P+ News   •   January 18, 2023

Screen printing is a printing technique that involves using a stencil, known as a screen, to apply ink onto a substrate, such as a t-shirt. The screen is coated with a photosensitive emulsion that hardens when exposed to light. A design is then printed onto a transparency film and placed on the screen. The screen is then exposed to light, which causes the emulsion to harden except where the design blocks the light. The unhardened emulsion is washed away, leaving a stencil of the design on the screen. Ink is then applied to the screen and forced through the stencil onto the substrate using a squeegee. The result is a high-quality, durable print that can withstand repeated washing and wear.

A screen printing machine is a piece of equipment that automates the screen printing process. There are various types of screen printing machines available, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic machines.

Manual screen printing machines are operated by hand and require the user to manually load and unload the substrate and move the screen across the substrate to apply the ink.

Semi-automatic machines are partially automated and require manual loading and unloading of the substrate but automate the ink application process.

Fully automatic machines are the most advanced and require minimal manual intervention. They can load, unload, and print the substrate automatically, making them ideal for high-volume production.

Screen printing machines come in various sizes and configurations, and the choice of machine will depend on factors such as the size of the substrate, the complexity of the design, and the production volume required.