What is the Kiwo ExpoCheck?
The Kiwo ExpoCheck is a professional tool designed to determine the optimal exposure time for photosensitive screen printing emulsions.
It allows you to adjust your exposure unit or UV lamp according to the film density, emulsion type, and exposure distance, preventing under- or overexposure that can affect stencil quality.
Manufactured in Germany, the Kiwo ExpoCheck ensures reproducible and precise results with all types of screens and UV light sources — LED, halogen, metal halide, fluorescent, or even sunlight.
What’s Included in the Kiwo ExpoCheck?
This calibration kit includes everything you need to perform accurate exposure tests:
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One positive film with calibrated neutral density filters.
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Three reference films with halftones and type samples for high, medium, and low resolution.
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Detailed multilingual instructions.
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Rigid protective envelope for safe storage.
Unlike other exposure test kits, the Kiwo ExpoCheck can be used with positives produced by any system — laser, inkjet, thermal or even hand-drawn artwork.
How to Use the Exposure Test
Using the ExpoCheck is simple: place the filter film over your coated screen, expose, and evaluate the section that shows the best definition.
The number on the corresponding filter allows you to calculate the precise exposure time for your setup.
To see the full process step by step, visit our detailed tutorial on using the Kiwo ExpoCheck on Rittagraf’s blog.
Why Exposure Time Matters
Exposure time is one of the most critical factors in screen making.
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Underexposure causes loss of detail, weak stencil resistance and washed-out halftones.
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Overexposure leads to blocked dots, difficult development and poor reclaiming.
Each photo-emulsion (Kiwo, Ulano, Kopimask, CPS, Murakami, Summi, ProEcran, Epta, Saati, or Rittagraf Unisol) reacts differently to UV light.
With the ExpoCheck, you can accurately find the exposure sweet spot for each emulsion, mesh, and type of artwork — whether linework or halftone.
Advantages of the Kiwo ExpoCheck
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Precise measurement of exposure time.
Defines the exact curing curve of your emulsion.
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Compatible with all UV sources.
LED, halogen, metal halide, mercury vapor or fluorescent light.
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Works with all emulsion brands.
Perfect for Kiwo, Ulano, CPS, Murakami or Rittagraf Unisol.
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Easy to use and reusable.
Simply place it on your screen, expose, and compare results.
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Optimize your exposure.
Improve stencil quality, reduce errors and save time and materials.
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Analyze any type of film positive.
Use test films or your own inkjet, laser or hand-made positives.
FAQs – Kiwo ExpoCheck Exposure Test
Can I use the ExpoCheck with any emulsion?
Yes. Although made by Kiwo, it’s fully compatible with emulsions from Ulano, CPS, Murakami and Rittagraf Unisol.
What type of UV light should I use?
It works with any UV light source — LED, halogen, metal halide, mercury vapor or fluorescent. Exposure times may vary.
Can it be reused?
Yes, as long as it is kept clean and dry.
When is the correct exposure point reached?
The area that develops crisp and residue-free indicates the optimal exposure time for your setup.
Why Choose Rittagraf
At Rittagraf, we specialize in screen printing, printmaking, and photomechanical processes.
We supply professional calibration tools like the Kiwo ExpoCheck and provide technical advice to help you fine-tune your exposure settings based on your equipment, emulsion, and working environment.
