When you are buying any digital printer, here are some things that you should consider, especially if you are a first time buyer: Anything mechanical can breakdown. What reputation does the manufacturer have for building reliable equipment? In the event of a problem, what service and technical support does the manufacturer provide? Read more »
How Thermoplastics and Thermosets Differ
Thermoplastic and thermoset plastics are both comprised of very large polymer chains. Both have similarly sounding names. Each type of plastic, however, is very unique. Here’s how thermoplastics and thermosets differ. Cast vinyls are thermoplastics, which are very soft and conformable films, suitable for fleet graphics application over rivets and corrugations. Photo courtesy of Nazdar. Read more »
Why Application Tape Tears Unexpectedly
From time to time application tape will tear when you least expect it. When this happens the graphics can be trashed. Frustrated sign makers want to know the cause of these mishaps. There’s no one single answer why this happens. Application tape can tear when it is unwound for a variety of reasons. Here are […] Read more »
The Misconceptions about Multitasking
Can you really believe that there was a time when most of us thought that multitasking was the smart thing to do? That if we multitasked that we could actually get more done? And if we could juggle three or four tasks at once that we were smarter than the average guy? Read more »
Spray Painting Safety
If you are spray painting or airbrushing an enamel, a dust mask will not provide you with adequate protection. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals in paints can make you sick and eventually could kill you. Read more »
Table Saw Safety
One of the most used and most versatile power tools is the table saw. It is also one of the most dangerous. Each year more than 40,000 table saw accidents occur. Many of these accidents result in the loss of a limb. To prevent becoming a statistic, follow these rules: Read more »
The Differences Between Polyurethane and Vinyl Films
Many in our industry use the all-encompassing term “heat transfer vinyl” to refer to any heat transfer flex film. The fact of the matter is that many of the heat transfer films on the market today are not vinyl at all. Much of what is sold today is polyurethane or a polyurethane blend. Read more »
Stretching Garments Prior to Heat Pressing
Some screen printers, who print directly onto t-shirts or who print plastisol heat transfers, will stretch the garment before printing or heat pressing. By doing this, the weave of the shirt opens up allowing the ink to better penetrate the fibers of the fabric. This practice is believed to prevent cracking of the ink. Read more »
Differences Between Stains and Dyes
Dyes and stains are both used to color wood. To the uninitiated masses both types of products are one in the same. For this reason, these terms are frequently used interchangeably albeit incorrectly. While both dyes and stains are similar in appearance and intended use, the similarity ends there. In fact, dyes and stains each […] Read more »
Using Chip Carving Knives in Letter Carving
You can use chip carving knives for more than just carving geometric designs in boxes, plates or furniture. These specialized knives are also great tools when used to carve incised letters. I have also used these knives for carving details in brittle wood prone to tear out. Read more »
