Process for creating an image on film used in screen printing

摘要

A process for creating a thermal image for use in screen printing. The process includes the use of a photostencil film that consists of a clear transparent base carrier front side and an emulsion coated back side. The photostencil film is introduced into a thermal printer. The thermal printer is electronically coupled to a personal computer. The thermal printer is programmed to recognize digital information and convert the digital information into a thermal wax image. The thermal wax image is imprinted on the clear carrier front side of the photostencil film. Ultraviolet inhibitor additives and/or pigment opacity from the thermal printer provide the thermal wax image with an ultraviolet light barrier. All non-imprinted area's will remain photosensitive to ultraviolet light exposure. The photostencil film is fed through a light seal area into a timed ultraviolet light source. The carrier front side with the imprinted integral digital image is exposed to a timed ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light penetrates through the carrier front side and causes the unprotected and unmasked emulsion coated areas to harden on the film backside. After exposure, the photostencil film proceeds through a light seal area and is deposited into an exposed film storage. The exposed photostencil film can be removed from storage under light conditions and subjected to a water or chemical rinse. The unexposed non-hardened area protected by the ultraviolet light image barrier remain soft and will wash away.