Our punk-rock-inspired design was all about creating something that didn’t look brand new. We wanted a heavy, cracked print that felt like it could have come off a vintage band tee that had already spent years being worn, washed, and abused.
If you’re running a screen printing shop, chances are white ink is on your press every single day. It’s the workhorse of the industry—and also one of the trickiest inks to dial in just right. Whether you’re laying down a basic logo or building out a detailed print, getting that crisp, bright white is a skill that separates the pros from the rest.
MADE Laboratory was founded through a partnership with SanMar's Decorator Solutions Team and our founders Tom, Brett, and Brian Lessard, who brings 30 years of screen printing and ink manufacturing experience to the lab. The mission was simple: provide manufacturers and decorators with reliable, scientific data so they can make better decisions before anything hits the press.
If you've ever watched an experienced press operator, you'll notice something right away—they don't seem to move much. They're not rushing around the press. They're not constantly walking to grab tape, ink, squeegees, or screens. Everything they need is within arm's reach.
Every screen printing shop wants smoother production, fewer surprises, and more time spent printing instead of scrambling. One of the biggest factors that determines whether your shop runs proactively or reactively starts in a place that doesn't always get the attention it deserves—the screen room.
This year, MADE Laboratory opened its doors in Fort Worth, Texas, for a full day dedicated to education, collaboration, and helping print shops improve what they do every day. Instead of walking through rows of trade show booths, attendees got to experience equipment in a real production environment, ask questions directly to industry experts, and see new ideas put into action.