Digital Media Fab Lab Vinyl Plotter Demonstration Rapid … · 2021. 4. 24. · Digital Media Fab...

instructables

Digital Media Fab Lab Vinyl Plotter Demonstration Rapid Manufacturing forScreen-printing

by nl20bp

Digital Media Fab Lab Vinyl Plotter Demonstration Rapid Manufacturing for Screen-printing:

http://www.instructables.com

http://www.instructables.com/Digital-Media-Fab-Lab-Vinyl-Plotter-Demonstration-/

http://www.instructables.com/member/nl20bp/

Eco-friendly Wallpaper Research Proposal 2020-2021

Introduction: My de nition of eco-friendly inprintmaking is to use the least amount of solvent that isharmful for human and environment during the processand dispose waste, such as ink and contaminated rags,in the right bins for later disposal at a waste facility. Forthis project, Speedball water based ink will be used.

Eco Friendly aspects for this project:

- Reuse tools and materials, such as ink, containers,mylar, paper and so on.

- Dispose of wallpaper adhesive which is considered tobe a non-hazardous waste, either let the waste dry outand treat it as regular waste into the trash bin

- Leftover water based ink which is also considered to benon-hazardous waste can be disposed of in the trash canafter completely drying out

Goal: The goal of this project is to create wallpaper usingsilkscreen process with the least amount of waste thatwill be harmful for the environment.

Research plan:

Research for materials for the silkscreen process UseAdobe Illustrator to create the design for the vinyl cutterStart the silkscreen process and capture the process onvideo for the nal tutorial

Materials:

Speedball ink:

According to the Safety Data Sheet, Speedball acrylicscreen printing ink has no hazardous ingredients underOSHA Hazard Community Standard. During the processmaking the pattern on the wallpaper, leftover ink will beavailable to use from previous semesters. New ink willnot be needed to purchase. In combination with the ink,Speedball acrylic extender base which also has nohazardous ingredients will be used under OSHA HazardCommunity Standard. Both the ink and the base arewater based.

Wall adhesive: Roman Pro-543 liquid wallpaper adhesive

According to the Safety Data Sheet, this product has nohazardous ingredients under OSHA Hazard CommunityStandard.

Paper: The nal choice of paper will be decided after testprint on a variety of papers: Stonehenge, washi.

Washi paper is made using no chemical, eco-friendly.Stonehenge is 100% cotton with acid-free. (All ne artpaper is acid free to protect the artwork) Price:Unbleached Mulberry paper o -white 8.5” x 11” costs$0.59. Stonehenge 22” x 30” costs $3.47 (Plaza art).

Design of the wallpaper:

The design is created according to my interest and myart practice. The design is based on a dream from mychildhood. In the dream, there were numerous shapesmoving and dancing around in a large space with nomusic. In the nal design, the shapes will have brightcolors.

Additional tools: (All the tools in this list are reusable andcan be clean with water)

Plastic containers to mix ink (1 Dollar store), qualitydepends on the number of colors Spatula (1 dollar store)

Silkscreen screen (at local art store orhttps://www.dickblick.com/products/jacquard-aluminum-silk-screens/) Printing squeegee (at Blickstore, any art supply website or your university’s

printshop) Mylar (Local art store

( These tools can be purchased on Amazon, Plaza Artwebsite or Blick Art material)

Conclusion: After research and gathering materials, theprocess will be recorded for the nal tutorial.


Step 1: Creating Design for Vinyl Cutting

Use Pencil Tool (N)Pencil Tool (N) to draw desired design (stroke).

In this step, the whole layer needs to be duplicated.

Press on the OptionOption on the keyboard, then drag thelayer that needs to be duplicated down to copy thewhole layer.

Select the stroke using the Selection Tool (V)Selection Tool (V), the insideof the stroke should be solid color, and the outline isnone.While selecting the stroke with (V)(V), click on the “Stroke”“Stroke”on the top left of Illustrator site.

Weight to 2pt 2pt, Cap can be selected as desired, in thistutorial Round CapRound Cap is selected.

Keep the stroke (or strokes) selected with (V) (V) Go toObject Object → Path Path → Outline Stroke Outline Stroke (This step is for theoriginal layer).

On the duplicated layer, use pencil tool (N)pencil tool (N) to connectthe stroke creating a shadow shape for the originalstroke.

Try your best to line up the ends’ anchor points togetherto create a closed path If not, Object Object → Path Path → Join Join(option 2).(option 2).

Then use Pen tool (P)Pen tool (P) to connect two broken anchorstogether.

Then change the color of the ll to create the shadowshape.

Moreover, if you want the shape to be thicker or thinner,select the shape with (V)(V), then press (P) (P) to create ananchor point on the path.

Then Drag the anchor point to make the shape thicker orthinner as desired. Do this step with the shapesindividually.

To create more shadow shapes, simply copy the shadowlayer by OptionOption and drag down the shadow layer.

Then change the ll in color each layer.

Create a new empty layer, then use the Rectangle ToolRectangle Toolto frame up the layers for the vinyl cutter.

When using a vinyl cutter, only cut 2 layers.

Tutorial for using vinyl cutter, go to Step 2.Step 2.


Step 2: Vinyl Cutting With the SummaCut D95

The Images are from the nal large size vinyl cutting section.The Images are from the nal large size vinyl cutting section.

Before cutting vinyl, you must load the material from the back of the machine.

Keep the roller (cam roller) of the machine line up with the vinyl.

To secure the roller down, pull the level (located behind the machine) up while holding down the vinyl.

Then make sure the size of the vinyl is bigger than the design.

1. First you must log in to a computer that connects to a vinyl cutting machine.2. Open the le that you want to cut on Illustrator ( Select everything on the layer that needs to be cut, then

ip the stroke and ll of the design.)3. Open MacSignMacSign4. In Illustrator --> (V) tool (V) tool --> Select everything on the layer you want to cut --> copy5. Move to MacSignMacSign --> paste (the le will stay the same size as in Illustrator)6. In case you want to resize the le, hold down "shift" to maintain the proportion of the design.7. On the menu bar, choose Plotter --> plot --> general tab --> destination --> plotterPlotter --> plot --> general tab --> destination --> plotter8. Cutting tab --> tool -->cutterCutting tab --> tool -->cutter9. Quality --> lowQuality --> low is the best for small detail design, but for this design standard is good.

10. Uncheck "Cut o media after cuttingCut o media after cutting"11. Check "Advance mediaAdvance media"12. Click "OkOk" to start cutting.


Step 3: Weeding the Vinyl Cutting

The images are from the sample vinyl cuttingThe images are from the sample vinyl cuttingsection for testing.section for testing.

To weed vinyl, carefully use an X-acto knife to peel othe unnecessary parts of the vinyl.

In this project, I will use the vinyl as a stencil to silkscreenthe wallpaper's design. As a result, I will need to weedthe positive parts of the vinyl.

After nishing peeling o the unwanted pieces one byone, I will remove the big piece that surrounds thedesign.

During this process, make sure that the design remainsattached to the backing sheet. If the design starts liftingup, simply use your nger holding it down.


Step 4: Transfer Paper

To shift the vinyl to the screen, I use transfer papers in order to keep all parts of the design in place.


Step 5: Placing the Vinyl Designs Into the Screen

Next, gently place the transfer paper on top of the vinyl, then I use a squeegee to smooth out all the bubbles.


Before placing the vinyl cutting design into the screen, itneeds to be prepared by washing with water to take oany emulsion or dirt. Then I left the screen completelydry before use.

While waiting for the screen, the backing sheet of thevinyl needs to be removed carefully from the design.

Then, I gently place the design to either side of thescreen (I paste it on the inside side of the screen.)

Next, I use a squeegee to atten out the vinyl while

placing down the vinyl.

After that, the transfer paper will need to be removedfrom the vinyl slowly. If any part of the design startslifting with the transfer paper, simply use the X-actoknife to hold it down.

If you want to use two vinyl sheets on one screen, theyneed to be placed far from each other with enoughspace in between to avoid any ink touching the othervinyl sheet.


Step 6: Before Printing

Before starting printing, the screen needs to be securedinto the hinge table so that the screen will not movewhile printing.

Moreover, the surrounding area of the design will becovered to avoid ink leaking through onto your paper. Ireuse the backing sheets, the transfer papers, andmasking tapes for this step.

Then, a printing squeegee that is wider than the designalso will need to be clean and dry.

Lastly, before the next step, place the screen on top of atape roll or whatever about the same thickness to keepthe screen from touching the table.


Step 7: Flood Stroke

Step 8: First Layer Printing

I place a strip of ink on one side that is longer than the length of the vinyl.

Then I use the squeegee to gently move the ink to cover the whole design. This is called ood stroke. Here is a videodemonstrating ood stroke and printing. (Skip to 0:50)

//www.youtube.com/embed/U03j0R-jEvs

Before printing, I proceed on setting down a piece ofpaper under the screen (make sure the paper is biggerthan the design and lay directly under the design.)

For this rst sample print, I use Stonehenge paper (oneof the two options listed in my project proposal.)

Next, I rest the screen at down on top of the paper

without the roll of tape.

I then press the squeegee down rmly at 45 degreeangle at one end of the vinyl, and drag down to theother end.

Gently lift the screen to expose the print.


Step 9: Preparing for the Second Layer

After nishing printing for the rst layer, using a power washer, I am going to use the same vinyl stencil to print thesecond layer. The screen needs to be clean to get rid of any access ink on the screen.

Let the screen dry completely either air dry or in front of an electronic fan.


Step 10: Continue Printing

For the second layer and any layer after, I tape a piece ofmylar on the table below the screen to act as a guide forthe print. (Make sure to tape the mylar to the table in away that you can ip the mylar back and forth, so it stillremains in the same place for registration)

The next step would be ood stroke and print on themylar.

Now, the screen needs to be ipped up out of the wayfor easy adjustment.

Place the rst layer print below the mylar, and startadjusting the paper to the placement that you desirewith the second layer on the mylar.

After that, I ip the mylar out of the table, and startprinting the second layer on top of the paper.

Ink on mylar can easily be clean using simple green orWindex spray with a paper towel.

Repeat the process for each layer of your design.


Step 11: Last Layer/challenges

A problem occurs when I wash the second vinyl stencilfor my last layer.

The lines of the design on the 3M Calendared Film arethin, and the separated vinyl inside could not stick to thescreen after contact with water.

As a result, I decide to use the Oracal 631 for my last layerbecause it has stronger adhesion compared to the othervinyl.

After getting the vinyl ready for the last layer, I use adarker color ink that has a watery consistency but it is

mixed the same as the previous layers. However, thelines (the left print on the last picture) are notcompletely solid.

To solve this problem, I mix new ink without theextender base to keep the ink thick. As it turns out, thelines (right print on the last picture) are solid and moreconsistent.

To conclude, if you print with vinyl stencil with thin linesand separated vinyl parts, a thicker consistency ink isrecommended.


Step 12: Printing on Masa Paper

The other option I have for paper on my proposal isMasa paper, a thin Japanese paper compared toStonehenge.

For this print, I decide to use the Oracal 631 for bothstencils.

Before printing this edition, instead of randomly mixingthe colors together to create a new color, I write down

the amount and colors I use to mix a new color.

This is a great way to recreate the color again in thesituation where the color runs out while printing a largeproject.

A tip for avoiding the paper sticking on the screen afterprinting is to use masking tape on a corner of the paper.


Step 13: Adhesion

To pasting the samples onto the wall, I use Roman Pro 543 Wallpaper Adhesive.

With Stonehenge paper, a large amount of adhesive and physically holding down the samples to the wall are needed inorder to keep the samples stuck to the wall.

However, with Masa paper, a thin layer of adhesion is enough to hold the samples down.


Step 14: Homemade Wallpaper Adhisive

https://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FVQ/HDXK/KMDGFSDS/FVQHDXKKMDGFSDS.pdf

Download

https://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FED/L0DS/KLGLAE8T/FEDL0DSKLGLAE8T.mp4

Download


https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FVQ/HDXK/KMDGFSDS/FVQHDXKKMDGFSDS.pdf

https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FVQ/HDXK/KMDGFSDS/FVQHDXKKMDGFSDS.pdf

https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FED/L0DS/KLGLAE8T/FEDL0DSKLGLAE8T.mp4

https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FED/L0DS/KLGLAE8T/FEDL0DSKLGLAE8T.mp4

Step 15: Removing Wallpaper

Instead of purchasing wallpaper adhesive fromhardware stores like Home Depot, there are multiplerecipes to make adhesive. I will list below two recipes forhomemade glue by Noelle Jordan Stillman.

Pectin Glue:

1) Go to your local grocer and buy a box of fruit pectin.

2) Measure out a tablespoon of the pectin and put it intoa vessel that has no odor.

3) Using water mix in 2 teaspoons of water.

4) Continue to add water until the solution becomesalmost clear.

With this recipe, you should make right before use toavoid molding. However, you can also lay a thin layer ofthis glue to the back of your paper, and let it dry. Onceyou are ready to paste the wallpaper to the wall, spray athin mist of water to the glue side to activate the glue.

-Wheat paste

1. Simmer 1 cup of Water

2. Pour one cup of All Purpose White Flour into 2 cups ofcold water, and stir with whisk.

3. Pour into simmering water, then stir for 3-5 mins onmedium heat.

4. Stop stirring for about 10 seconds....if a bubble rises tothe surface of the paste, pop the bubbles.

5. After paste has heated to a boil, switch stove to lowheat and cook the paste for at least half an hour, at thispoint, the paste should have the consistency of vanillapudding, stir constantly and adjust as necessary: (Toothick, more water! Too thin, more our!) It will becomethinner and more transparent.

Upon reaching desired (smooth, pliable, and somewhattransparent) consistency, take paste o the heat and letcool to room temp by leaving it sit out, stirring it every 3-5 mins.

The optimal consistency of the paste at the end shouldbe that of a Vanilla Milkshake.

To remove the wallpaper without damaging the wall, I simply soak a sponge in water.

Then I hold the sponge on top of the wallpaper like picture, and use a hard at card like a credit card to scrape the paperfrom its corners.


Step 16: Printing on Newsprint Paper

https://www.instructables.com/ORIG/FB5/FWQJ/KNT6AFRT/FB5FWQJKNT6AFRT.mp4

Download

For the large size design vinyl sheets, I decide to print onnewsprint paper which is available at Florida StateUniversity printshop.

The last picture is where I already paste the prints on thewall using the same wallpaper adhesive I use for thesample prints.

As you can see with the gap in between, I did not linethe paper correctly due to the fact that I did not cutprints all straight and even. You could paste thewallpaper and cut the edges afterward.

However, this is an example of how my design looks as awallpaper.


https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FB5/FWQJ/KNT6AFRT/FB5FWQJKNT6AFRT.mp4

https://content.instructables.com/ORIG/FB5/FWQJ/KNT6AFRT/FB5FWQJKNT6AFRT.mp4

Step 17: FSU Fab Lab

For the nal use of the vinyl stencil, I decide to print on a4' x 8' bulletin board to keep in the FSU Fab Lab as arecord of my research.

The process would be the same as printing on paper.However, I will not be able to use the hinge table to holddown the screen because the the size of the board islarge. For a better printing process, I move the screenaround the board.

Moreover, I use a smaller squeegee compared to the sizeof the vinyl because the board is not completely at as

paper. With smaller squeegee size, it will be easier toprint all the details of the design onto the board.

The video below is a short video of the process printingthe bulletin board at the FSU printshop.

//www.youtube.com/embed/uW3c5ulJlF8


Digital Media Fab Lab Vinyl Plotter Demonstration Rapid … · 2021. 4. 24. · Digital Media Fab...

Documents

Transcript of Digital Media Fab Lab Vinyl Plotter Demonstration Rapid … · 2021. 4. 24. · Digital Media Fab...