A Comprehensive Guide to Screen Printing Equipment

To achieve a clean, sharp print, a screen printer must have the right tools for the job. In this guide, we'll explore each piece of screen printing equipment and their roles in the printing process.

• Screen Printing Press

While it is possible to screen print with just a mesh screen and a squeegee, many printers prefer to use a press for increased efficiency. A press holds the screen in place between prints, making it easier to switch out the paper or apparel being printed.

There are three types of presses: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Manual presses are labor-intensive and operated by hand. Semi-automatic presses require some human input but are partially mechanized. Automatic presses are fully automated, requiring minimal human intervention.

Companies that need to print large quantities often use semi-automatic or fully automatic presses for faster, more efficient production and reduced errors. Smaller businesses or hobbyists may find manual table-top presses (often called 'hand bench' presses) more suitable for their needs.

• Inks

Ink, paint, or pigment is pressed through the mesh screen and onto the item being printed, transferring a colored imprint of the design.

Choosing the right ink involves more than selecting a color. Various specialized inks, such as glittery, texturized, or puff inks (which expand to create a raised surface), can create unique looks or textures. The type of material being printed also affects ink choice, as some inks work better on certain materials

For garment printing, inks that become machine washable after heat treatment and curing are used. This ensures a colorfast, long-lasting product that can withstand repeated wear.

• Silkscreen

In T-shirt screen printing, the silkscreen is a metal or wooden frame with a fine mesh material stretched over it. While silk thread was traditionally used, polyester fabrics are now preferred for their similar performance at a lower cost. The mesh's thickness and thread count can be chosen to match the texture or material of the surface being printed, with smaller spaces between threads allowing for greater detail.

Once the screen is coated in emulsion and exposed, it is ready to be used as a stencil. After printing, the screen can be washed and reused.

• Squeegee

A squeegee is a rubber blade attached to a long handle made of wood, metal, or plastic. It is used to press the ink through the mesh screen onto the surface being printed. The printer typically selects a squeegee that matches the size of the screen frame for better coverage.

A firmer rubber blade is better for printing intricate designs, ensuring even ink coverage in detailed areas. A softer rubber squeegee is used for less detailed designs or printing on fabric.

• Washing Station

Screens need to be washed to remove all traces of emulsion after use so they can be reused. Larger print shops may use tubs of special cleaning liquid or acid to remove the emulsion, while others use a water trough or sink and a power hose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will screen printing ink wash out?

If a garment is properly screened by trained professionals using heat-treated washable ink, the design should not wash out. To ensure a colorfast finish, the printer must follow the manufacturer's guidelines for drying temperature and time, which vary depending on the ink and fabric.

What is the difference between screen printing and digital printing?

Direct-to-garment (DTG) digital printing uses a specialized textile printer, similar to an inkjet computer printer, to transfer an image directly onto fabric. Unlike screen printing, which uses a stencil, digital printing applies multiple colors simultaneously, making it ideal for detailed or colorful designs.

Digital printing requires minimal setup, making it more cost-effective for small batches or single items. It is also suited for photographic or highly detailed designs. However, the colors are printed using CMYK dots rather than solid blocks of ink, which can result in less vibrant colors compared to screen printing. Additionally, digital printing cannot create textured effects.

What is the difference between silkscreen printing and heat transfer?

Heat transfer printing uses heat to bind a design to fabric. The design is printed onto transfer or sublimation paper covered with heat-reactive adhesive. When a heat press is applied to the transfer paper, the adhesive reacts to the heat and adheres to the fabric, creating a printed item.

Heat transfer printing is easy and inexpensive, making it suitable for small batches of custom printing. It can transfer detailed photographic designs, which screen printing cannot do. Digital transfer printing also works well on items like bags, hats, or shoes, which are difficult to screen print due to their shapes.

Combining heat transfer with digital techniques offers the best of both worlds. Digital heat transfer printing involves creating a design using computer software, printing it onto transfer paper, and using a plotter to cut the design precisely. The finished transfer is then heat-treated to bind it to the fabric.

The main drawback of heat transfer printing is that quality can vary depending on the materials and methods used. However, with the right transfer material and careful application, the resulting garment can be a high-quality, durable product.