To start this project, follow these steps in xTools Creative Space:
1. Change “Process on Flat Surface” to “Screen Preparation.”
2. Click “Calibrate Origin” and use the on-screen buttons to align the laser to the top right.
3. Adjust the Easy Set settings to 100% power and 135 speed. I find these parameters more effective.
4. When I used the Air Assist, it did not work for me, but it might work for you.
Positioning a Design on a Shirt
Projector Method:
• Use a low-cost projector to display the design on the shirt.
• Mark the design’s position with small pieces of white sticker paper or tape from Amazon.
• Measure the size of the design.
Manual Method:
• Estimate the size of the design.
• Measure one dimension with a ruler.
• Adjust the design size to match different shirt dimensions for optimal results.
Alignment:
• Fold the shirt in half once the design size is determined.
• Mark the center using two pieces of tape or sticker paper for proper alignment.
Note: Resize the design in xTools Creative Space to ensure it fits your shirt perfectly.
Steps to Engrave a Single-Color Screen with D1 Pro:
• The next step is to use the D1 Pro to engrave the screen for our single-color design.
• Follow these steps to ensure precise engraving and proper screen printing setup.
1. Prepare Screen: Only one screen needs to be engraved for the single color in your design.
2. Align and Scale: Ensure the origin is aligned and the design is properly scaled and positioned within the green engravable area.
3. Flip and Orient: Verify the design is flipped horizontally and oriented correctly for your shirt.
4. Start Engraving: Begin the engraving process. Time will vary based on the design size; mine took about 30 minutes.
5. Watch Tutorial: While the D1 Pro is engraving, watch a YouTube video on screen printing with the xTools Screen Printer for guidance on the next steps.
1. Set Up the Engraved Screen: Take the screen from the laser cutter and firmly attach it to the Screen Printer.
2. Prepare the Shirt and Plate: Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate to keep the shirt steady during printing. Lay the shirt on the sticky mat. The mat is crucial for preventing movement throughout the process. For white ink, apply multiple coats for a vibrant result.
3. Align the Shirt: Use the three knobs at the bottom of the plate to adjust and align the shirt accurately. Center the shirt using tape markings for precision.
4. Apply the White Ink: Flood the screen with white ink at a 45-degree angle, ensuring full coverage by adding more ink at the design’s bottom.
5. Print and Dry: Lower the screen onto the shirt and pull the squeegee across the design to apply the ink. Lift the screen and dry the ink with a hair dryer, heat gun, or heat press. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the ink is vibrant.
6. Finish: Carefully remove the shirt from the plate and allow it to dry completely, which can take up to 24 hours without heat. The ink is dry when it’s no longer sticky.