PLUS 1-SR

WORKING INSTRUCTIONS

Unlike conventional diazo sensitised emulsions, PLUS 1-SR does not require sensitising prior to use.

Safe Light Working

PLUS 1-SR is sensitive to UV light and will ‘fog’ easily unless handled under good yellow safelight conditions.  Similarly, coated screens must be handled under the same safelight conditions. Always store and use the product in original container, replacing lid after use.

Mesh Preparation

Unused polyester         Autoprep and  Universal Mesh Prep or Auto Degreaser Concentrate

Used polyester             Universal Mesh Prep or Auto Degreaser Concentrate

For more information on mesh preparation, follow this link: How to Guide – Mesh preparation for PLUS emulsions

Coating & Drying

PLUS 1-SR is intended for mesh counts between 55 and 165 threads/cm.

1. Apply 2 coats to the print side and 2 coats to squeegee side of the screen.
2. The screen should be dried at a maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F). Take care to store under dark or yellow light conditions.
3. Additional coatings may be applied to the underside of the screen with intermediate drying to improve printed edge quality.
4. The screen must be fully dried to ensure good exposure performance.  If the screen has been stored outside of the drying cabinet it is good practice to re-dry prior to exposure to remove moisture that may be in the coating.

For more information on coating, follow this link: How to Guide – Coating PLUS emulsions

Exposure

CORRECT EXPOSURE IS ESSENTIAL FOR OPTIMUM STENCIL PERFORMANCE.  UNDEREXPOSURE WILL GIVE A WEAK STENCIL AND REDUCE RESISTANCE.

Remove dust from the surface of the stencil and tape positive in position.  Place entire screen in a suitable vacuum frame and expose.  We recommend use of the Autotype Exposure Calculator for test exposures to ascertain correct timing.

‘Correct’ exposure can be determined by hardness and ‘through cure’ of the stencil, and resolution of required detail.  When correctly exposed, emulsion should not be easily removed from the squeegee side of the stencil when rubbed with a finger. We recommend the following as a guide in arriving at your best exposure time:

Exposure time in seconds

Exposure time in seconds based on 2+2 coating on 120/cm (305/inch) amber monofilament polyester mesh.

For more information on exposure, follow this link: How to Guide – Exposing PLUS emulsions

Washout & Drying

Wash out the screen from both sides with a strong spray of water.  Continue the washout until all parts of the image appear clean and sharp.  Blot off surplus moisture with newsprint or a leather and dry at a maximum temperature of 30°C (86°F).

Spot out blemishes with Autotype Blue Filler or Regular Filler.

Stencil Removal

Remove ink from the screen with Autosolve Graphics Screen Wash. Apply Autostrip (either Autostrip Gel or a solution of Autostrip Concentrate 1:20) to both sides of the screen.  Leave standing for 5 minutes.  The stencil can then be removed with a strong water jet or high pressure stripper.  If a stain or ghost image still remains, use Autokleen Plus or Autohaze.

For more information on decoating, follow this link: How to Guide – Decoating PLUS emulsions