How to choose the right screen printing frame

Choosing the right screen printing frame is crucial to creating high-quality prints. This article will explain the different screen printing frame type criteria and give screen printing enthusiasts some details on-screen pre-processing and ways to maintain long-lasting print results.

This article will provide screen printing enthusiasts with some details on screen printing pre-processing and ways to maintain the print quality over time.

The screen printing process derives its name from one of the main types of screen plates. The screen consists of a sturdy wooden or metal frame combined with a finely woven wire mesh in which the mesh structure is stretched and glued (or otherwise secured) to the four sides of the metal frame.

    A quality screen printing frame has the following characteristics.
    -Has a slim profile that is long enough to be fixed into the clamping device of the printing system.

    -The frame should be able to withstand the pressure of an elongated screen.

    -The structure should be water and dirt resistant to ensure the stretching or adhesion of the screen.

Originally, the screen printing process was made of silk, hence the name "screen printing". In Greek, the root word for "silk" is "serious", so Europeans used the word "serigraphic (or serigraphy)" to refer to the process. The term "serigraphic (or serigraphy)" was used by Europeans to refer to this craft. Today, screen fabrics are woven from fine polyester (or metal, for some special purpose).

 Types of screen printing frames

 

 

 

     Screen printing frames come in three main types: rigid wood, rigid metal, and reversible.
Understanding the main differences between these types will help you greatly in your choice (you can choose the most suitable screen printing frame type for your application).
Wooden screen printing frames: Wooden screen printing frames are the original screen printing frames and they are also the easiest and cheapest screen printing frames to make. Wooden screen printing frames are still active in the garment industry and are mainly used for small-scale, home-based production. Earlier wooden screen printing frames were fixed manually with pins or grooves, but the manual fixing did not allow the mesh to be fully extended. We do not recommend the use of wooden screen printing frames because loose screens can cause problems in the printing, printing, and reproduction process.

Metal screen printing frames: Compared to wooden screen printing frames, aluminum or steel screen printing frames have significant advantages in terms of resistance to twisting or arching The screen printing frame is made of aluminum or steel and has a significant advantage over wooden screen printing frames in terms of resistance to warping or arching, water resistance, lightweight and durability. Metal screen printing frames are often used for printing operations in automated printing equipment or in other situations where strict quality control is required. Metal screen printing frames are mostly uniform in size, but we can also produce screen printing frames in different sizes to meet specific customer requirements. The screen printing frame is a pre-stretched type of product that is glued to the screen printing frame by special equipment.
Repeatable screen printing frames: Most manufacturers offer repeatable screen printing frames, which are roller-type screen printing frames.

Repeatable screen printing frame: A repeatable screen printing frame consists of a roller bar surrounded by mesh fabric. The operator can tighten the screen by rotating the roller bar and then locking the bar in the rotated position. If required, the operator can always re-tighten a loose screen if necessary.

When securing the screen printing frame to the screen printing frame, the operator should have two wrenches available: one to rotate the entire side of the screen printing frame and the other to secure the locking nut so that the extension level of the screen printing frame is maintained at the specified The extension level of the screen printing frame is maintained above the specified standard.

The use of a retractable screen printing frame eliminates the need for screen stretching equipment, which can only be purchased at large stores or supplier service centers. In addition, individual printers or store owners can retighten a loose screen printing frame and regain a tight screen in a matter of minutes. This makes the screen printing frame extremely versatile and economical.