What is Exposure Unit?
Technical definition, shop floor implications, and pricing strategies for commercial apparel decorators.
A specialized darkroom machine using ultraviolet (UV) light and vacuum suction to transfer artwork from film positives onto photosensitive emulsion-coated screens.
Deep Dive & Practical Application
An exposure unit pulls a deep vacuum seal between an optically clear glass bed, film positive, and the emulsion-coated screen to ensure zero air gaps. UV light (typically 365–405nm LED or metal halide bulbs) exposes the stencil for a calculated duration.
The UV rays cross-link and harden the exposed emulsion, rendering it insoluble in water. The black ink areas on the film positive block the UV light, leaving the artwork unexposed. When rinsed with water in the darkroom washout booth, the unhardened emulsion washes out, creating an open stencil for ink to pass through.
Shop Floor & Profitability Impact
Proper exposure calibration using an exposure calculator strip prevents pinholes, stencil breakdown on press, and premature screen re-burns that delay scheduled jobs.
The Print Life Screen Printing Operating System
Related Industry Terms:
Run Your Print & Embroidery Shop on Autopilot
Connect your quotes, invoices, matrices, online stores, and production calendar in one unified platform for $49/month with unlimited users.