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How long does the ink take to dry?
- When pad printing, it only takes 30-45 seconds for the ink to dry to the touch. Many products require post treatment of heat after printing to cure effectively. Once heat cured, it can take several days for it to fully cure
Does everything need to be heat cured?
- The ink packaged with the 990 Series™ is 2-part epoxy ink that requires heat to cross link and bond with the product. Some products (such as ABS plastic) are solvent sensitive and will air dry and cure without heat, and there are single component inks available for some products as well. The 2 part epoxies are the most versatile and durable. We include two hardening systems. One is for plastics, acrylics, and painted surfaces, the other for glass, metal, and ceramics. Plastics take about 160-200 degrees for 2-6 minutes; glass, metal, and ceramics need 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
Can I use my textile dryer for curing?
- Yes, many screen printers do. You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun for small runs. However, a convection curing oven like the 990 Series Curing Oven is a more professional and reliable method for curing products.
What is a printing plate made of and how long does it last?
- The printing plate is metal coated with a light sensitive water-soluble polymer. The plates are good for about 5000 prints.
Can a plate be reclaimed?
- No, unlike a screen, a plate cannot have a new image burned in it once it is exposed. If you have a small image, you can burn more than one image in a plate, being sure you have clearance with the pad to pick up one image at a time.
What are transfer pads made of and long does it last?
- They are pure silicon. Pads are good for 40,000 - 50,000 prints. They should be stored out of direct sunlight, without anything touching them, as they will absorb that shape.
How many parts can I pad print an hour?
- Most people can pad print 200-300 parts an hour depending upon the product and the operator. The automatic will increase pad print production rate to an average of 660 pad prints and 600 cylindrical prints per hour.
How do I get my artwork to make a plate or screen?
- You can generate your artwork off your computer and print it out using a laser printer (600 dpi or better) onto laser film, which we include in the package. You are looking for good opaque artwork to block the light from the plate or screen.
How much ink do you need to do a run?
- For pad printing, you need 25-30 grams of ink to run it in the auto-inking mode. This will yield hundreds of prints. For cylinder screenprinting you need only 10-15 grams of ink.
Where do I find the blank products to print on?
- In addition to your included preferred vendor list, you receive the ACCESS Program, which gives you 50 product catalogs for marketing and access to over 70 vendors. We also can help you track down unusual products.
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