What is screen printing? Many people ask this question. Don't worry, you're not alone.
What is screen printing? Today we return to the topic of screen printing once again. If you're wondering what screen printing is, we've gathered all the information you need to better understand how screen printing is done and answer the question, "What is screen printing?"
How does screen printing work?
Screen printing is one of the oldest known printing techniques. It involves transferring ink onto a substrate using mechanical pressure. But now let's go into more detail to answer the question:
What is screen printing?
First of all, it is important to keep in mind that the screen printing process is very complex and consists of a series of phases that must necessarily be carried out in a specific order.
In the following animation you will find a summary of the steps we will see later.
1 – File preparation
Files must be prepared according to certain quality standards and minimum parameters. Each printer will provide you with these details based on their needs.
The final print result is directly proportional to the quality of the file provided. Check out this page to learn more about how to properly prepare files for screen printing with Burger-print.nl.
2 – Film engraving
Screen printing allows for the application of only one color at a time. Therefore, complex designs are broken down into individual colors by a graphic designer. A transparent film is then created (one for each color) with the image printed on it, which will then be printed on the screen.
3 – Frame engraving
The frames are simply metal or wooden panels over which a special micro-perforated fabric is stretched. A special photosensitive gelatin is applied to the fabric, which solidifies when exposed to light.
To print the frames, light plates are used, onto which the previously engraved film is placed first, followed by the frame, in that order. The light will solidify the portions of the frame it can reach, leaving the areas obscured by the engraved film gelatinous.
Once this step is complete, it will be sufficient to wash the screen to remove only the non-dry portions, which will then be those through which the ink will be transferred to the substrates to be printed.
Here is an example of a 4-color file, how it is broken down into 4 different frames, and the final result on the t-shirts that is obtained.
4 – Preparing the inks
The inks are prepared based on the type of printing and the required colors. This process is performed according to specific formulas to achieve the customer's desired color tone by mixing different base colors together.
5 – Putting it into the car
Before printing, the screens must be correctly positioned on the screen printing carousel and loaded with ink. This step requires the greatest precision, especially if multiple colors are being printed.
In these cases, in fact, a perfect alignment between the different color bars is necessary.
6 – Print
Finally we get to the actual printing, and this is where the magic happens.
There are manual or automatic carousels for screen printing. A squeegee presses on the surface of the screen as it is dragged. This pressure forces the ink through the stretched fabric only in the free areas, effectively transferring the image to the print substrate.
7 – Fixing
After being printed, the support must be transferred to an oven to allow the inks to bond firmly to the support. Will your print last over time?
8 – Cleaning
The last stage, the most boring part of all?
Screen printing is a fascinating but messy process. It's therefore essential to maintain exceptional cleanliness before, during, and after the process to ensure your production isn't ruined by carelessness.
We're confident that from now on, screen printing will no longer hold any secrets for you, and that you'll be able to answer anyone who asks, "Do you know what screen printing is?"
If you still have any doubts, remember that you can always contact us via chat or email.
