Finish It Right

Oct 1, 2008

Post press entails breaking down a job to ready for the next one, including carding the remaining (useable) ink from the screens into a bucket. Be sure to document which inks your used so it can be properly stored for the next time it is needed.

In the post-press phase of screen printing, as throughout the production cycle, efficiency is your primary goal — and having set procedures in place is the key to achieving it. By laying out the steps that must be taken, you'll speed up the process and help ensure that everything is done properly.

Post press encompasses the actions that take place after you print the garment. Before releasing a job, the press or set-up crew should make sure all the production details are properly documented. How well you document a job has a huge impact on how smoothly a repeat order goes, how long it takes to set up and how consistent it is.

Here's a checklist to ensure you consistently follow the correct procedure each time:

• After the last shirt comes off the dryer, verify that the current order is correct and complete.

• Verify all documentation before pulling screens off the press.

• Verify that the next job(s) is complete and ready to go up on press.

• Pull the screens, remove reuseable ink and begin staging for the next job.

• Change out the squeegees, floodbars and inks.

• Insert new screens, squeegees, floodbars and inks.

• For peak efficiency, batch similar types of screens together for reclaiming.

• Complete all related documentation and file.

— Greg Kitson, Mind's Eye Graphics, Decatur, Ind.

Shining Stars
Despite an overcast economic forecast for many industries worldwide, the decorated apparel trade continues to glimmer through the clouds, as is evident by the finely crafted entries Impressions received for the 30th annual Impressions Awards competition.
January 05, 2009

DIGITAL EDITION

Buckle Up for a Thrill Ride
The decorated apparel industry, despite substantial challenges in the U.S. economy, is alive and…well, we could be doing better. Wall Street — and the economy in general — are on a wild roller coaster as the credit crunch continues and decorated apparel is not exempt. While no one can predict the future with certainty, this survey-based analysis suggests we'll be along for the ride, but perhaps on a smaller coaster that doesn't rise as high or plunge as fast as the monster whipsawing the rest of the U.S. economy.
December 01, 2008

How Embroiderers can Beat the Odds in a Recession
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Well, it looks like the recession is finally here. After many months of speculation as to whether we are or aren't, we are officially in an economic recession. This is not all bad news. It is a little-known fact that when markets go down in one area, they tend to go up in others.
December 01, 2008

Lofty Goals
Flawless embroidery starts with a smooth sewing surface. But when a customer's order calls for sewing on textured or lofty fabrics, your path to successful embroidery suddenly gets a little bumpy.
December 01, 2008

Beyond the Gym
Performance apparel manufacturers are rolling out new options that not only keep wearers cool, clean and dry, but also are suitable for everyday use.
Enough was enough for Kevin Plank. In 1995, Plank, then-special teams captain of the University of Maryland football team, decided he had grown tired of repeatedly changing his soaking-wet cotton T-shirts during games.
November 01, 2008