Impressions - September 2013 - (Page 64)

tS Screen Printing Technique Image 2 Tensioning Tips W hen I was in college in the 1970s, we were taught to check screen tension by bouncing a quarter off the center of the screen. If the quarter only jumped 5 or 6 inches into the air, the mesh was too loose. If it bounced 12 to 18 inches high, we were good to go. A lot has changed when it comes to checking screen tension. But one thing hasn’t: Time and again, printers of all skill levels ask me, “What tension should my screens be?” This is a loaded question. With so many variables to consider, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It would be easy for me to throw out an arbitrary number — say 25 or 40 N/cm — but that won’t work because each shop is at a different skill level. I usually answer the tension level question with a question of my own: “What is your current screen tension?” Tests have proven that mesh needs to be stretched to a minimum of 16 N/cm to prevent movement caused by squeegee pressure. My recommendation is to gradually increase that tension level by 5 N/cm or so until the ideal tension level is achieved for your shop’s conditions and printing type. If you’re currently printing with wood frames at tension levels below 10 N/cm, ask your frame supplier for tighter screens, or switch to stretch-and-glue aluminum frames in the 15 to 20 N/cm range (or higher). If you’re using retensionable frames tensioned at 20 N/cm, take them up to 25. If you’re at 25 N/cm, raise it to 30. Just be sure to do it gradually. Reaching high screen tension levels is a journey that each shop takes until the optimum screen level is found. — James Ortolani, Contributing Writer Use Info•Action #26 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction 64 Impressions | September 2013 impressionsmag.com http://www.softwareforscreenprinters.com/win http://www.softwareforscreenprinters.com/win http://www.impressionsmag.com/infoaction 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

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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019spring
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018spring
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201712
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201709
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201612
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201608
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016fall
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201602
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20150607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015summer
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201412
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014fall
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20140607
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