All-in-one screen printing machine

Abstract

A screen printing machine for: (i) creating an image-bearing screen; (ii) using the image-bearing screen to create prints on suitable substrates; and (iii) heating the print to cure the print ink. The machine includes an open front cabinet (11) having a mid-level shelf (39) that supports a series of ultraviolet (UV) lamps (41). Recesses (49) in the upper ends of the cabinet walls (31, 33) receive a work surface (21) that supports the image to be printed and a print screen (23). The image is preprinted on a sheet of material (20) that passes UV light except where the image is located. When the UV lamps are energized, a photographic emulsion previously coated onto the screen hardens, except in the area of the image (61). After exposure, the emulsion is washed, to remove unhardened emulsion and create a stencil-like printing screen. Then, the UV lamps (41) are covered (15) and a platen (55) is positioned just below the plane of the recesses (49). After a garment (63) is positioned on the platen (55), the screen (23) is returned to the recesses (49), after ink is applied to the top side of the screen. A squeegee is used to press the mesh (59) of the print screen (23) against the garment (63) and move ink through openings in the mesh (59). Then, the print screen (23) is removed and the ink is heated (25). Thereafter, the process is repeated for additional images or colors. After all colors are applied, the inks are heated (25) until cured. Spring-loaded pins (71) located along one of the screen receiving recesses press the print screen against the opposite recess creating side-to-side indexing. Front-to-back indexing is provided by pulling the frame (57) against the rear wall (35) of the cabinet (11). The machine can be used as an artist's light table by installing a translucent sheet (19) beneath the transparent support plate (21).