Do not skip this step, especially with waterbase, or you risk the stencil delaminating or breaking down during the next print job. They are especially suited to high resolution and large format applications. When the polymer molecules cross link under UV light, they do so in straight lines, which gives a sharper stencil edge than traditional diazo direct emulsions. A hybrid 'dual-cure' combines the advantages of both types and allows water and solvent based inks to be used with one stencil type. Direct Projection eliminates film positives and a vacuum frame and projects light through a negative and focuses it on the screen.
Most reclaiming solutions are now biodegradable and 'drain-safe' when diluted with water.
Many shops are installing closed system screen reclaiming and cleaning systems that automatically remove stencils and inks, filter out the solids, recirculate and reuse the chemicals. No muss, no fuss, and the crappiest job in the screen shop is suddenly fun and easy. You need volume to make this affordable, or a strong commitment to waste management. May is coming and that means two things. You can't run a racecar without fluids, and you can't screenprint without inks.