Impressions - September 2013 - (Page 36)

There has been a strong interest and drive toward high-opacity water-based systems, as well as discharge inks. Using discharge ink and foil can create a multimedia effect. Photo courtesy of Rutland Plastic Technologies For printers currently using phthalatefree inks in an attempt to comply with CPSIA standards, it is important to understand the printed garments can become cross-contaminated. This can happen from exposure to ﬂood bars, squeegees and printing equipment that came into contact with inks containing phthalates. Cross-contamination from phthalates also can result from the type of screen emulsion or other ink additives used. Thorough cleaning of all printing equipment is vital. Also, check for phthalates in all other chemicals or additives that come into contact with the ink or garment. In addition, check old ink inventory to ensure it does not contain lead or phthalates in the formula. Each bucket of ink should have a lot number on the side, which you can reference when checking with the manufacturer. When in doubt, dispose of the ink. (Editor’s Note: Always use proper ink-disposal methods; for more information, visit inkwastedisposal.com.) What other issues do screen printers face besides ﬁnding new ink alternatives? “One of the big hurdles screen printers struggle with is printing on many polyester 36 Impressions | September 2013 fabrics that are popular today,” says Brian Lessard, print development manager, Rutland Plastic Technologies, Pineville, N.C. “Rutland offers two great solutions for printing on stretch poly fabrics.” In addition to Rutland’s offerings, most ink manufacturers provide great solutions for printing on these fabrics and these products are PVC-based, and phthalate- and lead-free. Acrylic Textile Ink: This ink is available in both water- and oil-based systems. The great thing about oil-based acrylic ink is that it prints similar to standard plastisol with minimal drying in the screen. Also, the ink’s feel is similar to that of gloss plastisol. Water-based acrylic ink has a softer hand; however, it is prone to dry more quickly in the screen if not properly mixed. It’s best to print water-based acrylics in high-humidity conditions and keep a spritzer bottle of water close by in case you need to spray a clogged area in the screen mesh. The gel temperature for most acrylic inks (when ﬂashing between colors) is in the 250˚F range and the curing temperature is 350˚F in a conveyor textile oven. (Editor’s Note: Always consult your ink supplier for application instructions for the inks you are using.) Water-Based Ink: Water-based pigment ink systems have been used for decades in our industry and still are widely used today. In fact, Europe and Asia have many more years of experience printing with water-based ink compared to U.S. screen printers. PVC-based plastisols were invented in the U.S. and have been the ink of choice since their introduction. Printing with water-based ink requires screen printers to think differently and understand how to properly mix reducers, retarders and extenders to ensure a trouble-free experience. In addition, waterresistant photo emulsions must be used on the screens to avoid premature stencil breakdown during production runs. It’s also important to control the room temperature and humidity levels when using water-based ink to keep it from drying in the screen. After printing, the screens must be washed out immediately and not left sitting around the shop. “The largest percentage of textile screen printers still use PVC-based, phthalate-free impressionsmag.com http://www.inkwastedisposal.com http://www.impressionsmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - September 2013

Impressions - September 2013
Contents
First Impressions
From the Show Director
FYI
Product Gallery
ISS Conferences
Outdoor Outfitting
Beat the Heat
Today’s Textile Ink Options
Shop Spotlight
Shop Spotlight
Embroidery Technique
Embroidery Production
Tech Tips Embroidery
Screen Printing Production
Screen Printing Graphics & Design
Screen Printing Technique
Online Directory
Tech Tips Screen Printing
Digital Decorating
Classifieds
Ad Index

Impressions - September 2013