Posts tagged ‘Kieth Stevens’
Screen Printing Tip of the Week: How ‘Tools’ Impact Ink Performance
The following Screen Printing Tip of the Week by Kieth Stevens was recently published in Impressions Magazine.What differentiates how an ink performs compared to another? Is it really just the ink or are other factors playing a part?
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
Join us at FESPA 2013 in London
FESPA 2013, the print industry’s largest event for screen, digital wide format and textile print innovation, will be held at ExCeL London just a few weeks away, June 25-29. If you are attending, please stop by our booth (booth# H54N). We would love to see you there.
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
Top 5 Ways to Maintain Your Bottom Line
This week we are featuring another “Top 5″ article written by Kieth Stevens and published in Impressions:
Recently, my co-workers and I were discussing how important all the screen printing production environment, from tools to processes, are to a shop’s bottom line. After all, a printer’s goal is to make money. With that in mind, here are a few more practical tips that may be helpful as you continue to run your business.
We all understand how important it is to pay as little as possible for any given item. We also understand that selling the finished product for as much as the market can bear — or at least at a fair price — is important. Labor costs in our industry also have a huge impact on the bottom line. These factors, among many other things, impact your pocket book.
But the greatest variable that affects your bottom line is the flow or rate of your production. Put another way, you must make sure you are keeping the shirts or garments flowing through your plant.
If I had a machine in my garage that printed dollar bills, there are a few things I would do:
1. Ensure I never run out of ink — no matter what.
2. Ensure I never let the machine run out of paper.
These two things seem like no brainers right? Well the same should apply to screen printing shops. Make sure your ink is the correct type (not just the necessary color, but also the correct properties, such as special-effects ink, cotton white, low-bleed inks, etc.) and is ready to be used. Also make sure shirts are ready and laid out next to the machine.
3. To keep my money-printing machine running, I also would make sure that my tools are in the best state. Use emulsion that is durable, make sure squeegees and flood bars are clean and sharp, use correctly tensioned mesh and properly adjust the off-contact on your press. In other words, make sure anything you could possibly need is at the ready so you won’t have to stray away to get anything. This slows the production process.
It’s important to note that getting the cheapest item is not always best. If your cheap tool breaks down, your production flow consequently will be slowed.
4. Worker safety also is an important consideration in maintaining production workflow. Establish safety rules for the production floor and be sure to educate your workers on how to run the machines properly. Improper machine use or a defective machine can lead to a major accident, which may result in someone getting hurt, down time associated with the accident, labor loss and possible fines associated with the accident, etc.
5. Lastly, to keep a machine in top working condition, I strongly suggest having spare parts at the ready. If something were to break, you could repair it or substitute that part right away. With my money-printing machine, I would do almost anything it takes to keep it running. To that end, keeping machines in an up-to-date condition involves regular maintenance, repair and overhaul. This also includes preventive maintenance, which involves keeping it in a completely functioning state rather than attending to it when a problem occurs. Machinery maintenance keeps your systems from depreciating and undergoing impending breakdowns.
Constant machinery maintenance or industrial maintenance has many benefits. Getting the machine repaired only when a problem occurs greatly hampers productivity. Check to be sure your machines are in optimal running condition. Here are further benefits to keeping your machines in tip-top condition:
• Increases the efficiency and speed of your equipment
• Saves energy and life of the equipment
• Saves expenditures that could surface during a machine breakdown, like replacing damaged parts
• Keeps the machine speed at the best possible rate and the work is done much faster
• May bring to light defects that can be repaired before they become larger problems
To recap, running the office and selling at the right price are extremely important tasks, but if the overall production is not running smoothly, you will soon be out of business. If you keep your production running at peak performance you can be assured that you will win the race.
Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been teaching screen printing for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
McLogan Seminar March 27, 2013
Join us for this exciting seminar featuring:
Ø NEW Whites
· 7031 Ultra White
· 7014 Legacy White
· Learn when to use which whites for which substrates
Ø 7100 Series Performance Pro
· How to print on performance fabrics including Polyester, stretch, etc.
· What does the 7100 Performance Pro do?
PLUS: Special Effects Techniques featuring Ed Branigan.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to broaden your product knowledge and hands-on techniques.
Space is very limited, so don’t delay. RSVP today!
A non-refundable charge of $25 will apply.
Lunch and snacks will be provided!
DATE: Wednesday, March 27, 2013
LOCATION: International Coatings Headquarters
13929 E. 166th St.
Cerritos, CA 90703
COST: $25
IMPORTANT: Dress code – Please only wear closed-toe shoes
What comprises plastisol ink?
Here is a short description by Kieth Stevens, recently published in Printwear:
Plastisol inks are the preferred type of inks used in garment printing because they do not dry on the screen and are easy to print. In addition, they come in a variety of special effects and can be used as adhesives for caviar beads, flock and foil.
The basic recipe for plastisol inks is pretty simple. They are made of a mixture of a resin (typically a white powder) and a plasticizer (usually a clear, thick oily liquid). Pigments are then added for color, as well as other additives to give specific properties to the ink. I.e. additives such as a “blowing agent” make the ink puff up in the dryer; glitter or metal flakes may be added to create a shimmer or metallic ink. What makes one ink different from another is what type of ingredients are used and in what proportions.
Plastisol inks do not “dry” or cure at room temperature. Instead, the ink has to be heated to around 320º F. They can be printed on just about any surface that is porous and can withstand the heat to cure it.
Generally, plastisol inks do not contain solvents or volatile organic compounds, making them safe to use and handle with reasonable care. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s product data sheet for details about the particular ink you are using and the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for any safety precautions needed.
In the case of printing textiles (garments), the plastisol ink penetrates the fabric and creates a bond by attaching itself to the fibers. For nylon or non-woven fabrics, the ink needs a boost from a bonding agent in order for the plastisol to adhere.
Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been teaching screen printing for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
Tip of the Week: Avoiding Bubbles on Prints
Ever experienced that your print has ink bubbles? In a recent printing tip segment published in Impressions, Kieth Stevens explains how to avoid it:
Bubbles can appear in a print for several reasons. They often develop when ink is too thick, or viscous. To resolve this issue, make the ink thinner by using a curable reducer.
Bubbles also may appear after inks are mixed with a high-speed mixer, in which case you should let the ink sit awhile to allow the bubbles to disperse.
Many types of ink contain a blowing agent to help it with texture, low-bleed properties, or body. Over time, the blowing agent may become activated, especially if the ink was stored at high temperatures, and create bubbles. To rid the ink of bubbles in this case, stir it by hand and allow them to disperse, and then add a little bit of curable reducer.
Bubbles also may appear simply because too much ink is deposited. To avoid this problem, use a harder squeegee to transfer less ink, or adjust the squeegee pressure.
Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been teaching screen printing for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.
For more info on curable reducers, please go to http://www.iccink.com/pdfs/Plastisol%20Reducers-10-06-10.pdf
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
Top 5 Considerations for Color Communication
Ever have to print color logos for a team and match the team colors for your order? Here is an article by Kieth Stevens that was recently published in Impressions Magazine on what to look for when communicating colors with your customer:
Communicating with a customer or a vendor about printed colors may sound easy at first, but it can actually become a complicated chore without some sort of standard to measure against. Fortunately, there are color books on the market that the printer and customer can use as points of reference.
The most popular color standard used today is the Pantone® color system. I have learned through the years that even though you may have a “standard” to compare against, there are still many pitfalls and derailments associated with color communication. Here are some considerations when communicating about color:
Pantone or Color Books
Let’s start out with the standard measuring tool itself. When visiting printing shops, I have often observed that their color books need some serious updating. Some color books are so torn and smeared with ink that the original color is barely visible. Do yourself and your customers a favor: Replace your color books regularly. The colors contained therein can fade over time due to sunlight exposure and just age.
“New” colors also sometimes are added. If a customer asks for a new color, having an updated color book will obviously help in identifying it.
Also — and this seems like a no-brainer — make sure the customer is using the same color book brand that you use. For example, Pantone does have coated and uncoated color books, and there are other branded standard color books available.
Viewing Light
An often-overlooked part of color communication is lighting. Colors look different in different lights, so when communicating about color, be sure to mention the light you are using. For example, if you are looking at your color book in daylight, but your customer is viewing it under fluorescent light, the color will look different.
Computer Screens
Different computer screens vary in resolution and color output. Hence, make sure you don’t match a color based on what it looks like on someone’s computer screen. Get a standard color book to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Inks
Translating color to inks also requires some considerations. For example, when matching a color using plastisol inks, remember that the finished print can either be glossy or matte, depending on the ink. However, when using a water-based ink, the finished print will usually be matte. Also, be aware that color can shift — albeit slightly — and look different from the original depending on the ink type used.
Substrate Color
Next, consider the color of the substrate being printed. When printing on a white shirt, the matched color may look pretty close to the original. But what about when it’s a darker or black shirt? Some adjustments may need to be made, or a white underbase may be needed, to ensure the printed color comes close to the original.
One important final point regarding color is the temperature factor: Some dyes may look different when they are heated or while they are still in a heated stage. For example, some red pigments will appear darker when heated, so look at the print after it has cooled to ensure it matches the original on the color chart.
Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been teaching screen printing for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com.
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of Non-Phthalate and Non-PVC screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
Print Clean, Crisp Images
Want to achieve a clean, crisp image in screen printing? Here is a tip from Kieth Stevens, recently published in Printwear Magazine, on how to achieve this:
The width of the squeegee may make a huge difference.
First, consider the squeegee size in relation to the size of the image. Use a squeegee that not only covers the image entirely, but overlaps it by a good margin—at least an inch or so. If the squeegee is not wide enough, the edges of the image may come out blurred or smudged. This is due to the fact that most of the pressure exerted in printing is focused more toward the center of the print rather than the outer edges.
Similarly, if the image is too close to the edge of the screen, it is likely there will not be enough printing pressure on the edge or that the edge of the screen will not make good contact with the fabric. Either way, the edges of the image will be smudged.
Make sure that the inside screen edge is far enough away from the design. Or, if that isn’t possible, decrease the off-contact. The delicate relationship between off-contact and the image distance from the edge of the screen frame plays a big role in achieving a clean, crisp image.
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of Non-Phthalate and Non-PVC screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
What are the different types of squeegees and which should I use for any given scenario?
Recently, Printwear published this mini article written by Kieth Stevens in response to an inquiry they received in their Q&A section:
Here’s what to look for when choosing a squeegee for the printing job at hand:
Handles: When printing manually, choose one that fits your hand comfortably. There are many types from which to choose and include wood, plastic or metal. Some are ergonomically designed.
Blade shapes: There are three different types—square, round and V-shaped.
- Square (straight edge) blades are most often used by screen printers. They work well for standard or regular ink applications.
- Round (ball nose) squeegee blades deposit more ink. Use this type for special effects inks such as gel or puff.
- V-shaped (single- or double-bevel) blades are typically used for printing on irregular or cylindrical-shaped substrates.
Durometer: Denotes the hardness of the blades.
- A 50-60 durometer is soft blade that will deposit more ink. Choose this durometer for heavily-textured fabrics to lay down more ink (may help with fibrillation) or for use with special effects inks, such as gels and puffs.
- A 60-75 durometer designation ranks medium on the hardness scale. It is good for general printing.
- The hardest option is an 80 durometer blade. It will deposit less ink and is great for printing fine detail or four-color process prints.
Composite blades: This type of squeegee blade consists of a couple or several different blades of varying durometers sandwiched together, such as a 60/90 or a 70/90/70. The benefit to using this type is that the harder durometer gives the squeegee great support, yet has the softer edge for printing.
—Kieth Stevens, International Coating
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of Non-Phthalate and Non-PVC screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
Get Cleaner Exposures
Here is a quick tip from Kieth Stevens on how to get cleaner exposures, which translates for the better images on the screen. This quick tip was recently published in Printwear Magazine:
Using lower-wattage light bulbs to expose screens can result in images that aren’t crisp or in the emulsion washing out where it’s not supposed to. Instead of spending a lot of time touching up the screen with screen filler, try using dual cure emulsion.
Although the Diazo is the most forgiving of the various types of emulsions, it is also the slowest to expose. Dual cure hardens (cures) faster and can especially make a difference for those using a weak source of light for exposure.
Secondly, use a reliable, industry-supplied light source. Screen print equipment and materials manufacturers and distributors can guide you to the right choice for your setup.
—Kieth Stevens, International Coatings
International Coatings manufactures a complete line of Non-Phthalate and Non-PVC screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers. For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.
International Coatings: The Intelligent Choice
