Stampinator Settings: Time, Temperature, and 3 Ways to Use It for Screen Printing

When it comes to dialing in your Stampinator settings, understanding time, temperature, and material variables is critical for achieving a smooth, consistent print. At MADE Lab, we use the Stampinator in three primary ways: pre-stamping, flash stamping, and curing.

Let’s break down how to set your time and temperature—and how to use the Stampinator effectively in each scenario.

How to Set Time and Temperature for the Stampinator

Your time and temp settings will vary based on two main factors:

1. Ink Type (Standard vs Low Cure)

• Standard plastisol ink: ~320°F

• Low cure ink: Reduce temperature to 280–290°F

• Adjustment: Lower your Stampinator temp by ~20°F when using low cure ink

2. Rubber vs Teflon Surface

If you're using green rubber instead of standard Teflon:

• Increase temperature by 25–30°F

• Why? The added thickness of the rubber changes heat transfer

  
  

Starting Point

For most standard jobs:

• Temperature: 320°F

• Time: 4 seconds

• Then adjust based on results

3 Ways to Use the Stampinator in Screen Printing

1. Pre-Stamping (Best for Fleece & Thick Garments)

Pre-stamping is one of the most effective ways to improve print quality on textured garments like fleece.

Why it works:

• Flattens fibers

• Creates a smoother print surface

• Improves ink opacity and sharpness

Example Setup:

• Garment: Allmade Organic CVC Fleece

• Temp: 320°F

• Time: 4 seconds

Result:

• Smooth surface

• Crisp, opaque print

• Reduced need for multiple print strokes

  
  

2. Flash Stamping (Using the Stampinator as a Flash Dryer)

Flash stamping allows you to gel the ink between print strokes using the Stampinator instead of a traditional flash dryer.

How it works:

1. Print your first layer

2. Stamp (flash) the ink

3. Rotate and print again

Starting Settings:

• 320°F for 4 seconds

⚠️ Troubleshooting Flash Issues

If ink isn’t flashing evenly:

• Check for uneven garment surfaces (like seams or pockets)

• Adjust off-contact pressure

• Lower the Stampinator slightly for better contact

Pro Tip:

Fleece retains heat differently.

• After pre-pressing at 320° 👉 Reduce flash temp to ~300°F for better release

  
  

3. Cure Stamping (Fully Curing Plastisol Ink)

The Stampinator can also be used to fully cure ink, eliminating the need for a conveyor dryer in some setups.

Cure Settings:

• Temperature: ~300°F

• Time: 7–8 seconds

Finish Options:

Gloss Finish (DTF-like look)

• Use Teflon sheet

Matte Finish (Traditional screen print feel)

• Use kraft paper

Cure Test:

Always perform a stretch test:

• Ink should stretch without cracking

• No ink should transfer to the sheet

Final Takeaway

The key to mastering the Stampinator is understanding how heat, pressure, and materials interact.

• Adjust temp based on ink and rubber

• Use pre-stamping to improve print quality

• Use flash stamping for efficiency

• Use cure stamping for full production flexibility

Dial it in, test your results, and you’ll get consistent, high-quality prints every time.