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3D Plus™ Screen Printing

Screen Printing 3D Printed Parts

Screen printing is a versatile post-processing technique that applies ink onto the surface of 3D prints through a fine mesh screen. Screen printing is ideal for adding intricate designs, logos, or text with vibrant colors and high durability. Screen printing enhances the visual appeal and functionality of 3D printed parts, making them suitable for custom branding, decorative applications, and functional markings.

What is screen printing?

Screen printing is where ink is transferred onto a substrate through a fine mesh screen. The process involves creating a stencil (or screen) with the desired design, which is then placed on the material to be printed. Ink is applied over the screen and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh openings, transferring the design onto the surface below.

Screen printing is widely used for its ability to print on various materials, including textiles, plastics, metal, and paper, offering vibrant colors and durable prints. It is ideal for producing high-quality, custom graphics, logos, and text with excellent repeatability.

The Advantages of Screen Printing

1. Produces long-lasting prints that withstand washing, sunlight, and environmental conditions without fading or peeling.

2. Delivers rich, vibrant colors with excellent opacity, even on dark backgrounds.

3. Economical for large print runs, as the same screen can be used repeatedly for high-volume production.

4. Ideal for creating intricate designs, logos, and text with high precision and repeatability, ensuring consistent quality across prints.

Screen Printing Process

1. Screen Preparation: Stretch a fine mesh screen over a frame. The screen is then coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Once the emulsion dries, the acetate film with the design is placed on the screen.

2. Exposure: The screen is exposed to a bright light source. The light hardens the emulsion where it is exposed, leaving the design area covered by the film unaffected. This creates the stencil.

3. Washing: The screen is then washed with water, removing the unhardened emulsion to reveal the design. This creates openings in the screen where the ink will pass through during printing.

4. Set Up: The screen is placed on the printing press, and the material to be printed on (substrate) is positioned under the screen.

5. Printing: Ink is applied to the top of the screen and spread across using a squeegee. The squeegee is then pulled down over the screen, forcing the ink through the open areas of the stencil and onto the substrate.

6. Curing: The printed material is then cured or dried, usually by passing through a dryer or being left to air dry, depending on the type of ink used. This ensures the ink sets properly and the print is durable.

7. Cleaning and Reuse: After printing, the screen is cleaned to remove any remaining ink and emulsion, making it ready for reuse.

Quality Inspection Process

Check out the quality inspection process of screen printed parts at 3DSPRO.

Visual Inspection
Examine the printed parts for any inconsistencies, such as smudges, misalignments, or incomplete prints. Ensure the design is clearly visible and matches the intended artwork.

Color Consistency
Verify that the colors are consistent across all parts. Check for any color variations that may indicate issues with the ink application or screen preparation.

Adhesion Test
Perform an adhesion test to ensure the ink is properly bonded to the surface of the 3D printed parts. This may involve using tape to pull at the printed surface to check if any ink comes off.

Surface Roughness Measurement
Measure the surface roughness of the printed area to ensure it meets the required standards. This can be done using a surface profilometer to confirm the smoothness and quality of the print.

Dimensional Accuracy
Check the dimensions of the screen-printed parts to ensure the printing process has not affected the overall size and shape. Use precise measuring tools like calipers to verify critical dimensions.

Durability Test
Test the durability of the screen print by subjecting the parts to wear and tear simulations, such as rubbing or bending, to ensure the print remains intact and resilient.

Final Inspection
Conduct a thorough final inspection under various lighting conditions to ensure the overall quality and appearance of the screen-printed parts. Ensure all specifications and standards have been met.

FAQs

Check out the frequently asked questions of screen printing.

What materials can be screen printed?-

Screen printing is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of materials, including textiles (like t-shirts and bags), plastics, metals, glass, and paper.
How durable are screen-printed designs?+

Screen-printed designs are known for their durability. The ink is thick and robust, providing resistance to washing, sunlight, and environmental wear.
Can screen printing produce multi-color designs?+

Yes, screen printing can produce multi-color designs. Each color is applied using a separate screen, so the process involves multiple passes to layer the colors.
What is the difference between screen printing and digital printing?+

Screen printing involves using screens to apply ink to a substrate, offering vibrant colors and durability, especially for large batches. Digital printing, on the other hand, uses a digital printer to apply ink directly onto the material. It is better for smaller runs and more complex, detailed images but might not offer the same longevity as screen printing.
How do you ensure the quality of screen-printed products?+

Quality in screen printing is ensured through several steps, including proper screen preparation, precise alignment, and consistent ink application. Regular inspections for color consistency, adhesion, and overall finish are conducted. Additionally, test prints are often made before the final run to check for any issues that need correction.

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3D Plus™ Screen Printing

Screen Printing 3D Printed Parts

What is screen printing?

The Advantages of Screen Printing

Screen Printing Process

Quality Inspection Process

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