What is screen printing? The basics of screen printing

What is screen printing? The basics of screen printing

Ⅰ Introduction to screen printing

Screen printing uses the basic principle of screen printing plate graphic part of the mesh permeation ink, non-graphic part of the mesh does not permeate ink printing. When printing, first pour ink into one end of the screen plate, and then apply a certain pressure to the ink part of the screen plate with a scraper, and move evenly toward the other end of the screen plate. The ink is squeezed by the scraper from the mesh of the graphic part to the substrate during the movement, and due to the adhesive effect of the ink, the imprint is fixed on the substrate to form the required graphic.

Ⅱ Screen printing process

Design drawings: First of all, you need to design drawings to determine the content, style, color, etc., of printing. Design drawings can be drawn using computer software and communicated and confirmed with the client.

Plate making: According to the design drawing, make the plate. The plate is usually made of plate or metal material, and the printing pattern is made on the surface of the plate material, which can be made by chemical corrosion, laser engraving and other ways.

Material selection: Select the appropriate wire mesh material. Silk screen can choose nylon wire, stainless steel wire and other materials, the fineness and quality of the silk screen is directly related to the printing effect.

On the film: the produced plate is fixed on the printing equipment, and coated with a transparent film. The role of the film is to protect the plate and improve the printing quality.

Printing: Pour ink into one end of the screen printing plate, apply a certain pressure to the ink part of the screen printing plate with a scraper, and move evenly toward the other end of the screen printing plate. The ink is pressed by the scraper from the mesh of the graphic part to the substrate as it moves.

Curing: The printing material is placed in the curing machine, and the printing material is cured by heating or ultraviolet irradiation. The purpose of curing is to dry the printed material quickly and improve the adhesion and durability of the printed pattern.

Cleaning and finishing: cleaning and maintenance of printing equipment and printing materials, removing the residue and impurities generated in the printing process, and keeping equipment and materials clean. Finishing and post-processing of the finished printed matter, such as cutting, folding, binding, etc., so that the printed matter becomes the final product.

Quality inspection: the quality of printed matter is inspected to ensure that the quality of printed matter meets the requirements. Check the clarity of the printed pattern, the accuracy of the color and other aspects, such as quality problems are found in time to correct.

Ⅲ Screen printing advantages

1. Strong adaptability

Wide range of materials: Screen printing can be applied to a variety of material surfaces, including paper, plastic, metal, glass, wood, ceramic and even irregularly shaped items.

Adjustable thickness: The ink thickness can be adjusted as needed to achieve different effects from fine lines to heavy coatings.

2. High printing quality

Bright colors: Because the ink thickness can be controlled, screen printing can produce very bright and saturated colors.

High clarity: screen printing can maintain good image clarity, especially suitable for the reproduction of fine patterns.

3. Easy to operate

Simple plate making: Compared with other printing methods, the plate making process of screen printing is relatively simple and does not require complex equipment.

Easy to operate: Even if it is manual operation, it can achieve better printing effect, suitable for small batch production.

4. Production flexibility

Flexible batch size: can be used for small batch custom printing, but also suitable for high volume production.

Personalized customization: Ideal for personalized customized services, such as T-shirts, posters, etc.

5. Cost effectiveness

Cost effective: For high volume production, the cost of screen printing is lower, especially after amortization of fixed costs.

Strong durability: the printed pattern is wear-resistant, sun-fast, and not easy to fade.

Ⅳ Screen printing defect

High production cost: The plate making process is relatively complex and costly.

Long production cycle: from design to finished product need to go through multiple steps and links.

High technical requirements for operators: need to master screen printing technology and equipment operation.

Limited resolution: difficult to produce high-precision patterns.

Ⅴ Screen printing application

Advertising and Publicity

For the production of outdoor advertising posters, exhibition display posters, banners and flags, the production of traffic signs, safety signs, etc.

Packaging industry

used for label printing of food, medicine, cosmetics and other goods, and pattern printing on packaging such as gift boxes and shoe boxes.

Electronic product

It is used for solder paste and solder resistance on printed circuit boards, printing conductive layer or optical layer on display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) and touch screen.

metalwork

Make a variety of metal signs, nameplates, etc., and print words or patterns on metal panels, instrument panels and other mechanical parts.

Hong Zhong Xin's high quality surface finishing services

Hong Zhong Xin has many years of experience in providing cost effective surface treatment solutions for various industries and we offer a wide range of materials and finishes. Our team of experts works with you to create custom metal finishing programs, so you can be sure to receive a high quality service that meets all your unique needs.

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