Chromaline Exposure Calculator – Accurate Exposure Testing Tool for Screen Printing

Chromaline

Chromaline Exposure Calculator

If your image won’t show up at washout, your emulsion washes off, your screen breaks down mid-run, or your halftones fill in and disappear — the problem is almost certainly incorrect exposure time. It accounts for up to 90% of all stencil failures. The Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator is a single precision film sheet with two sections that cover both major emulsion types. The left section (One Step) uses line resolution targets and a formula to dial in diazo and dual-cure emulsions. The right section (Step Test) runs five progressive exposures in one test for photopolymer emulsions. One tool — you never guess again.

✓ 3 Quality Checks in One Film

Correct exposure time, print quality check, and halftone evaluation — all from a single precision film sheet placed on your coated screen

✓ Two Sections, Two Emulsion Types

Left section (One Step) for diazo and dual-cure. Right section (Step Test) for photopolymer. One film covers your entire screen room

✓ Formula-Based Precision

One Step section: Best Target Number × Test Exposure Time = Correct Time. Math, not memory — a number you can document and repeat

✓ 5-Exposure Step Test

Right section produces five different exposure levels in one test — develop and pick the best image. No second guessing, no re-coating

✓ Lamp Distance Formula Included

Built-in formula for recalculating exposure when your lamp distance changes — no full re-test required

✓ Works With All Emulsions

Compatible with diazo, dual-cure, and photopolymer SBQ emulsions across all mesh counts and exposure unit types

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$44.95

5 in stock

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SKU: CH Exposure Calculator Categories: , Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Description

90% of Screen Printing Failures Start Here — And This Tool Fixes All of Them

Wrong exposure time is the single biggest source of screen printing problems — stencils that wash off, images that won’t develop, screens that break down mid-run, halftones that fill in or disappear, pinholes that appear out of nowhere. Up to 90% of all stencil failures trace directly back to incorrect exposure. The Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator is a single precision film sheet with two sections — one for diazo and dual-cure emulsions, one for photopolymer — that gives you a precise, repeatable, documented exposure time for any combination of emulsion, mesh, and exposure unit. One test. No guesswork. No wasted screens.

Quality Check #1: Correct Exposure Time

The calculator’s primary function — finding the exact exposure time for your specific emulsion, mesh count, and light source. One test produces a documented number you record and repeat every time that same combination hits your exposure unit.

Quality Check #2: Print Quality Verification

Confirms stencil durability before the screen reaches the press. A correctly exposed stencil holds under squeegee pressure and survives aggressive inks — discharge, water-based, solvent — without breaking down mid-run.

Quality Check #3: Halftone Evaluation

Built-in halftone and line resolution targets evaluate fine detail reproduction before you commit to a production run. If halftones are filling in, bridging, or washing away, this test identifies exactly why — and gives you the data to fix it.

Is This Your Screen Problem? Diagnose It Here.

Most screen printing problems feel like mysteries. They’re not. Almost every one of these traces back to exposure — and the Chromaline Exposure Calculator will tell you exactly what’s wrong and by how much.

“My image won’t show up when I wash out my screen”

Underexposure. The emulsion didn’t receive enough UV to fully cure, so it dissolves at washout instead of hardening into a stencil. The calculator measures exactly how underexposed you are and tells you how much time to add.

“My emulsion washes off or breaks down on press”

Underexposure. The stencil survived washout but hasn’t fully crosslinked — it breaks under squeegee pressure or solvent contact. Correct exposure produces stencils that hold through full production runs.

“My screen won’t wash out — I can’t open the image”

Overexposure. Excess UV sealed emulsion in areas that should remain open. The Step Test section shows exactly which exposure produced the best open image so you can reduce to the correct time.

“My halftones fill in or wash away”

Exposure offset. Over = dots bridge and fill. Under = dots disappear. The line resolution targets on the calculator pinpoint the direction and magnitude of the error.

“I keep getting pinholes on fresh screens”

Usually underexposure. Underexposed emulsion hasn’t fully crosslinked — voids remain even where the stencil looks solid. The calculator identifies the exposure gap.

“My screens work sometimes but not consistently”

No documented baseline. Guessed times shift with every humidity change, aging bulb, or new emulsion batch. The calculator gives you a measured number to return to every time.

How the Two Sections Work — One Film, Two Methods

The Chromaline Exposure Calculator is a single precision film sheet. It has two sections — each using a different method matched to a different emulsion type. Use the section that matches your emulsion chemistry.

Left Section — Line Resolution Targets

ONE STEP

For Diazo & Dual-Cure Emulsions

1. Place film emulsion-side directly against the emulsion on the screen. The small filter must NOT contact the emulsion.
2. Expose for 2× your estimated time. Record this as your TEST EXPOSURE TIME.
3. Develop the screen, then dry completely before reading. Wet screens are swollen and misleading.
4. Study the line resolution targets. Pick the clearest, sharpest pair. Record the number between them.
5. Apply the formula below to get your correct exposure time.

Best Target Number × Test Exposure Time

= Correct Exposure Time

Example: 0.50 × 2 minutes = 1 minute

If no clear best pair: use a number between the closest two. Example: 0.50 too filled + 0.33 too washed = use 0.40. If all wash away, double your test exposure time and retest.

Right Section — Density Step Squares

STEP TEST

For Photopolymer Emulsions

1. Tape the film emulsion-side against the coated screen using cellophane tape.
2. Determine a base exposure time (educated guess — e.g., 30 seconds). Expose the full screen.
3. Cover images #2–#5 with UV-opaque black paper. Re-expose for X seconds (e.g., 10 sec).
4. Move paper to step #3, expose again. Repeat for step #4. Done.
5. Result: #5=30s  •  #4=40s  •  #3=50s  •  #2=60s  •  #1=70s
6. Develop. Select the image that looks best — that step’s time is your exposure.

All closed up → reduce base time and retest

All wash away → increase base time and retest

Watch: How to Use the Chromaline Exposure Calculator

Lamp Distance Formula — When You Move Your Exposure Unit

Exposure time increases proportional to lamp distance squared — not linearly. Move your lamp twice as far away and you need four times the exposure, not two. The calculator includes this formula so you don’t have to re-test from scratch every time your lamp position changes.

New Exposure Time = Old Exposure Time ×

(New Distance)2 ÷ (Old Distance)2

1 Meter

3 min

baseline

2 Meters

12 min

4× baseline (2²)

3 Meters

27 min

9× baseline (3²)

7 Factors That Change Your Exposure Time

This is why no one can hand you a number. Your correct exposure time is unique to your shop — and it shifts when any of these variables change. The calculator locks in your specific number across all of them.

Emulsion Thickness

More coats = thicker stencil = more UV energy needed to cure all the way through.

Mesh Count

Lower mesh count = more emulsion = longer exposure required. Higher mesh = less emulsion = less time.

Mesh Color

Yellow mesh absorbs UV. Requires approximately 30% longer exposure than white mesh at the same thickness.

Emulsion Chemistry

Photopolymer emulsions cure faster than diazo or dual-cure. Each type requires its own tested time.

Humidity

Keep screen room below 40% humidity. Moisture in the emulsion absorbs UV and blocks full curing — especially critical for diazo.

Screen Dryness

Wet screens are swollen and give misleading results. Verify dryness with a hygrometer — not just by touch.

Bulb Age & Distance

UV bulbs lose output over time. Distance increases time by distance squared. Retest when either changes.

Pro Tip: Document Everything

Record emulsion type, mesh count, coats, humidity, and exposure unit for every test. Switch emulsion buckets or buy new mesh? Small batch variations can shift your correct time by 5–15%. Rerun the calculator.

Pro Tip: Dry Before You Read

On the One Step section, always dry the screen completely before reading the line resolution targets. Wet screens are swollen — the numbers you read on a wet screen will send you in the wrong direction.

Pro Tip: Texas Summers

San Antonio humidity spikes hard in summer. Screens that worked fine all winter can start failing when the air changes. Rerun the calculator when seasons shift — one test re-establishes your baseline.

Stop Wasting Screens. Dial In Your Exposure Once — Get It Right Every Time.

Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator  •  SKU: CH Exposure Calculator

Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT • Free shipping over $200 • (512) 454-0505

Technical Specifications

Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator — Technical Specifications

Source: Chromaline Corporation  |  SKU: CH Exposure Calculator  |  Manufacturer: Chromaline, Duluth MN

General Product Information

Property Detail
Product Name Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator
Manufacturer Chromaline Corporation, Duluth, MN
SKU CH Exposure Calculator
Design Dual-sided — two different calculators in one tool
Quality Checks 3 — Correct exposure time / Print quality check / Halftone test

Left Side — Step Test (Diazo & Dual-Cure Emulsions)

Feature Detail
Emulsion Type Diazo and dual-cure emulsions
Method Step Test — produces 5 different exposures in a single test
Special Feature Calibrated ND filter for diazo chemistry
Formula Best Target Number × Test Exposure Time = Correct Exposure Time (e.g., 0.50 × 2 min = 1 min)
Result Read Select clearest, sharpest pair of line resolution targets after washout
If All Wash Away Double the original test exposure time and retest
If All Closed Up Reduce base time and retest

Right Side — One-Step Calculator (Photopolymer Emulsions)

Feature Detail
Emulsion Type Photopolymer emulsions
Method One-step — single exposure, read step number at washout
Target Step Step 7 = perfect exposure
Above Step 7 Underexposed — add more time
Below Step 7 Overexposed — reduce time
Adjustment Tool Built-in table for calculating adjusted exposure time from step result

Compatibility

Category Compatible With
Emulsion Types Diazo • Dual-Cure • Photopolymer (SBQ-based)
Exposure Units LED • Metal Halide • Fluorescent • Laser-to-Screen (LTS)
Mesh Types All mesh counts • White mesh • Yellow mesh • Polyester • Stainless steel
Experience Level Beginner to advanced screen maker

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions — Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator & Screen Printing Exposure Problems

What is a screen printing exposure calculator and why do I need one?

A screen printing exposure calculator is a film tool you place on a coated screen during exposure. It tells you whether your emulsion is getting the correct amount of UV light. Up to 90% of all stencil failures trace back to incorrect exposure time. Without one, you’re guessing. With the Chromaline Dual Exposure Calculator, you have a precise, documented number for every emulsion and mesh combination in your shop.

Why won’t my screen printing image show up when I wash out my screen?

This is almost always underexposure. The emulsion didn’t receive enough UV light to fully cure, so it dissolves at washout instead of hardening into a stencil. The exposure calculator tells you exactly how underexposed you are and how much time to add.

Why does my screen printing emulsion keep washing off or breaking down on press?

Underexposure. The stencil looks like it formed but hasn’t fully crosslinked — it breaks down under squeegee pressure, ink chemistry, or cleaning solvents. The exposure calculator identifies how far under you are so you can fix it permanently.

Why won’t my screen wash out — I can’t open the image?

Overexposure. Too much UV sealed emulsion in areas meant to remain open. Fine detail and halftones are especially vulnerable — they fill in and block completely. The calculator’s step result below 7 (right side) tells you exactly how overexposed you are.

What does the target number 7 mean on the Chromaline Exposure Calculator?

On the right side (photopolymer), step 7 is perfect exposure. After washing out, count the step number where the emulsion clears. Above 7 = underexposed, add time. Below 7 = overexposed, reduce time. The included adjustment table tells you exactly how much to change.

What is the difference between the left side and the right side of the calculator?

Left side = Step Test for diazo and dual-cure emulsions. Uses a calibrated ND filter, produces 5 exposures in one test. Formula: Best Target Number × Test Exposure Time = Correct Time. Right side = One-Step for photopolymer emulsions. Expose once, wash out, aim for step 7.

Why do my halftones keep filling in or washing away?

Halftone dots are extremely sensitive to exposure. Overexposure = dots bridge and fill in. Underexposure = dots wash away. The calculator’s built-in halftone resolution targets evaluate fine detail reproduction specifically so you can identify the exact direction you’re off and correct it.

Why does yellow mesh require a longer exposure time than white mesh?

Yellow mesh absorbs UV rather than reflecting it back through the emulsion. This reduces the UV energy reaching the emulsion from below, requiring approximately 30% longer exposure time than white mesh at the same coating thickness. The exposure calculator accounts for this because it tests the actual result on your specific screen.

How does humidity affect screen printing exposure?

Moisture in the emulsion absorbs UV energy and prevents full curing. Keep screen room humidity below 40% and verify screens are completely dry with a hygrometer before exposure. This is a common cause of screens that appear to expose correctly but behave like they’re underexposed on press.

Why are my screens inconsistent — they work sometimes but not always?

Without a documented baseline, any change — humidity, new emulsion batch, aging bulbs, different mesh lot — shifts your results unpredictably. The exposure calculator gives you a measured number to return to and tells you when conditions have changed enough to re-test.

How often should I run the exposure calculator?

Run it when you change emulsion type or batch, switch mesh count, replace UV bulbs, move your exposure unit, or notice seasonal humidity changes. Any meaningful variable shift can change your correct exposure time — the calculator is the fastest way to re-establish your baseline.

Is the Chromaline Exposure Calculator compatible with all emulsions?

Yes. Left side works with diazo and dual-cure emulsions. Right side is ideal for photopolymer emulsions like Chromaline ChromaBlue, ChromaLime, Hydro X Blue, Hydro X Red, CP-Tex, UDC-2, and all other SBQ-based photopolymers.

What is the formula for calculating correct exposure time on the left side?

Best Target Number × Test Exposure Time = Correct Exposure Time. Example: if the best target number is 0.50 and your test time was 2 minutes, correct exposure = 1 minute. If no clear pair of targets is found, use a number between the closest pair.

I’m getting pinholes even after degreasing — could that be an exposure problem?

Yes. Underexposed emulsion is porous — it hasn’t fully crosslinked so tiny voids remain in the stencil. If you’ve confirmed the screen is properly degreased and dried, and pinholes persist, run the exposure calculator. You’re likely underexposed, and the stencil is structurally weak even where it appears solid.

Still troubleshooting your exposure? Talk to our screen printing team.

(512) 454-0505  |  [email protected]  |  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT

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