In this article, we are going to discuss screen printing. There are many methods of printing. Among the different methods, we are going to learn about screen printing.
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Screen Printing
Screen printing, also known as silk screening, is a popular printing technique used in the textile industry to apply designs and patterns onto fabrics. Screen printing is a printing technique that involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate, such as fabric, paper, metal, or plastic. It is a versatile and cost-effective method that allows for the reproduction of intricate and colorful designs on a variety of textiles, including t-shirts, clothing, and home textiles.
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Screen Printing © Textile Pad |
Screens for Printing
- Made of metal gauze, cotton, silk, nylon fabric, or polyester.
- The term “screen mesh” describes the number of threads in an inch of fabric. The finer the screen, the more threads there are per inch.
- 80 threads per inch is the typical screen mesh used for cotton and silk printing.
- The outlines are more precisely shaped with finer screens, but more force is required to push the printing paste through the screen.
Defects and Remedies of Screen Printing
Uneven Printing
Causes
- The level of the printing table is not equal.
- The squeegee blade is not sharp enough.
- The fabric is not bleached.
Remedies
- The level of the printing table should be proper and stable.
- The squeegee blade should be sharp enough.
- The fabric should be bleached before printing.
Lighter Printing
Causes
- Because it's clogged.
- High or low viscosity of printing paste.
- High foam.
Remedies
- After printing, the spray should be used soon to remove clogging.
- High or low viscosity of printing paste is not recommended. Viscosity should be standard.
- Anti-foaming agents should be used.
Specks of Dark Color
Causes
- The mixing of the print paste is not proper.
- More pinhole.
Remedies
- The mixture of print paste should be proper and equal.
- The more pinholes, the darker the color. The screen should be washed properly and if a screen hole is seen, a new screen should be used.
Light and Dark Prints
Causes
- More or less pressure on the squeegee.
- More heat in the after-treatment process.
Remedies
- More pressure gives a darker color. So the pressure should be proper for the full screen.
- More heat gives a lighter color. So the color may fade. Standard heat must be provided in the after-treatment process.
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Printing