How Does the INPRO Combi-Compact Work? The Complete Practical Guide to Developing, Decoating, and Reclaiming

In many screen printing shops, the washout booth is notoriously the least popular station. Manually rinsing exposed stencils, pressure-washing stubborn ink residues, and stripping hardened emulsion with a noisy high-pressure lance is physically demanding, messy, and chemically hazardous. Furthermore, manual processing leads to inconsistent results: one operator sprays too close, blowing out fine halftones, while another rushes the process, leaving clogged meshes that cause costly press downtime.

The INPRO Combi-Compact puts an end to these production bottlenecks. With a footprint of just 2.20 meters, this compact powerhouse proves that advanced prepress automation is no longer exclusive to industrial giants with massive production halls. But how exactly does this system work in daily production?

In this practical guide, we walk through the four core functionalities step by step: from pinpoint-accurate stencil developing to seamless ink removal (for both water-based and plastisol inks), automated emulsion stripping, and hazard-free de-ghosting.

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1. Automatic Developing of Exposed Screen Frames

Developing a screen frame immediately after UV exposure requires precision. Excessive water pressure can blow out delicate details and fine halftone dots, while uneven washing results in partially opened meshes and print defects on the press.

How it works:

1. Place the exposed screen frame into the Combi-Compact holder.
2. Select the developing program and press start.
3. The machine initiates a gentle low-pressure pre-rinse: like a soothing shower, both sides of the screen are evenly wetted, allowing the unexposed, soluble emulsion to pre-soak uniformly.
4. The automated spray rail then travels across the mesh with calibrated water pressure to cleanly open the image without any risk of mesh damage.

The result: Flawless, repeatable quality every single time. Fine halftone gradients, micro-text, and intricate line work are cleanly developed with zero operator variation. While the machine develops your stencil, your prepress operator is already free to coat or expose the next screen.

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2. Removing Plastisol and Water-Based Inks

After a print job is completed, ink must be removed thoroughly and safely. The INPRO Combi-Compact offers streamlined, dedicated workflows for both water-based and plastisol inks:

A. Water-based inks: Fast and direct

For water-based inks, the workflow could not be simpler:

• Remove the screen frame from the carousel or automatic press.
• Peel off the tape and scoop out excess ink with a spatula.
• Place the screen directly into the Combi-Compact and start the wash cycle.
• The machine automatically washes away all water-based ink residues cleanly.

B. Plastisol inks: Two efficient methods

Plastisol inks require an ink degradant to break down the plastisol polymers. The INPRO system supports two highly efficient workflows:

Option 1: Direct application

Manually apply a suitable plastisol ink remover to both sides of the frame with a soft sponge or scraper. Place the screen directly into the Combi-Compact; the machine carries out the high-pressure rinse, delivering a completely de-inked screen.

Option 2: The ultimate circular setup with the INPRO Recycling & Filter Washout Booth

For print shops demanding maximum efficiency, operator safety, and sustainability, pairing the Combi-Compact with an INPRO recycling & filter washout sink is the premier solution:

• After printing, place the frame in the compact INPRO washout booth.
• Using the fluid-fed brush, scrub and dissolve the ink effortlessly. The frame is de-inked and degreased simultaneously in one single action.
• 100% Circular & Safe: The booth utilizes a non-volatile, non-hazardous cleaning agent (unlike dangerous solvents or thinners). The cleaning fluid is continuously filtered and recycled within the cabinet. No dedicated extraction or explosion-proof ventilation is required, and zero harmful VOC vapors are released into the workspace.

📺 Watch the video: See the INPRO circular washout booth in action:
Watch the demonstration on YouTube

Key operational flexibility: After this quick wash step, you have complete freedom:

1. Store for future repeat jobs: The stencil remains intact on the screen. Store the clean, degreased frame on your racks for subsequent orders.
2. Proceed to full reclaiming: Continue straight to emulsion stripping to recover the mesh.

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3. Emulsion Stripping (Decoating)

When a screen needs to be reclaimed for a new design, the hardened stencil must be completely removed. Doing this manually involves minutes of strenuous scrubbing and high-pressure blasting. With the Combi-Compact, it becomes effortless:

Method 1: Manual stripper application

Apply emulsion remover (liquid or gel) to both sides of the frame. Place the frame onto the carriage of the Combi-Compact. The automated high-pressure spray bars blast away the softened emulsion with surgical precision.

Method 2: Paired with a dip tank

Processing screens in batches? Pairing the Combi-Compact with a decoating dip tank delivers unbeatable speed:

1. Submerge multiple screen frames in the dip tank for a few minutes to soften the stencil.
2. Pull a screen out of the dip tank and place it directly onto the conveyor of the machine.
3. The Combi-Compact automatically executes the high-pressure rinse, delivering a sparkling clean screen.

📺 Video walkthrough: Watch how a dip tank pairs seamlessly with an INPRO automated reclaiming unit:
Watch the dip tank in action on YouTube

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4. De-ghosting (Removing Ghost Images & Stains)

Over repeated print runs, residual pigments or diazo stains can form permanent faint silhouettes within the mesh fabric: ghost images. Removing these stains manually is often hazardous, as caustic de-ghosting chemicals atomize and splatter when hit by high-pressure lances.

With the INPRO Combi-Compact, de-ghosting is safe and contained:

1. Apply the ghost image remover (haze remover paste or liquid) to the screen.
2. Allow it to dwell for the recommended time.
3. Place the screen inside the sealed stainless-steel cabinet of the Combi-Compact.
4. The machine triggers its powerful high-pressure cycle, thoroughly flushing the mesh clean behind closed doors.

No chemical splashback, no hazardous aerosols, and no protective aprons required.

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Why the INPRO Combi-Compact Transforms Your Print Shop

Combining these four capabilities in a single compact system delivers immediate, tangible benefits:

1. Zero manual pressure spraying

Say goodbye to sore shoulders, soaked uniforms, and deafening noise in the washout area.

2. Labor independence & operational consistency

Prepress is no longer held hostage when key personnel fall ill or take vacations (“the machine never takes time off!”). Anyone in the shop can load a screen and press start.

3. Repeatable, flawless quality

The machine applies exact, constant water pressure and speed across every square centimeter. This prevents blowouts and ensures consistent stencil resolution.

4. Eco-friendly, safe, and pleasant working environment

Closed-loop recycling, non-volatile cleaning chemistry, and reduced water consumption minimize both environmental impact and operational costs.

5. Rapid Return on Investment (ROI)

By saving several minutes of active labor per screen and eliminating press-stopping stencil flaws, shops typically recover their investment within 12 to 18 months.

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Summary: Manual Booth vs. INPRO Combi-Compact

Manual Washout Booth	INPRO Combi-Compact
Developing: Inconsistent quality, blowout risks	Developing: Gentle low-pressure shower, razor-sharp edge definition
Ink Removal: Strong solvent fumes, heavy scrubbing	Ink Removal: Fast, clean, optional circular recycling booth
Decoating: Long, strenuous high-pressure spraying	Decoating: Automated high-pressure wash, ideal with dip tank
De-ghosting: Hazardous overspray and caustic aerosols	De-ghosting: 100% safe within enclosed stainless-steel chamber
Workplace: Wet, loud, and labor-dependent	Workplace: Push-button simplicity, quiet, ergonomic, always ready

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Experience the INPRO Combi-Compact at Dimix Screen

Curious to see how much time, chemistry, and hassle the INPRO Combi-Compact can save in your production? Contact the screen printing specialists at Dimix Screen today for expert advice, tailored configurations, or an live equipment demonstration.