Silk-screening Radio Panels

[w stewart]

Making a silk screen is similar to making a printed circuit board--
The light sensitive material is exposed with a bright photo flood (or UV) light.
the unexposed material gets washed off--leaving a mask for etching
Silk screen works much the same way except the exposed area gets washed off leaving a
stencil on film and is mounted on the screen for printing

There are small silk screen kits sold in many "complete" art and hobby stores.
maybe- 10" x 16' in size. The stencil for the screen comes on a roll af acetate film
and is light sensitive. (not nearly as sensitive as camera film)
You can do all your graphics on the computer and have a film neg made (actual size) from
your floppy disk at your local service bureau. Then expose the stencil material according to
instructions. Spray wash the exposed film and the lettering area will wash out of the
unexposed areas. This takes some care, however because the material is soft at this point.
Then place the stencil on the silk screen. Rub down carefully and let dry. When dry, remove
the acetate backing sheet are set to go. Then all you need is the proper "ink" and a
squeegee and a good way to stabilize the screen frame and panel.

It is quite a simple process- once you do it a few times. Just a little messy
It takes a bit of trial and error and some practice trys but not too difficult. Just time
consuming. hi!  After a bit of practice (and patience) you'll be a pro and be able to screen
all the pannels for your friends too :-) -- or the next DX 100 you find in the scrap yard.

Bill
KF6RMK

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