Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a fine mesh frame to transfer ink onto a surface. In industrial screen printing, the technique is used to print onto a variety of materials, including plastics, metal, glass, textiles, and paper. Industrial screen printing is used for a wide variety of applications, including the production of labels, displays, signage, electronics, automotive components, and more.
The industrial screen printing process involves the following steps:
- Surface Preparation: The surface you wish to print on must be clean and prepared for printing. In some cases, the surface must be coated with a primer or adhesion varnish.
- Frame preparation: The frame is prepared for printing. This process involves choosing the type of hoop, preparing the mesh and preparing the print area.
- Ink preparation: Ink is prepared according to the specific needs of the application. The ink must be chosen based on the type of surface on which you want to print, the required color and the required durability.
- Printing: the frame is placed on the surface to be printed. The ink is then applied to the frame and pushed through the mesh with a scraper. The mesh in turn transfers the ink to the surface to be printed.
- Drying: After printing, the ink needs to be dried to ensure that the print is strong and durable. Drying can be done in ovens or at room temperature, depending on the type of ink used.
Industrial screen printing offers many advantages, including the ability to print on a wide range of surfaces and the ability to produce large quantities of print efficiently. However, industrial screen printing requires specialized equipment and experienced personnel to achieve high quality results.