Hello all,
First - thanks in advance for your thoughts. I'd like to run through my process and get any advice you may have - especially with temps.
We are embroiderers and are just getting started with screen printing. I have purchased a used RH 6/4 RH Aero, Lowrider conveyor dryer, and Black Body 18"x18" flash. All equipment is a year old. We are printing a 6 color (including underbase) design on Gildan royal blue shirts. The flash is about 2" off the shirt. I'm using Ryonet (International Coatings) inks.
Here's my process:
1. Print white underbase - flash 10 seconds
2. Print colors 2-5 (yellow, lt gray, dark gray, red) - flash each 6 seconds
3. Print color 3 (black) - place in conveyor dryer
4. Shirt is in conveyor dryer for 63 seconds and temp is 380 degrees (according to laser temp gun) about 12" before exiting the dryer.
The shirt is passing the stretch test and wash 1 shirt 3 times yesterday and it came out perfect.
Other than general advice, my specific questions are:
1. What temp should the shirt be upon return to the print station after flashing? Mine are running between 170-180 degrees.
2. What temp should the shirt be before starting the next color after flashing so I don't cure the ink on the screen?
3. What temp should the shirt be when exiting the dryer for a full cure?
I know that's a lot to digest but thanks again for advice, criticism, and thoughts.