Difference between revisions of "Light Exposure Table"

Revision as of 11:56, 7 September 2007

Overview

In screen printing, a Light Exosure Table is used to 'burn' an image into an aluminum screen, allowing ink to move through the screen in select areas (lines and areas burned in by the exposure table. A commercial LET costs upwards of $1200 depending on size.

Screen Printing is a versatile print making medium, as screens can be set to print on almost any flat surface, including tshirts

Materials

• Box Frame
  • 2 planks of plywood, 10x22" (10 inches rough estimate, see construction)
  • 2 planks of plywood, 10x30" (10 inches rough estimate, see construction)
  • 1 sheet of plywood 22x30

• Exposure Surface
  • 1 sheet transparent, unfrosted Plexi-glass

• Light Source
• 3 or 4 Aquarium lights to fill backboard, roughly 30 inches

• Electrical - my area of least expertise
  • Bits of cable for connecting aquarium lights to single activation switch (See: Cable Jew)
  • Bits of cable for connecting aquarium lights to single power source (See: Cable Jew)
  • Toggle Switch (for activating booth)

• Various Other
  • Metal screws
  • Nails
  • 1 Power Drill
  • 1 Hammer
  • 1 large towel (seriously)

Construction

• Set the aquarium lights on the backboard. There must be enough lights to literally fill the box, so at least 3 or 4 sets of lights will be required.
• Fix Aquarium lights to the backboard, preferably with metal screws.
• Connect Aquarium light wiring so they can all be activated from a single, external toggle switch
• Set sides of box against backboard.
  • Board size comes into play here. From the top surface of the box (the plexi-glass) the lights must be exactly eight inches away. Height of the light fixtures has to be taken into account.
• Fix clean, spotless plexi-lass to top of the box.
  • May require additional fixings to attach glass. Can it be nailed?? Glued?? Consult Brandon Gardener
• Attach toggle switch to box exterior for turning thing on and off.
• Connect lights to power source
• Towel or large blanket used to place over screen during exposure process, must not let light shine through material.