Enter all but one of the light intensity, desired exposure time, image density, and calibration constant into the calculator to determine the exposure time; this calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.
Screen Printing Exposure Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the exposure time for a screen printing exposure calculator:
ET = (L * T) / (I * C)
Variables:
- ET is the exposure time
- L is the light intensity
- T is the desired exposure time
- I is the image density
- C is the calibration constant
To calculate the exposure time, multiply the light intensity by the desired exposure time, then divide the result by the product of the image density and the calibration constant.
What is a Screen Printing Exposure?
Screen printing exposure is a crucial step in the screen printing process that involves transferring an image onto a screen for printing. This process begins with a design being printed onto a transparent material, such as a film positive. The design is then placed on a screen that has been coated with a layer of photosensitive emulsion. The screen is then exposed to a strong light source. The light hardens the emulsion on the areas of the screen not covered by the design, while the emulsion under the design remains soft and can be washed away, leaving a stencil of the design on the screen. This stencil can then be used to apply ink onto the printing surface, replicating the original design. The quality of the exposure can greatly affect the final print, making it a critical step in the screen printing process.
How to Calculate Screen Printing Exposure?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Screen Printing Exposure:
- First, determine the exposure time (minutes).
- Next, determine the light intensity (units).
- Next, gather the formula from above = SE = ET * LI.
- Finally, calculate the Screen Printing Exposure.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the exposure calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
exposure time (minutes) = 10
light intensity (units) = 5
