WR 5000 dual-cure screen printing emulsion

WR 5000 Photo Emulsion is a dual-cure photoemulsion used with WR-5000 Diazo Powder sensitiser to produce screen printing stencils. The emulsion is coated onto the mesh, dried, exposed and developed with water to form a stencil that blocks non-image areas while leaving image areas open for ink transfer onto the substrate.

The product combines resistance to water-based and solvent-based inks with high resolution and stencil durability. These properties help WR 5000 reproduce sharp images and meet a variety of production requirements for stencil making.

Key features

1. Resistance to water-based and solvent-based inks

WR 5000 resists both water-based and solvent-based inks, offering flexibility in emulsion selection for different screen printing jobs. Compatibility should be checked with the actual inks and cleaning chemicals used to ensure satisfactory performance.

2. High resolution and sharp detail reproduction

The diazo-sensitised emulsion system supports clear detail reproduction, making it suitable for designs requiring high image sharpness. Optimal stencil quality depends on appropriate mesh selection, control of emulsion coating thickness and correct exposure.

3. High stencil durability

WR 5000 produces durable stencils that help maintain quality during printing. To achieve the required durability, follow the sensitising instructions, dry the emulsion thoroughly and ensure adequate exposure.

4. Dedicated diazo sensitiser

WR-5000 Diazo Powder is specifically designed for use with WR 5000 emulsion, supporting light sensitivity and fine detail resolution. Using the correct quantity and mixing method helps maintain consistent quality between stencil-making batches.

5. Suitable for a wide range of screen printing applications

Resistance to both ink systems, combined with image reproduction quality, allows WR 5000 to meet a variety of stencil-making requirements. Application selection should be based on the ink type, detail requirements and operating conditions of each job.

Product information

Applications

1. Stencil production for water-based inks

Used to produce stencils for screen printing jobs using compatible water-based inks. Stencil durability should be tested with the specific ink formulation and production conditions.

2. Stencil production for solvent-based inks

Suitable for applications requiring stencils resistant to solvent-based inks. Compatible cleaning chemicals should also be selected to minimise their impact on the stencil.

3. Stencil production requiring sharp detail

Suitable for clearly reproducing text, linework and design details. Mesh and stencil thickness should be selected according to the print requirements.

Instructions for use

1. Mesh preparation and degreasing

Remove dust, grease and deposits from the mesh. Rinse thoroughly, then dry completely before coating.

2. Diazo sensitising

Mix WR 5000 with WR-5000 Diazo Powder according to the instructions supplied with the product kit. Stir thoroughly to distribute the sensitiser evenly, then allow air bubbles to escape before coating.

Do not infer the mixing ratio from the emulsion container volume or the weight stated on the diazo packaging.

3. Coating

Use a clean scoop coater with an undamaged coating edge. Maintain consistent pressure, angle and travel speed to produce a uniform emulsion layer.

Select the number of coating passes according to the mesh count, required stencil thickness and ink transfer requirements.

4. Drying

Dry the screen in a clean area under suitable safelight conditions. Ensure the emulsion is completely dry before exposure.

The drying temperature and time must follow the technical instructions for WR 5000.

5. Exposure and washout

Carry out exposure tests to determine the appropriate exposure time for the equipment, mesh and actual emulsion coating.

After exposure, wash both sides of the screen to remove unhardened emulsion from the image areas. Check that all image details are fully open.

6. Stencil finishing

Dry the screen after washout, then inspect image definition and check for pinholes. Touch up and block out non-image areas as required before use.

Storage and handling notes

Store the product at 5–25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep the container tightly closed after use.

Read the instructions carefully before use. Stir the emulsion with a clean tool, keeping air bubble formation to a minimum.

Record the diazo sensitising date and follow the instructions regarding usable life after mixing. Do not apply shelf-life information or mixing specifications from other products to WR 5000.

For industrial use only. Before full-scale production, test the stencil with the actual ink system and operating conditions.