Cirriculum - Basic Screen Printing
Cirriculum - Basic Screen Printing
Course Description
Course Objectives
To educate & train students in the screen printing process, for the purpose of
further education or an avenue to enter the industry as a skilled worker. Specific
objectives for the course are as follows:
A. To develop an understanding of the scope of the screen printing
industry.
B. To learn how each of the printing processes differ from one another.
C. To understand the fundamentals of the screen printing process
1) Design and image generation
2) The image carrier
3) Squeegee and flood bar
4). Substrates
5) Inks
6) Presses
7) Finishing and converting
D. To be aware of safety and environmental issues
E. To understand various aspects of quality control
F. To develop basic computer literacy
G. To learn basic math and learning skills
H. To develop oral and written communication skills
I. To develop career awareness of the screen printing industry
Revised 3/21/01
Course Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of this course, students must demonstrate the ability
to:
1. Use safe work procedures according to standard practices.
2. Accurately identify safety considerations on quizzes and exams.
3. Recount the historical development of screen-printing.
4. Identify tools, materials, and equipment used for screen-printing.
5. Apply the physical properties of a variety of inks and substrates for
screen-printing.
6. Identify and analyze a variety of applications for screen-printing.
7. Achieve proficiency in technical aspects of screen-printing.
8. Identify production concerns for screen-printing.
9. Describe typical procedures for creating a screen-printed product in a
logical time line.
10. Identify the attributes of a high quality screen-printed product.
11. An overall knowledge of the process and variables involved in screen-
printing.
12. Compare and contrast the various stencil methods and their
applications.
13. Analyze the quality of commercially produced screen-printed
products.
14. Accurately use and define appropriate terminology.
Text Book
Screen Printing Primer by Samuel Ingram
1. Introduction
I.1 History of Screen Printing – Chapter 1
I.2 Overview of Screen Printing Process – Chapter 2
I.3 Artwork and Color Reproduction – Chapter 3 & 4
2. Screen Preparation
2.1 Image Carrier – Chapter 5
A. Frames (pages 46-50)
B. Mesh – Screen Fabrics (pages 51-58)
C. Stretching (pages 59-62)
D. Coating (pages 63-70)
E. Exposure (pages 71-75)
F. Blockout, Press Preparation (not covered in textbook, lectures &
demos)
G. Reclaiming (not covered in textbook, lectures and demos)
Revised 3/21/01
2.2 Lab – Screen Preparation
Instructor trains student to run stretching equipment and read tension meter. Reviews
method, safe operation and purpose of tension.
I – Stretching
- coat screen
- allow to dry
Instructor trains student to run exposure unit, and exposure calculates. Review process
and purpose. Exposure pre – established
IV – Shooting a screen
V – Wash out
3. Screen Printing
3.1 Press Categories (pages 77-81)
3.2 Press Components and Operations
A. Screen Holders (page 82)
B. Squeegee (pages 83-88)
C. Press Operations/Concerns (pages 89-94)
D. Drying Equipment (pages 94-9)
3.3 Lab – Screen Printing
Instructor trains student to run press and process to produce a good print. Review safe
operation
I - Preprinting
II – Printing
Student prints on 3 different materials, with a two color job that has trapped
graphics. A summery includes the printing process and explanation of trapping
and color change during trapping.
Revised 3/21/01
Establish 8 colors to mix (formulas determined)
Instructor explains PMS book and available colors to match these colors
II – 4 color process
Instructor explains the effect of density on 4CP images and how to increase and
decrease these colors
5. Process Control
V.1 Quality Improvements (pages 111-112)
V.2 Process Control Tools (pages 112-117)
A. Densitometer (not covered in textbook, lectures and demos)
Bibliography
Screen Printing: A Contemporary Approach by Samuel B. Hoff
SGIA Career video
Revised 3/21/01
SUPPLIES – ESTIMATED ANNUAL USEAGE
Mesh $190.00
Blockout $65.00
Chemicals $540.00
Ink wash
Emulsion remover
Degreaser
Haze
Equipment – 18 x 20 format
Revised 3/21/01
Washout tank $1,395.00
Scale $128.00
Optional
Squeegee Sharpener $649.00
Reflection Densitometer $2,500.00
Revised 3/21/01