By Dennis Bell


Screen printing refers to a printing technique that employs a mesh to transfer ink onto substrates except in regions in which blocking stencil is applied to make ink impermeable. A squeegee or blade is moved across the screen filling ink into open mesh apertures. Passing a reverse stroke causes the mesh to momentarily touch the screens along some line of contact. The ink touches the wet substrate to print. When in need of screen printing Maryland is the location to visit.

Other names are also used to refer to this process. Such names include silk-screen, serigraph printing, and screen serigraphy. The technique may be used to print mono-colors as well as multiple colors. If the application requires many colors to be printed, numerous screens have to be used and each color is printed independently in turn.

Before polyester mesh was invented, this process was predominantly done using silk. That is why names like silk-screen are used to refer to it. Synthetic threads have been adopted more in the screen printing process. However, meshes made of polyester are the most commonly used ones. The final appearance, design, and outcome of the finished work depend on the mesh size used because there are different sizes.

The Song Dynasty in Ancient China was where the first recognizable form of silk-screen appeared. This happened around 960 and 1279 AD. Other Asian countries like Japan later adapted the method and newer techniques were invented. Introduction into Western Europe occurred in the later eighteenth century. However, it was not used largely till when silk became widely available for trade from Asia.

Popularization of silk-screen as an artistic technique is given to Andy Warhol. Other individuals who helped to make the technique popular include Sister Mary Corita kent and Michel caza. The works of these two artists received international recognition. The first multicolor screen printing machine was produced and sold by Michael Vasilantone in 1960. Vasilantone later filed for a patent over the machine which was granted in 1969.

The advantages and benefits associated with this technique are many and diverse. For instance, it is suitable because it is able to produce large quantities of substrate per unit time. Up to 1800 shirts can be produced currently. The highest ever achieved number of substrates per unit hour is 1805. This speeds are four times higher than those in typical manual loading operations.

In comparison to traditional printing methods, silk-screen is more versatile. Surfaces do not need to be planar. Also, unlike lithography or etching surfaces do not have to be printed under pressure. Various materials can be printed including plastic, metal, glass, paper, textiles, wood, and ceramics. Different inks can be used for each of the materials.

The applicability of this technique on a wide variety of materials makes it very suitable for use in different industries. Some industries that apply it are involved in the production of medical devices, thick film technology, textile fabric, clothing, snowboard graphics, balloons, and decals. Others include printed electronics, product labels, and signs and displays.




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