Machines & Equipments

Silkscreen Printing

What is Silkscreen Printing?
  • Silk screening is a cost effective printing method that transfers sharp images or text onto a substrate utilizing ink.
  • This method of printing uses a frame with a mesh or screen stretched across it.
  • The design is created on the screen; this entire apparatus is referred to as the stencil.
  • Typically ink is used to print the design from the stencil to the medium.
  • Screen printing is most commonly used in the textile industry; custom-designed t-shirts are often created with screen printing.
How Silkscreen Printing is done?
  • The process involves the use of a screen made up of a porous, man made mesh material, typically polyester or nylon.
  • This mesh is stretched and framed with either wood or aluminum depending on the specific application. Furthermore, precise areas of the screen are blocked off so that a stencil, or negative of the image to be printed, is formed.
  • Every silkscreen must be setup differently based upon the part’s shape, size and the specific location of printed graphics and/or text.This setup is essentially a template that each part is fitted into, aiding in consistency of the finished product.
  • Ink is then poured onto the top of the screen, and a squeegee is used to press the mesh down and spread the ink across the part.
  • The final step involved is to send all screened parts into the oven so that the ink can be cured. This is typically achieved at 320-340 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why Silkscreen Printing?
  • Silk screening is a cost effective printing method that transfers sharp images or text onto a substrate utilizing ink.
Applications
Different inks can be used to work with a variety of materials, such as textiles, ceramics, wood, paper, glass, metal, and plastic.
  • Plastic promotional products
  • Medical Devices
  • Printed electronics
  • Product labels
  • Textile Fabrics
  • Signs and Displays
  • Graphic Designs
  • Clothing
  • Thick film technology