How to Build a Screen Printing Machine
Printing presses are complex, highly engineered pieces of machinery. But hobbyists around the world have embraced one type of printing press that can be successfully built at home with a minimum of fuss and cost. A simple flat-bed screen printing press (also called a silk screen press) consists of a flat wooden surface and a couple of hinges, but can print a wide variety of materials with excellent quality. Screen printing is one of the oldest known printing methods, and its ability to print on paper, plastic, fabric, leather, wood, metal, glass, ceramics and a host of other materials makes it one of the most versatile methods.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4 inch premium grade plywood, 18 inches by 24 inches
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- 2 screen print hinges with screws
- Drill with assorted drill bits
- Wood glue
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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1
Measure to find the center of the wood, approximately 2 inches from one of the outside edges of the 24 inch side, and mark with a pencil.
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2
Measure 6 inches from the center pencil mark, marking with the pencil on both sides of the center.
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3
Center each frame hinge at the 6 inch marks and draw screw-hole pilot locations with a pencil.
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4
Drill pilot holes with a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws provided, drilling about two-thirds of the screw's length.
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5
Fill screw holes with a small amount of wood glue to add strength.
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6
Install the frame hinges by inserting and tightening screws with a screwdriver.
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7
Install the screen printing frame by inserting it into the open hinges and clamping it down in position. The press is now ready for printing.
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Tips & Warnings
The press may be made larger or smaller by modifying the wood size.
The press may be mounted onto a solid surface, such as screwing it to an old table or desk, to provide further stability when printing with large screens.
This press is designed to print any one-dimensional object such as posters, postcards, plastic, metal, fabric and other sheet material. It is not suitable for T-shirts, other constructed garments or three-dimensional objects, which require a more complicated machine.
Always wear safety glasses and practice safe work habits when operating power tools.
Use only high quality plywood to minimize warping
