Author Topic: Squeegee/Platen marks  (Read 4667 times)

Offline bimmridder

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Squeegee/Platen marks
« on: May 19, 2016, 09:37:28 AM »
I know we've been down this road before, but I want to bring it up again. We are getting platen and/or squeegee marks on some shirts. Of course it's the soft style stuff for the most part. We aren't using blade wider than the platens. We aren't using too much force. We aren't over flashing. We try to use best meshes to minimize squeegee force. We can't kill this bear. I've tried spraying with a mist before/after going through the oven. I've tried Magic Sizing (worked on hoop marks in embroidery). I've tried brushing with a lint brush after exiting the oven. Short of washing them, I can't eliminate the problem. So, anyone have any good ideas for me? 
Barth Gimble

Printing  (not well) for 35 years. Strong in licensed sports apparel. Plastisol printer. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA


Offline jamiem

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2016, 09:47:08 AM »
rub with a damp cloth before taking off the pallet.  The moisture will steam in the dryer.

Offline jvanick

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2016, 09:50:02 AM »
you can also lightly mist that area with water before sending down the dryer

Offline BP

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2016, 10:02:01 AM »
Yes a little mist will do it.
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Offline Underbase37

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2016, 10:09:38 AM »
I'm assuming your squeegee ends are rounded? This has help us on this type of garment.

Murphy


Offline sqslabs

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2016, 10:46:48 AM »
+1 to rounded edges on the squeegee.  I also try to remember to ensure the squeegee is perfectly centered in the holder, as if its even a little off to one side it can result in the platen edge leaving a mark. 
Brett
Squeegee Science
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Offline Frog

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2016, 10:52:57 AM »
How sharp or "edgie" are the boards? Does this add to the problem? That's what's actually leaving the impression isn't it?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline bimmridder

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2016, 11:01:43 AM »
I have tried misting before and after running through the oven. Squeegees are rounded. Printing on rubber top M&R platens. Keep 'em coming
Barth Gimble

Printing  (not well) for 35 years. Strong in licensed sports apparel. Plastisol printer. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA

Offline Frog

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2016, 11:12:13 AM »
I have tried misting before and after running through the oven. Squeegees are rounded. Printing on rubber top M&R platens. Keep 'em coming

I still ask just how sharp are the edges of the M&R rubber tops?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline tonypep

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #9 on: May 19, 2016, 11:20:34 AM »
Frog is on the right track

Offline Prosperi-Tees

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #10 on: May 19, 2016, 11:29:07 AM »
Since you are depressing the rubber wouldn't that leave a mark as you are creating a ridge while printing?

Offline ericheartsu

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #11 on: May 19, 2016, 12:02:24 PM »
how do you round the edges correctly?
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Offline mimosatexas

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #12 on: May 19, 2016, 12:07:24 PM »
I use a little hand held rotary electric sander usually, but even just holding a piece of sandpaper on the ground with your foot and rubbing the corner of the squeegee on it works fine.  I think I use 200 grit usually.  Something high enough that it doesnt shred the rubber, but enough to make quick work of it at the same time.  Radius of the curve should be maybe 1/4 of an inch at most.

Offline Frog

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #13 on: May 19, 2016, 12:23:12 PM »
In bimm's case, the square or rounded corners of the squeegee are a moot point since he told us that the squeegees are smaller than the width of the boards (which he calls platens, but that's another thread in itself, LOL!) Well, at least he said that they are not wider. If they are smack dab on the edge, then it could also be an issue, but I ask again, how sharp or rounded are the edges of the rubber tops?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline broadway

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Re: Squeegee/Platen marks
« Reply #14 on: May 19, 2016, 12:38:29 PM »
Try a hand steamer.