How to Blockout a Screen Frame with the Expert RhinoTech Method

Part 3 in this RhinoTech series involves the steps on how to Blockout a Screen Frame. 

This how-to video follows previous demos: Coating Screens 101A and Exposing and Developing Screens 101A.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

The necessary tools include the screen frame that we previously exposed and developed, RB203 Thick Blockout that is water-soluble and a perfect choice to use on coarser mesh counts and a little squeegee. We also use the BL1620 Exposure Unit w/backlight.

NOTE: For finer mesh counts, the choice is RB202 that is a thinner product. For an absolutely permanent blockout, the choice is RB201.

STEPS TO BLOCKING OUT A SCREEN FRAME

Puddle blockout in the corner of the frame. With the trusty yellow squeegee, spread blockout around the edge of the frame. This is important to ensure that all pinholes from dust are covered.

NOTE: RB203 is water-soluble making it easy to wash off the screen. And, the backlight on the Exposure System makes it easy to see where light is potentially seeping through, so you can cover those areas/spots with the Blockout.

Work carefully, though, to make sure that you don’t get any of the blockout on the image.

Let the screen dry.

DOUBLE SECURITY

When the screen is dry, use regular packing tape to tape out around the inside edge of the backside (squeegee side) of the frame. This will ensure that when you print, no ink will get squished between the mesh and the frame.

And, that’s it!

RECAP:

RB203 – when you need a thick blockout for coarser mesh counts.

RB202 – when you need a thin blockout for finer mesh counts

RB201 – when you want a permanent blockout.

As always, thanks for taking the time to view this demo. If you have questions, please contact us directly at 651-686-5027 x 4 or info@rhinotechinc.com. 

Free Shipping opportunities are available with on-line purchases of $50 or more when delivered in the contiguous U.S.A. 

And, we ship world-wide.

   

 

How to Expose and Develop Screens 101A

How to EXPOSE AND DEVELOP A SCREEN FRAME 101A.

This video is Part 2 in our series following Coating Screens 101A. 

Today, we’re using a BL1620 ExposureUnit w/UV Black lights. It has a simple on/off switch. You just have to add a timer system; we use the timer on our phones.

EXPOSING THE SCREEN FRAME

The first step is to have your artwork ready. As you can see, we printed our artwork onto RhinoJet Film PositiveMaterial using an Epson 1430. We used this water-proof clear film material because it provides a very dense film positive helping to ensure that no light will penetrate the blacked out area.

Next, position the film positive material onto the Exposure System.

Then, position the previously coated screen frame over the film positive (the frame that we coated in the video Coating Screens 101A).

Add a pressure plate to ensure good contact. We use one that is made of melamine board with foam (foam side down) to ensure that the film is tight against the screen. We also add a few gallons of RhinoMite adhesive to secure it even more.

Turn Exposure System on.

We know that it will take a 4-minute exposure, because of previous test results. So…always test with a film positive that has been pre-made for you using different filters. This will help you narrow down variables due to type of Exposure System and type of emulsion you’re using.

Once the screen is exposed, retrieve the screen frame and get ready to begin the Developing Process.

THE DEVELOPING PROCESS

The first step in the DEVELOPING PROCESS is to move to the RhinoClean Washout Booth. Place screen in the booth and wet screen on both sides.

Next, set Pressure Washer to wide fan with low pressure (easily done with the RS 1500A) and with a smooth motion, continue to wash frame – notice we’re working on the non-squeegee side of frame. Be sure to flip frame and continue washing the other side.

Watch the design appear.

And, that’s it. You’ve just observed how simple it is to Expose and Develop a Screen Frame using the RhinoTech method.

Now, let the screen dry before you begin the Blocking Out process. And, because there are a few ways to do that, please watch for Part 3 in the series, Blocking out a Screen Frame 101A.

Thanks for watching the easiest way to Expose and Develop a screen frame from RhinoTech. We look forward to working with you.

 

Free Shipping opportunities are available with on-line purchases of $50 or more when delivered in the contiguous U.S.A. And, we ship world-wide.

 

HOW TO COAT A SCREEN PRINTING FRAME - 101A.

YOU ASKED. THIS IS THE VIDEO DEMO.

THESE ARE THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO SIMPLIFY THE SCREEN COATING PROCESS

1 – Screen Printing Frame

2- RhinoSol 500 Dual Cure Emulsion + Sensitizer

Add sensitizer to emulsion and then let stand so bubbles will disappear.

3 - Scoop Coater that has a rounded and sharp side and an angle piece that enables you to tip and rock and shear in one smooth motion.

I want to point out that, generally, you’ll be working with this in a light safe environment. For demo purposes, I’m going to work a bit quickly and then move to a dark light area for screen drying.

STEPS TO COATING A SCREEN FRAME

To begin, pour emulsion into scoop coater without over-filling and then begin to coat the non-squeegee side of the screen frame.

The reason that it’s important to start on the non-squeegee side of the frame is because you want to have the build-up on the bottom or non-squeegee side of the frame.

Move scoop coater straight up the frame and then shear off at the top. REPEAT.

Next, turn screen around and coat the squeegee side. REPEAT.

Place frame in a horizontal position in a light safe drying rack to dry.

Once dry, the next phase will be to expose the screen. And, that will be Part 2 in the series, EXPOSING AND DEVELOPING SCREENS 101A.

Really appreciate you watching our demo. If you need more info and have questions, please contact us at 651-686-5027 x 4 OR info@rhinotechinc.com. We look forward to working with you.

Free Shipping opportunities are available with on-line purchases of $50 or more when delivered in the contiguous U.S.A. And, we ship world-wide.