What Is Screen Printing

 

Screen printing is one of the early methods of printing. It involves the passing of ink or any other printing medium through a mesh or 'screen' that has been stretched on a frame, and to which a stencil has been applied.

History Of Screen Printing
Screen printing was a technique first used by the Chinese almost 2000 years ago. they use hair in form of mesh for making screen. that they attached a stencil made from leaves stuck together into different shapes.

Subsequently, the Japanese adopted the screen printing process and used woven silk to make the mesh and lacquers to make stencils. The use of silk is where screen printing got its alternative name – Silk screening or silk screen printing.

From using hair to silk to polymer meshes, screen printing has come a long way today

Equipment Used In Screen Printing
No matter what kind of screen printing machine you have, there is some basic equipment that will be required. The stencil or screen is of prime importance since it determines the design and image output. It refers to the frame, the mesh and the photosensitive material on which the image is created.

The squeegee, ink The substrate refers to the surface on which the design is to be printed. The machine base, which holds the substrate and allows the screen to print on it and is often the base of the entire screen printing unit.

Applications Of Screen Printing

Screen printing is a fairly economical method of printing and hence its growing popularity. The applications of screen printing are increasing as fast as one can think about a new surface for printing. Any surface that is flat can be screen printed on. The possibilities are endless.

Another factor that makes screen printing so popular is the fact that it allows one to use a wide variety of printing materials on a wide variety of surfaces. The combinations possible are numerous and can suit any kind of end usage and budget.

Applications Of Screen Printing

The textile industry probably makes the largest use of the screen printing technique. Screen printing is used to print on fabrics ranging from cotton and organza to silk and polyester. These fabrics are then made into finished products. The finished products include shirts, skirts, dresses, children's clothing and any kind of clothing made from printed the fabric. In fact many designers set up their own screen printing units since they are so cheap. 

The designer then creates his or her own design and screen prints it in limited quantities for sale with his or her brand label.  Screen printing is also used for upholstery, linen, curtains, drapes, cushion covers, bed sheets, bedcovers and other household and lifestyle requirements.

The other industry that makes extensive use of screen printing is the marketing and advertising industry. Flyers, posters, hand outs, advertisements and other point of sale or graphics products are all screen printed. The advertising industry uses screen printing primarily because it generally requires limited edition printing. The costs of printing small quantities digitally or electronically can be very high. Hence screen printing to the rescue. 

The sports industry also uses screen printing to print souvenirs and collectible items. T-shirts printed with the logos of popular teams, souvenirs like caps, sweatshirts, mouse pads, keychains, baseball bats and a host of other items are all screen printed.    Thus, screen printing has innumerous applications. Everywhere you look you will find examples of screen printing. Some are overt and others will be disguised.