S13 Print Like the Pros in Production 101
Why Someone Should Come
The actual printing and curing of the garment is where the magic happens. This session focuses on the physical techniques of laying down ink and the critical science of curing it. You will learn how to handle different types of inks and how to ensure your prints look vibrant and last through countless washes.
Who Should Come
Anyone involved in the physical printing and curing process. This is essential for operators who want to improve their squeegee technique, understand ink behavior, and guarantee washfastness.
What They Will Learn
- Ink Dynamics: Compare the handling and benefits of Plastisol inks (like Wilflex Lava) versus Water Base inks (like Green Galaxy), including when to use reducers.
- Squeegee Technique: Learn how squeegee durometer, angle (10-15 degrees off 90), and pressure affect ink deposit, and master both push and pull printing strokes.
- Flashing & Underbases: Discover the secrets to printing a smooth, opaque white underbase on dark garments, and learn the proper use of flash dryers (infrared vs. quartz) to gel ink between colors.
- Curing & Quality Control: Understand the critical temperature requirements (typically 320°F) for fully curing both plastisol and water-based inks using conveyor or flash dryers, and learn how to perform stretch, rub, and wash tests to guarantee a perfect cure.
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