Screen printing machine

Abstract

A screen printing machine for: (i) creating an image bearing screen; (ii) using the image-bearing screen to create designs on a suitable substrate; and (iii) heating the print to cure the print ink. The bottom of a cabinet forms the base of a cavity that houses a series of ultraviolet (UV) lamps used to create an image-bearing screen. The top of the cavity is enclosed by a protective panel when the lamps are not being used. Narrow shelves that extend inwardly from the side walls support a pop-up screen holder that includes a U-shaped frame sized to receive a screen frame. A downwardly extending tube is slidably mounted in a vertical tubular hole. A coil spring creates an upward pressure on the U-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame is held down by a latch mechanism. A screen registration mechanism moves the U-shaped frame into a fixed position. A beveled block forces a print screen into a predetermined position. A platen support and registration mechanism including platen inclination and lateral adjustment mechanisms receives a downwardly extending leg located at the back of a garment support platen. Mounted beneath the platen support and registration mechanism, in alignment with the bottom of the platen leg, is a platen height adjustment mechanism. A heater having a tubular leg mounted in cylindrical hole in the housing is positionable above the platen. A slot located in the back wall of the housing allows elongate fabrics to be moved across the platen.