In order to produce a clean, sharp print, a screen printer must have the right tools. The purpose of each piece of screen printing equipment will be discussed here, as well as what functions they serve. Prints R Us Screen Printing is the best screen printing services.

Screen printing Press

In spite of the fact that it is possible to screen print with just a mesh screen and a squeegee, most printers prefer to use a press, as it allows them to print lots of items more efficiently. By holding the screen in place between prints, the user can easily swap out the paper or clothing being printed.

An automatic press, a semi-automatic press, and a manual press are the three types of presses. The operation of manual presses is quite labor-intensive since they are operated by hand. Unlike semi-automatic presses, automatic presses are totally automated and require little to no human intervention.

Printing items in large quantities requires a semi- or fully automatic press, as this allows faster, more efficient printing and minimises mistakes. A manual table-top press (sometimes called a ‘handbench’ press) may be more appropriate for smaller companies or hobbyists who do screen printing.

The Inks

Through the mesh screen, ink, pigment, or paint is pushed onto the item being printed, creating a coloured imprint of the stencil design.

Color isn’t the only factor to take into account when choosing an ink. A wide range of specialist inks are available, which can create a variety of effects. A printer may use glittery inks, texturized inks, or puff inks (which expand to create a raised surface) to create a unique look.

As some inks work better on certain materials than others, the printer will also consider the type of fabric being screen printed.

After being heat-treated and set, printers use ink that becomes machine washable when applied to clothing. It produces a long-lasting, colourfast item that can be worn repeatedly.

The Silk Screen

Printing with silk screens involves stretching a fine mesh fabric over a metal or wooden frame. Polyester fabrics provide the same performance at a lower price than silk thread, which was traditionally used to create this mesh.

With smaller spaces between threads, the print is finer, with thickness and thread count tailored to the surface or fabric texture. As soon as the screen has been coated with emulsion and exposed, it can be used as a stencil. Screens can be washed and reused after screen printing has been completed.

The squeegee

Squeegees are long wooden, metal, or plastic handles attached to rubber blades. To print on a surface, ink is pushed through a mesh screen. As a rule, the printer will select a squeegee that matches the size of the screen frame, as this will give the best coverage.

Firmer rubber blades are better for printing intricate designs with lots of detail, as they ensure that all the nooks and crannies receive an even layer of ink. It is often recommended to use a softer, more yielding rubber squeegee when printing on fabrics or printing less detailed designs.

The Washing Station

Screens should be washed to remove all traces of emulsion after use, so that they can be reused in the future. Printworks may use large tubs of special cleaning fluid or acid to remove emulsion, while other printers use a water trough or sink and a power hose.

How does screen printing differ from digital printing?

In direct to garment (DTG) digital printing, an image is transferred directly onto a textile using a fabric printer similar to an inkjet printer. Screen printing differs from digital printing in that the design is directly transferred to the fabric using a digital printer. Intricate or very colourful designs can be printed with this technique since there’s no stencil, allowing multiple colours to be applied simultaneously rather than separately.

In recent years, certain printers using low-quality materials and shoddy techniques have given heat transfer printing a poor reputation due to the quality variances depending on the materials. It is important to use a good transfer material and apply the design carefully, in order to produce a long-lasting, high-quality garment.

We’re confident that our digitally printed garments are some of the finest on the market since all of them are made with soft-feel transfer materials and applied with state-of-the-art printers and plotters.