What is screen printing, and how does it work?

Screen printing transfers ink onto a surface through the open areas of a stencilled mesh screen. A squeegee, a flexible blade, pushes ink through the openings. The blocked areas stop ink from passing through. The ink that reaches the surface forms the design. With suitable ink and surface preparation, the process can be used on materials such as plastic, metal, glass and wood.

How does screen printing work?

1. Define the design and print area. Position the logo, lettering or design on the finished part. Holes, raised features and margins affect placement. For multicolour work, prepare each colour for a separate screen.
2. Prepare the screen. One common method is to coat the mesh with light-sensitive emulsion and expose it with the artwork mask in place. After washout, the areas that will print remain open. Fine lettering and broad areas of opaque colour place different demands on the mesh and ink.
3. Transfer the print. Hold the part in place and use the squeegee to push ink through the open areas of the mesh. For multicolour work, align the screen for each colour. Check the sample for unintended overlaps or gaps where colours meet.
4. Dry or cure the ink. Follow the technical data sheet for the ink. Assess the sample for colour, legibility and adhesion. Where relevant, also check how the print responds to abrasion or cleaning products encountered in use.

When should you consider screen, UV or pad printing?

Screen printing is worth considering for a solid, opaque logo on a flat, accessible area. For a white logo on a dark plastic device cover, for example, check how well the ink covers the background and adheres to the actual part. A change in surface coating can call for a different ink even when the artwork stays the same.

A flexible pad may suit a small, curved area. Direct digital UV printing is worth considering for gradients or photographic graphics. Part geometry, surface, colour count and quantity all influence the choice. Pad Printing · UV Printing

For a print project, have the material, any coating, print area, colour count and quantity ready. See the service page for application examples and guidance on requesting a quote. Screen Printing service