screen printing mesh

Types of Screen Printing Mesh

Screen printing mesh is available in many types, each with unique benefits and characteristics. These are the essential ones:

• Tension Rectified mesh

  Tension rectified mesh is made by tension rectifying the threads. The threads are pulled together in a machine, making them even and straight. The mesh has even tension on the threads. It also causes the fabric to have even tension, which improves the printing ability. It increases the endurance of the mesh to wear. The quality of the prints will be better and of a good standard compared to others.

• Tensioned mesh

  When the screen is made, a pattern is put on the screen, then the strands are pulled or stretched tight by hand. Then the strands are glued in position on a metal frame. In simple terms, tensioned mesh is made by stretching the threads tightly by hand. Tensioned mesh is less precise compared to tension rectified mesh. It is cheaper, widely available, and good enough for simple prints. After use, the mesh can be recycled or can be rendered useless.

• Stainless steel mesh

  Stainless steel is used to make durable and long-lasting mesh. Compared to other types, it has better resistance to chemicals. It can also handle aggressive inks and solvents. It is corrosion-resistant, which means it stays longer when used to make prints. It is a go-to for screen printers who want to make quality prints that last long. It is therefore popular with those who want to get premium quality prints.

• Polyester mesh

  Polyester material is durable and doesn't wear easily. Polyester also has resistance to heat, which makes it applicable in many occupations. Polyester mesh is economical compared to other types. It is lightweight so that it can be transported quickly. This kind of mesh is easier to use without prior experience because of its tolerance and flexibility in various inks and paints. It is popular with amateur and professional printers for the quality and affordability of the prints.

Design of Screen Printing Mesh

The screen printing mesh consists of two primary components: the frame and the mesh itself. The frame is usually made from aluminum or wood, and the mesh is made from nylon, polyester, or stainless steel. nylon is the fabric that has the lowest tensile strength and will break first. When designing the screen printing mesh, tension is critical. In an ideal situation, the fabric should be as tight as a drum. The tighter the mesh, the better the prints.

• The screen printing process

  A design is drawn and placed beneath a transparent screen. Ink is poured on top of the screen. A special device called a squeegee is used to spread the ink. The ink goes through the mesh onto the item below. The item is left in the sun or heat so that it will get dry.

• Types of ink

  Plastic solid ink used with a heat transfer printer. Water based ink falls into two categories, both of which must be mixed with a hardener before use. Quality mesh also helps to get rid of backlash and print design flaws. This makes the designs vibrant and beautiful. With the right mesh, even simple ink will print better than usual. This will also increase production by reducing the number of flawed prints.

• Items printed

  Beverage cans and bottles are commonly printed with screen printing mesh. They are also used on electronics like smartphones or laptops for decoration. Textiles like T-shirts or cloth bags may also have a design printed on them. They can also screen the mesh printing on stationery items like diaries, mugs, and caps.

Specification & Maintenance of Screen Printing Mesh

The screen printing mesh needs the right specifications in order to perform its best. Proper maintenance will also keep it in order. Some of the essential specifications and maintenance tips include:

• Mesh count

  Refers to the number of the strands in each inch of the mesh. The finer the mesh, the higher the count. Fine count matches well with detailed designs. Coarse meshes work well with basic designs. Fine mesh printers also use more ink. It may be difficult to push ink through the fabric. Low count produces less detail but is faster. It also allows easy passage of ink.

• Tension

  High tension leads to better sharpness. Ink flows easily through the screen. This needs a tight frame when stretching the mesh. Tension should be even across the frame. Low tension causes blurred prints. It also leads to ink spillage when printing. This makes the print unclear. Low tension causes wear on the mesh during washing.

• Maintenance

  Take care during washing the mesh. Use mild detergents only. Detergents that are too harsh lead to clogging. Always store screens vertically. Place screens in dry places away from direct sunlight. Sunlight causes the screen to weaken. Be careful when stacking screens. Mismatched tension contributes to low-quality prints. The first prints also suffers from smudges and backwash. Low tension prints are likely to fall off the screen easily.

• Maintenance tip

  Don't use sharp tools to clean the screen. Sharp tools damage the mesh threads. Use soft cloth and brushes instead. Brushes with hard bristles cause screen damage. They also make indentations on the fabric. Always wash the screen immediately after use. Ink hardens over time, making it difficult to clean. It takes a lot of time and minimal effort to clean if detergent is washed immediately after use.

How To Choose Screen Printing Mesh

The market has a variety of screen printing meshes. Each kind is determined by some parameters. These parameters directly impact the printing process. These are the key factors to consider when looking for appropriate printing mesh:

• Material

  Screen printing mesh is made of polyester, nylon, or stainless steel. Polyester mesh is favored when it comes to screen printers. This is because of its strength and durability. Nylon mesh on the other hand offers flexibility. This makes it ideal for printing on irregular surfaces. Stainless steel provides superior durability for long-term usage.

• Mesh count

  A high mesh count means more threads per inch. It produces finer details in the design. Conversely, a low mesh count allows more ink to pass through. This creates bolder prints. So, this means that fine designs should use a high mesh count. On the other hand, simple designs should use a low mesh count.

• Coating

  The mesh can be coated in both plain and ultrafine. A plain coating mesh is normal while an ultrafine coating is an additional fine coating. The coating protects the mesh from damage. The ultrafine coating allows for better ink flow. This results in sharper prints. Choose a coating that suits the kind of inks to be used and the workloads.

• Thread size

  Thread size impacts the mesh's overall strength and ink passage rate. Thin threads create finer meshes. On the other hand, thick threads offer greater durability. Choose a thread size that balances the print quality and the needs of the project.

• Surface treatment

  The treatment of the surface affects the ink adhesion and the mesh's resistance to abrasion. Some treatments improve the release of the ink. Others increase the mesh's lifespan. Select a surface treatment that meshes the requirements of the projects.

• Compatibility with inks

  Each kind of ink requires a specific type of mesh. Water-based inks work well with finer meshes. This is because they have a lower viscosity. Plastisol inks, however, work well with coarser meshes. The choice of ink will affect the optimal mesh count and material.

Q&A

Can screen printing mesh work for fabrics?

Yes, a screen printing mesh can work for fabrics. But to achieve the best printing results, they have to be compatible with each other. Printer users must be careful when choosing the right fabrics. When the right printing meshes are paired with suitable fabrics, they produce quality and durable prints.

Is it possible to use a single mesh for multiple inks?

No. A single mesh cannot be used for multiple inks. Useful printers often have various meshes. Each mesh is suitable for a specific kind of ink. They use these kinds of meshes to meet different clients' needs.

Can screen printing mesh work for outdoor projects?

Yes, they can work for outdoor projects. But only when they are coated with ultraviolet inks. UV inks cure under UV light. This creates a bond that is stronger than even the strongest substances in nature. This makes the prints weather and abrasion-resistant.

How does screen printing mesh compare to digital printing in terms of durability?

While both methods can produce long-lasting prints, they are more resilient in some aspects than others. In practical settings, mesh printing is more resistant to abrasion and washing. Direct to garment, on the other hand, shows superior resistance to peeling and cracking. Overall, the lastingness of print depends on various factors. These include the material used and exposure to environmental elements.

Can pollution affect the efficiency of screen printing mesh?

One of the most notable impacts is on the surface treatment of the mesh. The pollutants that were not there before can cause deterioration of the treatment. Ink adhesion may also be affected by pollution. So, to mitigate the impact of pollution, screens should be cleaned frequently.