How to make screen plate for screen printing ？

What equipments will use for screen plates making?

Creating a screen plate (also known as a stencil or screen mesh) is a crucial step in the screen printing process. The equipment used for making screen plates includes:

1. Screen Mesh:
   • Description: The screen mesh is a woven fabric stretched over a frame. The mesh count (threads per inch) determines the resolution of the print.
   • Equipment: Frames, screen mesh, and stretching equipment.
2. Emulsion:
   • Description: Emulsion is a light-sensitive coating applied to the screen mesh to create the stencil.
   • Equipment: Emulsion coating trough or scoop coater.
3. Exposure Unit:
   • Description: An exposure unit is used to expose the screen mesh to UV light after applying emulsion, hardening the emulsion in areas not blocked by the design.
   • Equipment: UV exposure unit or light table.
4. Film Positives:
   • Description: Film positives are high-contrast, opaque films with the design printed on them. They are used in the exposure process to block UV light.
   • Equipment: Computer, printer, and film output device.
5. Darkroom Setup:
   • Description: A darkroom is required for handling light-sensitive emulsion and preparing screens.
   • Equipment: Yellow or red safelight, screen drying cabinet.
6. Washout Booth:
   • Description: After exposure, the unhardened emulsion is washed away using a high-pressure water spray.
   • Equipment: Washout booth with a water source.
7. Dehazer/Stencil Remover:
   • Description: A dehazer or stencil remover is used to remove any remaining emulsion residue after washout.
   • Equipment: Dehazing solution and a pressure washer.
8. Drying Cabinet:
   • Description: Screens need to be thoroughly dried before they can be used for printing.
   • Equipment: Screen drying cabinet with proper ventilation.
9. Blockout Material:
   • Description: Blockout is used to patch any pinholes or areas where light may have penetrated during exposure.
   • Equipment: Blockout material and a brush or applicator.
10. Registration System:
    • Description: A registration system ensures accurate alignment of multiple screens for multi-color prints.
    • Equipment: Registration pins, screen clamps, and a registration table.
11. Screen Tension Meter:
    • Description: A tension meter is used to measure the tension of the screen mesh, ensuring consistent quality.
    • Equipment: Screen tension meter.
12. Squeegees and Scoop Coaters:
    • Description: Squeegees are used to push ink through the screen, while scoop coaters are used to apply a smooth and even layer of emulsion.
    • Equipment: Squeegees, scoop coaters.
13. Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies:
    • Description: Various chemicals are used for emulsion removal, screen cleaning, and other processes.
    • Equipment: Cleaning solvents, emulsion removers, degreasers.
14. Ventilation System:
    • Description: Adequate ventilation is essential when working with chemicals and inks.
    • Equipment: Proper ventilation system or exhaust fan.

It’s important to note that the specific equipment may vary based on the size of your operation, the type of screen printing you’re doing, and the materials you’re working with. Always follow safety guidelines when working with chemicals and machinery, and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for each piece of equipment.