Stencil Making

Depending on the equipment in the department and the complexity of the type of images the theoretical seminars would range between half and one and a half days in duration. The seminars can host up to 6 delegates. The topics will be covered in various depths depending on the delegates' requirements.

Throughout the training the learners will take short tests to ensure that they have fully understood the topic.

Theoretical Stencil Making Topics
Coating stencil types - Hand & automatic coating techniques, controlling stencil thickness & measurement, Rz values, drying.
Degreasing mesh - Preparation, new mesh types.
Development - Automatic & manual washout, drying.
Exposure units and lamp types - Over/under exposure, exposure calculation, effect of heat on image size, image distortion.
Finishing & inspection.
Measurement instruments - Available and their purpose.
Mesh types, mesh selection, and mesh count.
Origination - Photopositives, Luscher, direct projection.
Origination for Four Colour Process - Alternative systems; hexachrome, geometric, stochastic. Separations, angles, dot shape, moiré, and line ruling.
Stencil reclamation.
Stretching frames - Equipment types, techniques, tension, angling mesh, frames.

Practical Stencil Making Topics
Coating and drying the screen.
Controlling the variables.
Degreasing the screen.
Developing and drying the stencil.
Exposing the screen.
Finishing and inspecting the stencil.
Health & Safety and environmental considerations.
Mesh identification.
Problem solving.
Process controls and use of documentation.
Stretching the mesh.
Use of measurement equipment.
Reclamation.