A popular method of printing for clothing, artwork, posters and other products, screen printing involves creating a stenciled design on a mesh screen that’s then used to apply ink (or paint in the case of art and posters) onto a flat surface. While fabric and paper are the most common printed materials, with specialized inks, it’s possible to create designs on a range of different substrates, including metals and plastics. This makes it ideal for creating custom-made sports team uniforms, company t-shirts, and even high-fashion garments and accessories.
While digital printing may have advantages over traditional screen printing in terms of speed and quality, many businesses continue to choose the latter due to its lower costs. This can often be attributed to the high cost of specialized inks and equipment required for digital printing. However, when comparing the prices of digital and screen printing, it’s important to look beyond just the initial setup costs to consider the overall running costs.
The key to true cost excellence is a focus on long-term improvement rather than short-term price cuts. By reducing operating expenses and ensuring that the right level of quality is achieved, an effective business can protect itself against rising costs in the future.
This approach to cost-effectiveness should be applied across all departments, with clear lines of accountability and transparent decision-making. It also requires a thorough understanding of the true costs associated with each project, including the costs of raw materials and the amount of human labor required to complete the job.
In screen printing, the process starts by coating a piece of polyester fabric with a light-reactive substance known as photo emulsion. Once this is done, it’s then exposed to a 150-watt light source for the correct length of time, as per the instructions on the emulsion’s packaging. Once the time is up, the screen is washed to remove any remaining emulsion and is then ready for use.
Once the screen is attached to a printing press, ink is then pulled across it using a squeegee, which is typically a rubber blade connected to a wooden or metal frame. A firmer squeegee is usually used for more detailed prints and a softer rubber is more suitable for less detailed work. Once the print has been completed, the screen is then washed again to remove any excess ink and allow it to be reused.
Depending on the size and complexity of the design, this entire process can take anywhere from one to four hours. Then, once the prints have been inspected for quality, they can be packed and shipped to the customer. For more information about how screen printing can help your business, contact a trusted printer today. They’ll be able to provide you with a detailed quote and answer any questions that you might have about the process. This way, you can be sure that the screen printing services you receive will match your budget and expectations.