Screen printing screens, which are used in the screen printing process to produce desired graphics, are composed of mesh fabric, aluminum frames, and graphics. Despite the rapid advancement of light industry and the electronics industry, screen printing remains an indispensable production process. Screen printing is widely used in various everyday products, and the core product in screen printing is the screen printing screen. The key to producing screen printing screens lies in selecting suitable materials and the screen making process, which ensures clear printing effects and prolongs the lifespan of the screens. This involves selecting appropriate screen mesh and paying attention to the screen-making process and common considerations in printing production environments.
- Selection of Screen Mesh Choosing the appropriate mesh count is crucial for print quality. The mesh count indicates the number of threads per linear unit of the screen mesh. A higher mesh count results in finer screens, making it easier to replicate fine details and small dots in screen printing. However, the selection of mesh count should also consider factors such as the intended use of the printed object, the original artwork, and the type of ink used. It is recommended to use low elongation screens to ensure printing precision for precision screen printing.
- Selection of Aluminum Frames Aluminum frame profiles come in various sizes, and the selection should be based on the size of the printing graphics and the desired tension. It is generally recommended to use high-strength aluminum frames to ensure printing accuracy and extend the lifespan of the frames.
- Selection of Photosensitive Emulsion There are many brands and types of photosensitive emulsions available on the market. For high-precision screen printing, it is recommended to choose photosensitive emulsions with high resolution, wide exposure time tolerance, and excellent resolution. This ensures the accuracy of the graphics and allows for clear, sharp, and durable printing.
- Selection of Screen Adhesive Screen adhesives come in various types, typically categorized as yellow or red adhesives. Yellow adhesives, also known as single yellow adhesives, are easy to use and dry faster. However, they have poor temperature resistance, withstanding temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius. They also have poor resistance to solvents, screen washes, and ink thinners commonly used in screen printing environments.
These are the essential steps and considerations in the process of making screen printing screens.