What Printer Do I Need For Screen Printing?
For screen printing, you'll need a specialized type of printer known as a screen printing press. Screen printing is a versatile and popular printing method used for various applications, such as fabric printing, poster printing, and more.
Screen Printing Press:
A screen printing press is the primary piece of equipment for this method. It consists of a flat surface or a rotating carousel where you place the printing material (such as a T-shirt or paper).
The press holds the screen in place and enables precise registration of different colors or layers in the design.
Screens:
Screens are an essential part of the screen printing process. These are typically made of mesh stretched over a frame.
The mesh openings create a stencil that allows ink to pass through onto the printing surface. Screens need to be coated with a light-sensitive emulsion and exposed to UV light to create the stencil.
Squeegees:
Squeegees are used to push ink through the mesh openings of the screen and onto the printing surface.
They come in various shapes and sizes, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of your printing project.
Inks:
Screen printing inks come in different types, including water-based, plastisol, and solvent-based inks. The choice of ink depends on the material you are printing on and the desired outcome.
Exposure Unit:
An exposure unit is used to expose the coated screens to UV light after the design has been applied. This process hardens the emulsion in areas where light hits, creating the stencil for ink passage.
Flash Dryer or Conveyor Dryer:
After printing, the ink needs to be cured or dried. A flash dryer or conveyor dryer is used to heat-set the ink, making it permanent on the printing material.
When it comes to choosing a screen printing press, there are various options available, ranging from manual to automatic presses.