At Monarch Color Corp, we believe in the power of continuous learning and collaboration. In February of this year, we had the privilege of conducting an insightful training seminar with our esteemed Canadian distributor, RB Digital. This event was designed to deepen the knowledge base of our partners, ensuring they are well-equipped with the latest advancements in our product offerings and applications.
The seminar, now available for viewing here, was a comprehensive session that covered various aspects of our innovative products. Our expert team, including Ian West, President of Monarch Color Corp, and Jesse Martinez from Matsui International, shared valuable insights into the nuances of our high-performance inks and coatings, highlighting best practices, application techniques, and troubleshooting tips to achieve optimal results.
Key Highlights from the Training Seminar:
- Introduction and Background:
- Ian West introduced Monarch Color Corp, highlighting their journey from commercial printing inks for offset and flexo in 1977 to UV LED inks, and eventually to apparel decoration inks. The company started developing plastisol inks in 2016, focusing initially on low-cure inks.
- Product Innovation:
- Monarch Color Corp offers a full line of screen printing inks, including standard cure and low cure temp inks. The UL3 series is designed specifically for 100% polyester garments to prevent dye migration, while the Apocalypse series and Vivid series cater to various fabric types and curing temperatures.
- Application Techniques:
- Ian explained the challenges and techniques in using different ink formulations. Low-temp inks tend to be thicker, and water-based underbases require thorough moisture evaporation before applying plastisol on top. This ensures durability and prevents issues like cracking or dye migration.
- Sustainability Practices:
- Monarch Color Corp also provides PVC-free inks, offering an eco-friendly solution that integrates seamlessly into existing processes without requiring changes to printing methods.
- Hybrid Printing:
- The seminar focused on hybrid printing techniques, combining discharge or water-based underbases with plastisol inks to achieve a softer hand feel and thinner prints. This method enhances the quality and comfort of printed garments without compromising on durability or appearance.
- Technical Details and Troubleshooting:
- Jesse Martinez elaborated on the importance of mesh counts and proper evaporation of moisture when using discharge underbases. He also discussed the significance of collaboration between different ink and emulsion manufacturers to ensure compatibility and optimal results.
- Interactive Session:
- The seminar included an interactive Q&A session where attendees engaged with the experts, discussing various aspects of ink application, color matching, and print quality optimization. Key points included the need for preheating pallets, maintaining proper mesh counts, and understanding the impact of different environmental factors on ink performance.
- Conclusion and Demonstration:
- The session concluded with a practical demonstration of hybrid printing techniques, showcasing a 12-color simulated process with a discharge underbase. The demonstration highlighted the importance of correct color order, mesh counts, and moisture evaporation in achieving high-quality prints.
We are proud to share this video with our wider community, offering a glimpse into the dedication and expertise that drives Monarch Color Corp. By fostering strong relationships with our distributors and providing them with top-tier training, we ensure that our customers receive the best possible service and products.
We invite you to watch the full training seminar below and discover the depth of knowledge and innovation that sets Monarch Color Corp apart. Whether you’re a distributor, a customer, or simply interested in the latest in ink technology, this video is a valuable resource.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are advancing the world of printing with superior quality, innovation, and sustainability.
