Quick Response codes, or QR codes, have evolved as a popular and efficient way for businesses to interact with customers. Learn how simple they are to include in your promotional strategy. They are easy to create and perfect for screen printing.

How does a QR code work? This type of code is a black and white image with an encoded URL that acts as a barcode. These barcodes can be scanned and read by mobile devices (smart phones) and provide instant information — usually promotional in nature.

Creating a QR Code
Generating a QR code is simple and can be accomplished in the following easy steps:

• Do a simple Google search for “QR code generator” and select one of the many sites available for creating QR codes. Most sites have a short, step-by-step process that you can follow.

• You will be prompted to enter the URL that you want associated with your QR code.

• Download the code image.

• Vectorize the code image in a program such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. This sharpens the image, ensuring proper size and quality for your print.

• QR codes are great for the front image on a garment. They also are perfect to use for product details on tags or on the inside of garments.

Printing the QR Code
Print the QR code to a screen as you would any other image. Print the QR code image onto garments or promotional material. Be sure to use ink with a matte finish, as QR codes do not print well with reflective inks. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with getting creative and having fun with these easy-to-print, yet highly useful codes.

What, Why and When?

In 2008, the CPSC enacted a ruling limiting the Lead and Phthalate content in all Childrens’ products. They have defined these products as anything designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger.  It is a response to the massive recalls issued in recent years due to of lead contamination, primarily from overseas toy manufacturers. This, in turn, impacted the garment industry as well. The act has created more stringent guidelines and tracking rules for any garment marketed to those 12 and under. At that time, Lead limits were set to be 100 ppm by 2011 and Phthalates DEHP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, DnOP and BBP were limited to less than .1 %.

In response many ink and embellishment manufacturers took it upon themselves to become compliant with the new regulations. Thus the Phthalate free plastisol inks were born along with child safe rhinestones and water base inks.

Now it is 2012 and regulations go into enforcement. What does this mean to you the garment embellisher? You are considered to be the manufacturer if you embellish the blank good in any way.  This means you will be responsible for testing and tracking of said garments.

There are several new regulations and rules to navigate.

• All garments for children under the age of 12 will be required to be tested at an independent accredited lab for lead content. Some products may be exempt or excused from the lead limits if the component containing lead is inaccessible. This refers to any button, zipper, vinyl, ink or rhinestone added to the garment must meet lead ppm restrictions of 100 ppm.
• You will then be required to provide a “General Conformity Certificate” to certify the test was done and the garment is compliant. There are several placed throughout the US. Each item added to the garment would need to be tested. (The garment itself and the dyes within it are exempt from testing).
• All garments for children under the age of 3 will be required to not only test for lead but for Phthalates as well.

**You can find testing lab data, tracking label information and additional specifics for the new regulations at our Screen Printing Learning Library at: www.support.silkscreeningsupplies.com

Report of an Article created by Ryonet, for Impressions.

Having a proper cure with the ink used in your screen printed designs is critical for creating a quality print. But there are many more considerations to proper curing than just laying a shirt on the dryer belt and letting the generated heat do all the work. There are even a few important factors that must be remembered before you start the printing process.

Remember that curing occurs when the entire ink film reaches 320°F to 325°F. With the help of the following tips and tricks, you’ll be achieving the perfect cure in no time:

• Storage: Take care to store your ink at room temperature. If ink is not room temperature, bring it to that level before using it. Mixing ink thoroughly also is an important step, as this will allow the ink to modulate — reaching the intended consistency, which will ensure proper flow through your screen mesh.

• Flash Dryers vs. Conveyor Dryers: A flash dryer isn’t the best method for curing, but it will work if you are just starting out and don’t have a conveyor. Place the dryer directly over the garment, but make sure you also remove the garment from the pallet.

When using a conveyor dryer, make sure to check the ink temperature while the garment is traveling inside the conveyor. Increasing the belt speed or lowering the temperature are both simple ways to adjust the ink temperature as necessary.

• Useful Accessories: Check the conveyor temperature with a doughnut probe, a device that sits directly on your conveyor belt and rides through like garments do, providing a thorough temperature read of the unit. This will ensure your dryer is at the correct temperature.

You also can check ink temperature with a laser temperature gun. Though not as accurate as a doughnut probe, a laser temperature gun will measure the temperature of your ink’s surface. This check should take place while the shirt is still under the heat source.

• Perform a Stretch Test: Stretch the garment in areas of ink application. When properly cured, the ink will not break/crack or flake off. This is only suggested for areas with a thicker application of ink.

• Perform an Abrasion Test: This checks the curing properties of the ink’s top layer. Simply take a rag or section of the garment and rub it over the ink. If the ink is not cured well, the rag will not come out clean.

• Perform a Wash Test: Finally, launder your garment using hot water and detergent. This testing process usually is recommended by ink manufacturers as the ideal way to be ensure your ink is 100% cured.

Heather Ashlock is Editor at Ryonet Corp. For more information or to comment on this article, e-mail Heather at hashlock@ryonetcorporation.com.

We are proud that our very own Ryan Moor has been added to the list!

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Dazzling Designs will convert your artwork into a custom, one-of-a-kind rhinestone transfer:

Want to learn more about the profit and business opportunity of selling custom rhinestone transfers? We found an awesome article that explains why you need to be in the bling business. Read it here.

Marketing Ideas:

1. Create promotional signage for your storefront / vehicle
2. Showcase designs / art proofs to your clients and prospects
3. Create flyers and brochures

Download the free poster mock-up template in PSD file format HERE