Exposure Unit

A properly coated screen won’t work without the right exposure unit. Walt Wright of Murakami Screen recommends the Olec Olite Printing Lamp, featured in this exposure unit (DMAX) from Douthitt (circle 125 on Free Info Card), which works for both conventional and CTS screens. “They thought about everything,” Wright says about the lighting. “It’s kinda simple – old ballast capacitor technology, but if isn’t broke, don’t fix it. It was and still is the best option there.”

Hardener

To get the optimal results from the emulsion and increased water resistance, you need a harderner from Murakami Screen (circle 124 on Free Info Card). The MS Hardener (left) is applied to both sides of the screen after it is exposed and dried and allows the stencil to be reclaimed. Hardeners A&B offers ultimate water resistance; it makes the screen hard to reclaim but provides exceptional durability for long runs.

Emulsion

Emulsion that works with waterbase is critical. This diazo emulsion (SP-1400) is versatile enough to work with discharge and waterbased in addition to plastisol. It is durable, capable of long runs and easy to reclaim the screen for future use. Available from Murakami Screen (circle 124 on Free Info Card).

Dryer

The RoqTunnel conveyor gas dryer (CDAU-T3015G) from Ryonet Corp. (asi/528500; circle 126 on Free Info Card) offers gas consumption savings plus a longer tunnel to help cure waterbased shirts. It features an antistatic and resistant mesh conveyor belt with built in fiberglass coated with Teflon.