laser engraver.
• Images should be rasterized to 1/2 the density of the screen material; if using a 120 mesh screen, rasterize the image to 60dpi. If using the 300 mesh, rasterize to 150 dpi. Note: 120 mesh is recommended for fabric screen printing.

While using:

• Print quickly, to prevent ink from drying in the screen.
• Pre-coat the screen with ink, before laying it on the substrate material.

After using:

• Wipe excess ink from inside of screen.
• Wash remaining paint in appropriate sink.
• Hang to dry, and let managers know that the screen is ready to be recoated.