2D Lab & Policy

These are brief descriptions of the equipment found within the 2D Lab.

• Assembly Tables
• 3 Letterpress Machines - (2) Vandercook SP-15 (1) Vandercook 219 OS  
• Epson large format P8000 printer (44-inch max paper width) 
• Screen printing cleaning booth
• Screen printing exposure unit
• Screens (varying sizes, 24 total)
• Four-screen color t-shirt press (Perfect for professional quality garment printing)
• Paper press tables with Jiffy Clamps are used to complete the perfect registration for paper posters.  
• Heat transfer press: This press is Made for printable heat transfers that can be applied to garments, totes, and canvas. 
• Inks (all PMS mixes available) w/ 6 PMS Pantone Books. Letterpress only.
• Electric Paper cutter - Fully programmable hydraulic 18x24 cutter. 
• Glue Binding Machine - Used to glue perfect-bound books, notepads, and booklets.
• Book Stitcher - Machine to create staples to bind zines, full-sized magazines, notepads & booklets. 
• RISO SF9450 printer (Available inks: Black, Blue, Bright Red, Yellow, Fluorescent Pink, Purple, Green)
• Type (Please see link to over 60 different complete set collections) 
• Vintage printing blocks and cuts ( Unique copper and wood type-high images from the 1940’s-1960’s) 
• Ink mixing tables ( Two large full glass tables for large ink mixing projects) 
• Professional Letterpress Tools - 20 Type Setters, 20 Ink Knives, 20 Pica Poles, 12 Chases & Solid Steel Stone.

The 2/D Lab operates during specified hours to accommodate students' project requirements. To access the facilities, students must sign in at least 24 hours in advance, specifying their needs, such as letterpress, screen printing booth, RISO printer, etc. This protocol prevents any inconvenience caused by equipment being in use and unavailable upon arrival. Students are reminded to arrive prepared to work and are responsible for cleaning up after using the equipment and facilities. Failure to comply with these expectations will lead to losing lab privileges. Online sign-up form.

• Training and approval are required to operate the Letterpresses and Risograph.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn at all times. This includes safety glasses, gloves for chemicals, and proper shoes and clothing.
• Inspect equipment. If equipment does not appear to be operating normally, report the issue. 
• Aisles, exits, and access to emergency equipment must be kept clear. Food and drinks are NOT permitted in the lab.
• Stop any person you see working unsafely—report unsafe practices.
• Faculty and monitors have full authority to prohibit access and use.
• Do not distract others and concentrate on your task.
• Personal electronic devices, such as music players, cell phones, earphones, etc., must not be used when working in the lab. Loud music is prohibited.
• Attend all running presses. Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Never work impaired. You must be alert at all times.
• Health, safety, or other concerns? Notify faculty or monitor if you have health concerns that could impair or limit your ability to work safely (seizures, physical limitations, medication, lack of sleep, illness, etc.)
• Obey and adhere to all additional lab rules.
• Report all injuries and accidents to the facility or monitor.

• The calendar posts lab activities and a sign-up sheet for using Letterpresses and Risograph. Please check it frequently. 
• Discuss your plans with 2D Lab staff and your professor, updating them frequently.
• The 2D Lab is for SOD coursework.  
• Work for courses outside the SOD or Student organizations is not permitted.
• Clean up your workspace and reshelve all materials when you are done.  
• Do not leave your work out.
• Return the type and tools to their original place. (Putting things back with care is how we show care for each other.)
• Do not disturb others’ projects.
• The 2DLab does not stock materials besides large quantities of inks and screens. Please note the lab fee for things like paper, prints, etc.
• If you need additional materials, faculty can advise but will not acquire them.
• 2D Lab is closed during classes. Closures are posted on the Lab calendar.
• 2D Lab monitors are not responsible for planning or executing your project. They are responsible for checking your fabrication plan. Involve your professor in plans, especially if projects are large in scale and scope.

Letterpress printing is a traditional printing technique that involves pressing an inked, raised “type-high” (.918″) surface onto paper to create an impression. We have two types of presses (2 Vandercook SP15’s and 1 Vandercook #219 OS), a large collection of metal/wood types, and all the necessary ancillary equipment to use with them. The SP15 has a maximum form of 14¾ × 20″ and a maximum sheet of 14 × 18″. The #219 has a maximum form of 18 × 24″ and a maximum sheet of 18 ¾ × 28″. Foundry type, wood type, cuts, and custom plates can all be made to work with these machines.

Letterpress Lab Safety Rules

The safety rules for running the Letterpress Lab encompass various aspects to ensure a secure working environment. When the press runs, two people must be in the room.

Additional rules include:

• Proper Attire: All personnel should wear appropriate attire, including long sleeves, covered shoes, and long pants to protect their skin. Long hair should be tied back to prevent accidents.
• Safety Equipment: Essential safety equipment in a letterpress lab includes gloves for handling solvents, dust masks or respirators for protection against fumes, and fire extinguishers for emergencies
• Equipment Usage: Only authorized individuals should use specific equipment and areas within the Lab. It is crucial to follow proper procedures and seek assistance if you are unsure about equipment operation.
• Chemical Handling: Proper disposal of hazardous materials, wearing protective gear like gloves when handling chemicals, and using designated areas for solvent use are essential safety measures. Do not mix chemicals in sink drains, use flammable or volatile chemicals only in a fume hood, and clean up chemical spills immediately.
• Press Safety: When using a press, keep fingers away from moving parts, avoid placing hands near rollers, secure loose clothing and jewelry that could get caught, and never force anything through the press.
• Ink Handling: Use the least toxic inks possible.
• Type Metal Safety: Understand the safe handling of type metal containing lead by distinguishing between metallic lead in type metal and lead salts used in paints. Proper handling can ensure safety despite lead content.
• Emergency Procedures: Important safety protocols include understanding evacuation routes, using safety equipment like fire extinguishers and eye wash stations, and promptly reporting any issues or accidents.
• Supervision: Personnel should never work alone and must always follow the instructions of a Lab supervisor. Deviating from authorized procedures can pose risks to everyone in the lab.
• General Safety Precautions: No food, smoking, alcohol, or drug use in the Lab.
• Returning Type: The type and furniture should be returned to their cases and proper locations within ONE WEEK following project completion. Failure to break down a lockup and return the type/furniture to its proper location will result in losing access to the 2-D Lab.

These safety rules aim to minimize risks associated with machinery, chemicals, and processes in the Letterpress Lab, ensuring a safe working environment for all individuals involved in printing activities.

Cost to use letterpresses

• Part of the lab fee covers the standard paper, inks, clean-up materials, rags, etc.  
• Students buy their own Standard Boxcar Base Plates at Boxcar (KF95)
• Students buy their specialty paper

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a printing technique that involves transferring a design onto a surface using a mesh screen, ink, and a squeegee. The process involves creating a stencil or “screen” to block out areas where ink should not pass through. Our screen printing lab offers screens, emulsion, and ink for use.

Screen Printing Lab Safety Rules

The Screen Printing Lab involves handling various chemicals and equipment that can pose safety risks. Here are some key safety instructions based on the provided sources:

• Know your hazards: Understand the chemicals and equipment in the screen printing shop to implement proper precautions.
• Wear protective gear: Wear gloves and goggles when working with chemicals to prevent skin and eye exposure.
• Keep the lab clean: Maintain cleanliness to prevent accidents, spills, and injuries. Organize tools and supplies appropriately.
• Follow chemical safety precautions: Handle chemicals in well-ventilated areas, wear protective gear, and read labels for safety instructions.
• Proper disposal of hazardous materials: Dispose of rags containing inks or solvents in designated safety cans, and do NOT pour hazardous materials down the sink.

By diligently following these safety instructions, the Screen Printing Lab can maintain a safe working environment for students while minimizing risks associated with chemicals and equipment used in the printing process.

Cost to screenprint

• Part of the lab fee covers standard paper, inks, emulsions, tools, clean-up materials, etc.  
• Students pay to print film: 24” ¢.50 per linear inch
• Students buy their screens (if looking for alternative sizes)
• Students buy their specialty paper
• Students buy their specialty inks if color in stock is not provided

The Risograph (“ree-soh”) is a digital duplicator made for high-volume printing. It can print one color at a time. The machine scans the original artwork and creates a stencil by burning the scanned image onto a special kind of paper. Original artwork can also be sent via a connected computer. Ink is then pushed through these stencils and onto the paper. 

RISO Use & Safety Rules

Using the RISO  involves handling various chemicals and equipment that can pose safety risks. Here are some key safety instructions based on the provided sources:

• Equipment Usage: Only authorized individuals who have taken RISO training can use it. It is crucial to follow proper procedures and seek assistance if you are unsure about equipment operation. 
• Equipment Maintenance: Only trained personnel should change master rolls, replace ink, and perform other general maintenance on the RISO. 
• Handling: Safe places to handle and touch the RISO (including ink drums) are marked with the color blue. Never jam or force any of the moving parts. 
• Ink & Print Handling: Risographs use soy-based ink. Each layer requires at least two hours of drying before being run back through the machine for another layer. A hairdryer can help speed the process along. However, if the ink has not dried correctly on the print, it will bleed onto the rubber rollers and even the drum, which will cause future smudging and misprints. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in losing access to the 2-D Lab.
• Keep the printer clean: Harsh chemicals should never be used to clean the Risograph or Riso ink. If you need to clean the machine, please use the Simple Green supplied and a clean rag. 
• General Safety Precautions: Food, smoking, alcohol, or drug use is prohibited in the Lab. We are all responsible for keeping the space welcoming and ready for use.

All students pay to print

• RISO: $1.00 per parent, ¢.10 per print
• Large-scale printing: width of paper (for enhanced matte or premium luster) 
  • 24” ¢.50 per linear inch 
  • 36” ¢.75 per linear inch 
  • 44” ¢1.00 per linear inch

A few key pieces of equipment are often used in tandem with the printing machines in the space, such as a hydraulic guillotine, a glue binding machine, a stitcher, and a hand-cranking press.

Additional rules for these machines include:

• Guillotine: Always ensure the machine drive is STOPPED and LOCKED OUT before performing setup, cleanup, or adjustments. Only paper should be cut in the machine. Never reach into the machine while it is in operation or make adjustments while running. The maximum cut height is 1.97”. 
• Glue Binding Machine: The adhesive requires 15-20 minutes to heat up. Do not push the adhesive can when it’s cold or the hot-melt time is not sufficient, or else it can be damaged. Avoid touching the adhesive roller with hard materials. Please turn off the switch and cut off power when the machine is not in use. 
• Stitcher: This machine must be secured to the stand or a table before operation. It is operated by a foot pedal. Only paper and cardstock should be used. The maximum stitching thickness is .25". Keep hands, tools, hair, and clothing clear of the stitching area.
• Proper Attire: All personnel should wear appropriate attire, including long sleeves, covered shoes, and long pants to protect their skin. Long hair should be tied back to prevent accidents.
• Equipment Usage: Only authorized individuals should use specific equipment and areas within the Lab. It is crucial to follow proper procedures and seek assistance if you are unsure about equipment operation.
• General Safety: You should always be trained on new equipment before use.
• Supervision: Personnel should never work alone and must always follow the instructions of a Lab supervisor. Deviating from authorized procedures can pose risks to everyone in the lab.
• General Safety Precautions: No food, smoking, alcohol, or drug use in the Lab.

Lab Manager 

Duties include full maintenance and safety inspection of all equipment, printing workshops, ordering all supplies, and advising and helping students understand how to execute projects and produce.

Lab Monitors

Students are responsible for managing and operating the 2/D lab. Please show respect and courtesy to the lab monitors.

Proposed Hours of Operation are based on staffing availability for letterpress printing, bookmaking, and screen printing.

Please note: Unsupervised time with letterpress is not allowed unless trained and with a partner.

• Tuesday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Friday: 1:00 to 3:00 PM (By Appointment only with Kelsey Elder)
• At this time, there are no weekend hours (fall 2024).

Scheduled Classes

Various electives are available during the fall and spring semesters to introduce students to the basics of letterpress, screen printing, and safety protocols. Completing this mandatory class is necessary before accessing the lab during open lab hours.

Scheduled Out-of-Class Time

Please be aware that instructors and students in a class have priority access to equipment usage to fulfill their required assignments. If students have not completed the introductory class, instructors need to be in the lab supervising students during out-of-class lab time.

Semester Lab Fee

Students enrolled in classes related to 2D labs pay a one-time lab fee of $25 per semester class.

Other Additional Student Costs (depending on the project)

• Booking binding coils
• Specialty papers or large quantities of paper
• Book-making supplies (handmade papers, cloth, linen, binding, etc.)