PROCESSING LIQUID POLYMER
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EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES REQUIRED
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Exposure Unit - InstaStamp Exposure Machine
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Polymer Resin - Ideal i40
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Cover Film, Substrate, Damming Tape
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Wash out solution - iLW and booster
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Post Exposure solution - iPX (parts L & P)
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Processed Negative - Ideal AQ, RA, or equivalent.
PROCEDURE
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Place the processed negative onto the bottom glass plate ensuring
that the negative is right-reading.
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Wet the glass around the negative
using a cotton bud or Q-tip about 1 centimetre from the edge of
the negative.
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Cut a piece of cover film large enough to cover the negative
and the wet area .
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Gently smooth any creases or air pockets that occur by hand.
A dry, unused paint roller is excellent to achieve the desired
effect.
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Construct a frame around the image area using the damming tape
keeping at least 5 mm outside the image area. It is necessary
to leave a small gap in each corner to allow excess polymer to
escape.
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Pour the polymer resin into the framed image area. About 75%
of the framed area needs to be filled. Air bubbles will rise to
the surface where they can be easily punctured with a pin or toothpick
or with an air tool.
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The substrate should be large enough to cover the dammed area
with at least 10 mm overhang. To place the substrate on the polymer
hold each end of the sheet and allow the centre to hang down in
a U shape. Lower the substrate onto the polymer and slowly lower
each end. If it is necessary to adjust the position DO NOT lift
the substrate but slide it into place.
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Place a spacer bar at each end of the lower
glass then place the upper glass over the substrate being
careful to align the top glass with the lower glass.
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Fit the clamps to either end of the assembly
and slowly tighten the screws firmly.
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Pause for about one minute to allow the polymer to flow over
the entire area.
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First exposure to the ultraviolet lights is the back exposure.
This exposure will designate how much character depth will be
on the finished product. 15 - 25 seconds is the recommended time.
Turn the glasses upside down, place them back on the glass rests
and activate the timer.
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Once the back exposure is complete, turn the clamped glasses
over and expose the front for 3 minutes.
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Remove the top glass and lift the polymer plate off the negative.
Peel the cover film off the polymer. It is now ready to place
in warm water and wash out the characters with a brush, or alternatively,
use a mechanical washout machine.
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After the plate is washed free of all unexposed resin, rinse
with tap water and submerge in a posting solution (iLW L & P) and expose to
UV light for a minimum of 10 minutes. This time is important as
under posting can effect the durability of the die and the ability
to properly transfer inks for a clear sharp impression.
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Hand dry the plate with a paper towel, then further dry the
plate using warm air no greater than 35 degrees centigrade
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