Re: What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens?
is there a pressure wash car wash near by?
we use those in the winter time...and get some strange looks.
our emulsion is biodegradable, so no worries there. its would be pretty unfair to say "hey you there! stop washing that square with fabric on it!" when there are people who spray their motors...
Re: What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens?
I've used the cheapo electric kind you can get at the big discount home supply stores with good results. They typically produce 1500psi and consume about 1.3 gal per minute.
I've also used the car wash, it's cold in the winter time when you get wet and you will if you try it.
Re: What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens?
Quote:
is there a pressure wash car wash near by?
we use those in the winter time...and get some strange looks.
Not a good idea, I know lots do this yet it is not the proper way. The emulsion and inks need to be filtered before going down the drain. You can get in serious trouble if caught by the right person
Re: What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens?
I didn't that that most emulsions needed to be filtered, inks yes, but we clean our screens before anyway.
You should always use a pressure washer to remove emulsion. It saves a ton of water. Not to mention, time. It takes forever if you have a tricky screen where the emulsion is even slightly locked up. We've even used the 1100 PSI units with excellent results, just remember to spray the shirt side, not the squeegee side, you'll blow the mesh right off the frame.
Re: What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens?
Hey Fluid,
I'm curious about the filtering you mention. I've worked in the same shop for a number of years and our reclaiming process is to use CCI citra paste as an ink degrader, we scrub it on then wash it right down the drain, apply the stencil remover pressure wash and rinse it down the drain too. There are no filters it just goes straight down the drain.
I'm opening my own shop right now, I actually leased and occupied the building today!!! I should be up and running in about 2 weeks but one of my projects is going to be the wash out sink. I am planning on constructing my own, well not me , but a guy I know is going to make it for me. I had planned on going straight down the drain but if that isn't the right way I'd like to what is and how to do it.
Re: What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens?
Quote:
Originally Posted by antman428
Hey Fluid,
I'm curious about the filtering you mention. I've worked in the same shop for a number of years and our reclaiming process is to use CCI citra paste as an ink degrader, we scrub it on then wash it right down the drain, apply the stencil remover pressure wash and rinse it down the drain too. There are no filters it just goes straight down the drain.
I'm opening my own shop right now, I actually leased and occupied the building today!!! I should be up and running in about 2 weeks but one of my projects is going to be the wash out sink. I am planning on constructing my own, well not me , but a guy I know is going to make it for me. I had planned on going straight down the drain but if that isn't the right way I'd like to what is and how to do it.
Depending on what type chemicals you are using, it may be legal to wash your reclaiming refuse down the drain but from a enviromental standpoint you want to keep the amount of solvents that re-enter the water system to a minimum. Large companies use closed systems for reclaiming solvents. You might just need a filter to capture solids from your waste water. You can find out what is acceptable by contacting your local building inspections offices. Since you are just starting out let me remind you that the chemical associated with screen printing are hazardous and it's your responsibility as a owner to keep the health risks to your employees to a minimum. Here is an EPA site that has some great info on reducing hazards in the printing process.
What pressure is recommended for reclaiming screens? 
