Current SPTF Research Projects
The following research projects are currently being worked on at SPTF.

IR vs. Quartz Flash Comparison Test
Project Objective: Compare an IR and Quartz flash curing systems based on the time it takes to bring the ink to temperature and then the time it takes to cool the platen.  A third test will be conducted to see how many cycles it takes under each flash system to bring the platen temperature up to a consistent level.

Project Description: A comparable sized IR and Quartz flash unit will be evaluated on their effectiveness at bringing a regular plastisol ink to proper flash temperature (160 -240° F –we will use 240 as the target in the test), and the time at which the pallet then returns to normal temperature.  Testing will include both light and dark shirts and white, red and black ink, making 6 separate combinations.  In addition, two flash height distances will be tested.

Washout Technique Research Project
Project Objective: Conduct a comparison test of common washout techniques and their effects on stencil resolution.  This will include examining the controversial practice of using a high-pressure water washout on halftone images.  Washout is often an overlooked area of control in screen making, and this project will attempt to show its impact.

Project Details: The project will focus on comparing two newer washout techniques with conventional washout methods.  The first comparison will focus on the duration of washout on each side of the screen.  Current recommendations prescribe to wet the screen on the squeegee side, and then the substrate side, and then proceed to perform most of the washout on the substrate side, with a final rinse on the squeegee side.  The new test method will split washout time equally on both sides.  Two screens (with two identical images exposed) will be made to test this theory, one will use a pressure washer using both techniques, and one will use a fan spray on a common garden nozzle with normal street pressure.  The second comparison will use the technique that produced the best results in the first test, but now compare pressure washing vs. garden hose pressure on one screen that is underexposed, and on one screen that is properly exposed. 

Optimizing Emulsion Coating for Textile Printing
Project Objective: Create a demonstration screen to show how emulsion coating combinations can be quickly tested and optimized for textile applications.   

Project Description: The project will serve to prove that coating technique can have a dramatic effect on image quality when printing garment substrates.  Test screens will be made and printed with various coating combinations to provide demonstration of this point.  Specific attention will be paid to differences with and without a face coat, and differences from variations in the initial coating method.  Three different textile substrates will also be printed to show the impact shirt quality has on the printed image.