Abstract: A thermoresponsive coloring formulation for use on a reimageable image carrier is provided. An image may be created by exposing the thermoresponsive coloring formulation to heat and erased by exposing it to white light. A screen coated with an uncured stencil coating is placed in registration with the image carrier. The screen and image carrier are exposed to a curing agent which is prevented from passing beyond the image carrier in those areas covered by the image, while the areas of the coated screen that are exposed to the curing agent are hardened by the curing agent. After the stencil coating has been hardened in the desired areas, the screen is removed, and the uncured stencil coating is rinsed away from the screen, leaving a portion of the screen with open pores through which ink can flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a screen printing screen is provided. It includes an exposing frame which houses a curing agent such as a light source. A reimagable image carrier is placed in registration with the exposing frame and is connected to a computer capable of supplying the image carrier with an image. An image may be created on the image carrier by exposing it to heat, UV light, or an electrostatic charge, or the image may be erased by exposing it to white light, heat, or a grounded object depending upon the image carrier material. A printing screen coated with an uncured stencil coating is placed above the image carrier. The image carrier will allow the curing agent to pass through those areas which are not blocked by the image supplied thereto to harden desired areas of the stencil coating on the printing screen, and uncured coating is rinsed away.

Abstract: A method of preparing a screen printing screen is provided whereby a screen with a printing surface is provided, along with a printing mechanism capable of movement in at least two directions. The screen is positioned so that a selected position of the screen is located at a specific reference point. The printing mechanism is then provided with the data which defines an area of the screen which is desired to be blocked with a liquid stencil material. The liquid stencil material is then printed onto the area defined above utilizing the printing mechanism. A barrier coating or a barrier backing may be applied to or against the screen before the liquid stencil material is applied thereto. Thereafter, the stencil coating is applied utilizing the print mechanism and the stencil coating is hardened. After the stencil coating has been hardened, the barrier coating, if used, is removed by spraying the screen with water or air.

Abstract: A method of preparing a screen printing screen is provided whereby a screen with a printing surface is provided, along with a printing mechanism capable of movement in at least two directions. The screen is positioned so that a selected position of the screen is located at a specific reference point. The printing mechanism is then provided with the data which defines an area of the screen which is desired to be blocked with a liquid stencil material. The liquid stencil material is then printed onto the area defined above utilizing the printing mechanism. A barrier coating or a barrier backing may be applied to or against the screen before the liquid stencil material is applied thereto. Thereafter, the stencil coating is applied utilizing the print mechanism and the stencil coating is hardened. After the stencil coating has been hardened, the barrier coating, if used, is removed by spraying the screen with water or air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for registration of screens used in ink transfer processes for the printing of patterns on substrates such as clothing and other articles. The apparatus includes a platen surface and registration members that are mounted for movement toward and away from opposite sides of the platen. A pair of the registration members are coupled so that they move in mirror image in relation to a fixed point on the platen. When the screen frame is positioned on the platen, the registration members are activated to move inwardly toward the fixed point on the platen to center the screen in relation to the fixed point. Artwork is applied to the screen in alignment with underlying indicia provided on the platen and the screen is then processed to form a stencil in the screen.