Screen printing machine??????

Laura54 wrote

on 26 Feb 2010 10:18 AM

Help please!

I bought a screen and a squeegee last summer on holiday in USA and I do love the result on my works, but it is only ONE screen… I would like to have the possibility to create my own screen, almost a dream in Italy where I live.

“Screen printing machine” are unknown words here.

I’ve found some American supplier that shipped internationally, but the parcel will be very heavy, and the shipping expensive, is it worth the money?

I’m full of doubts!

And I’ve found also this, http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1940560-AA.shtml

(I hope there is no problem with the link), a screen printing kit that works with fluids and other chemical stuff.

This is cheaper than the machine and can be stored in a smaller closer, but the difference in the price is not so big, and I think the manufacturing process more complex….

Suggestions?

Experiences?

Thank you!

Muppin wrote

on 26 Feb 2010 4:52 PM

Hey Laura54-

Do you mean a thermofax machine?  Yes, they can be very expensive.  But the upside of them is that they print screens fast and without all of the chemicals those other machines and methods use. 

There's lots of thermofax screen printing services out there, so you can have screens printed for you by someone with a machine.  The back of issues of QA sometimes list them.

One of the newer machines on the market that use some chemicals/curing is called YUDU, but I don't know how they work as I don't have one.  They look like they print nice screens.

Some of the small printing machines like Thermofax, like one called Gocco, are no longer made.  Which is such a shame for us who want to print on fabric!!

Cheryl / Muppin

Laura54 wrote

on 27 Feb 2010 12:07 AM

Thank you Muppin, and yes I meant a thermofax machine. The Yudu is the only one that can be shipped to Italy too.

To buy or not to buy? Here is the problem!

Belinda Spiwak wrote

on 27 Feb 2010 5:20 AM

Laura, I would love a thermofax machine but cannot afford one. I have seen the vids on the Yudu and do not like how it has so many steps.  I have an article out in the newest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors (March/April)  that offers a simple and fun alternative for screen printing.  I have been using it for quite awhile now.  It is called PhotoEZ.  I love it because it is very cost effective for me.  It does not take a lot of equipment.

cangirl wrote

on 27 Feb 2010 8:13 PM

Hi Laura

Try and get a hold of the book Silkscreen Now by Kingi Carpenter ISBN 978-0-9810178-0-8.  It comes with a DVD too.  Easy to read, lots of good info on how to do silkscreen - from making your own screens, making a light table and printing.  Dharma is good but the shipping will be expensive.  I would look for a supplier in Europe. Good Luck