Screen Printing
Why is it important to automate processes around screen printing machines?
Screen printing may be a relatively manual process but there are a number of automated options available. FESPA’s Nessan Cleary emphasises the importance of automating processes around screen printing machines in order to achieve excellent print results.
R
egardless of what type of printing, every print business needs to be able to automate at least some aspects of production in order to both cut costs and take on more work to raise revenues. The current economic situation means that standing still is simply not an option, no matter what kind of business you are in. However, some print processes, particularly around digital printing, are easier to automate than others. Screen printing, by its nature, is more of a challenge to automate, but who doesn’t like a challenge?
When it comes to automated screen printing machines, there are two main designs: rotary and flatbed. With the rotary devices, the screen is mounted to a cylinder that rotates as the substrate passes.
| 24 | March 2024
This is suitable for fast high volume production. It’s not uncommon, for example, to find a rotary screen printing unit on a flexo label press. However, at a Fespa show you’re more likely to encounter the more common flatbed which will work with a wide range of substrates, including textiles for garment decoration. And an automated screen printer, whether carousel or oval, can achieve much higher productivity when printing direct to garments than most of the current inkjet DtG printers.
Most modern automatic screen printing machines are fitted with servo motors throughout, right down to the individual stations, which can give a very precise level of control, with those settings saved to memory for use in different production modes. This is a distinct improvement on the older chain-driven mechanical approach, where the chain could stretch and wear over time, leading to problems such as registration issues between stations.
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