1. Step one is to get an unfaded AFM game, .. strip
off all hardware from the cabinet, clean the
cabinet, then either take photos of the cabinet
sides, or scan the graphics into a computer,
stitching the files together to make the complete
artwork. I prefer scanning over taking photographs
because with scanning, a more accurate graphic is
obtained. Using a hi-res camera will introduce
distortion, and the hard lines in the artwork can
still be somewhat fuzzy compared to a scanned image.
2. The next step involves many,
many hours at the computer using either PhotoShop or
Illustrator to digitize the scanned images, and
create the "Spot Color Channels" (4 in the case of
AFM - yellow, red, green and black)
When working in Photoshop or
Illustrator on detailed artwork like AFM, you'll
need to get a fast computer and a graphics tablet
and pen. Some artwork is better suited for PhotoShop
while others are best done in Illustrator.
Scared Stiff was done using PhotoShop because of the
many artistic black lines in the image, while a job
like No Fear was done using Illustrator because of
the clipart quality of the graphics. AFM is done
using PhotoShop because of the many gradients, tones
and blends that are necessary to re-create what the
original artist has done.
3. Once the files are finished, it's off to the
Screenprinter for production. The Photoshop files are
outputted to an image setter that produces the
"films" for each of the 4 colors. (above left)
Mike takes the Photoshop files and makes the films.
(yes, he's happier than this photo shows! :)
Joe checking the alignment of the black as it will
be when printed on the other colors.
4. The films are then used with emulsion ... and
exposed photographically
to make the actual screens that will be used in the printing process.
Here a sign is being made.
Inside the temperature controlled room.
This is the green screen for AFM, waiting to be
used. The dark areas will block
the ink while the lighter yellow areas will allow
the ink to go through.
5. The screen has been mounted into the machine and
the printing process begins.
Steve putting the red ink on the screen. The colors
have been matched to
and actual unfaded AFM that I brought over for them
to use.
Notice the large green squeegees that will apply the
ink.
The vinyl is underneath the screen. the ink is in
place and the green squeegee will wipe
the ink onto the vinyl.
There are 2 squeegees. One smoothes the red ink over
the entire screen while moving into
position, the the second squeegee wipes the color
onto the vinyl.
After the red ink is put on the vinyl, .. a
mechanical arm comes over, grabs the vinyl
and puts in onto the moving conveyor belt.
The ink is very wet at this point
and can't be touched.
The conveyor moves the vinyl
through the dryers
6. This is the UV dryer. The ink is specially made
so that when it is run under a strong
UV light, the ink will instantly dry.
Coming out of the dryer. The ink is completely dry
now.
Ready for the next color to be added!!
Here is a stack of cabinet sides all finished! You
have to purchase a large
batch to keep the prices down.
