The common application of screen printing
Here are the common application of screen printing, and what you should pay attention when you print it:
For more information, please visit our website.
1) Billboard Printing and Vehicle Branding
The production of large or multi-sheet posters imposes particular demands on the screen making process. Large format screen must be produced quickly and efficiently, whilst ensuring absolute consistency of image reproduction and ink deposit especially for sheet to sheet matching.
2) Ceramic Printing
Ceramics printing can be split into two main categories for stencil selection, direct printing onto tiles/mugs etc, or transfer printing for decorative tableware. Due to the viewing distances involved, direct printing applications predominately have a lower image quality requirement than transfer printing applications. Therefore, direct emulsions are typically selected for direct printing whereas capillary films are typically used for transfer printing.
In addition to the superior print quality achieved from capillary films, consistency of stencil profile is also very important. This is due to the nature of the inks used in ceramics printing as minor fluctuations in ink film thickness have a major effect on the final fired colour.
3) Packaging Printing
The term ‘container printing’ covers a wide variety of sizes from 200 litre drums to small glass vials for pharmaceuticals and with it a corresponding variety of image quality requirements. There is however, one common requirement for all container printing which is stencil durability as not only are the run lengths usually very long but also the printing process is more aggressive to the stencil than in flat bed printing.
For small format applications such as glass vial printing Capillex stencil films are the perfect choice, whereas for larger or less demanding applications then select one of the MacDermid Autotype direct emulsions. In order to get the best out of whatever stencil is chosen it is important to use the good screen cleaning chemicals.
4) Glass Screen Printing
Flat glass printing for either automotive or gaming machine applications requires a stencil system that is reliable and in the case of gaming machines is also capable of reproducing the fine line halftone images that are used.
For automotive glass there are two main applications; graphics and printed electronics (heated windows, alarms etc.).
Whatever the application printing onto glass requires a very tough, flexible stencil, so depending on format and quality requirements either Capillex films or PLUS emulsions can be used.
5) CD Printing
Halftone line rulings in CD Printing are now up to 133 and 150 lpi (52 and 60 lpcm) previously the domain of offset printing only. This fineness of line ruling, plus the use of high build UV inks, has created problems with ink transfer of the third and fourth colours in particular.
Capillex CP is a unique stencil system that has been specifically developed for printing of high quality picture discs for Optical Disc applications and offers the printer many unique benefits.
6) Poster Printing
The production of screen printed posters and POS graphics images pushes screen printing head to head with other print processes. Whilst screen printing has unique advantages in terms of punchy, vibrant colours and outdoor weather resistance, control of ink deposit, moire, and resolution limitations are issues that must be addressed to maintain commercial advantages.
Unique photostencil products such as Capillex CP can provide the solution to ink deposit control and tonal reproduction problems, and push the boundaries of resolution achievable with the screen printing process. PLUS direct emulsions are ideal for the largest format images, giving the best quality available from liquid photostencils. The full range of MacDermid Autotype screen chemicals ensure that screens can be processed, cleaned and/or decoated with maximum efficiency and economy
7) PCB Printing
Reliability and predictability of print reproduction are the two key requirements for PCB printing and therefore high specification screen making products are recommended as the product of choice for most applications.
For fine detail primary imaging or legend printing Capillex 18 is the perfect choice as it gives consistency and reliability. For solder mask Capillex 50 or PLUS 8000 emulsion are ideal and for ultra thick stencil for peelable masks then multi-laminated Capillex 80 can save both time and money. To ensure that you get the best out of your MacDermid Autotype stencil then always use the recommended screen cleaning and preparation chemicals.
8) Printed Electronics
Controllable print reproduction is the key requirement for Printed Electronics. Therefore high specification screen making products are recommended as the product of choice for most applications. Careful attention should be made during stencil selection and the new family of controlled profile products (Capillex CX/CP) can dramatically reduce conductivity/resistance variations by minimising the effects of on-press variables.
9) Self Adhesive Decals
Product selection for Self Adhesive Decals will be influenced in the main by the quality requirements. If the highest quality printing is required then select Capillex for the stencil. The bicycle decals featured opposite are very high quality and were printed with Capillex film.
For applications that require very long run lengths then a PLUS photostencil emulsion is recommended. Whatever the requirement though effective screen preparation and cleaning are paramount.
10) Solar Cells
Controllable print reproduction is the key requirement for Solar Cells. Therefore high specification screen making products are recommended as the product of choice for most applications. Careful attention should be made during stencil selection. The new PLUS GOLD is formulated specifically to withstand the highly aggressive conductive inks used in Solar Cell manufacture whilst delivering the print quality expected.
MAISHI has full range of screen printing mesh: polyester, stainless steel.
PREVIOUS： Basic knowledge of Polyester Mono filament & Multi filament mesh
