Screen Printing Machine: Problems and Solutions?
Even with Screen Printing being the best in its business, there are some issues that we aren’t aware of. Every good machinery faces some wear and tear, but the best thing with screen printing is, even with its wear and tear, every problem is fixable, and refurbishing or replacement isn’t that costly. But for those who believe in getting our machines fixed by ourselves, here are some problems faced by screen printing machines and their solutions are:
~ Incomplete or thin ink coverage
~ Print losing detailing
~ Images printed are smeared
~ The bottom of the screens have excessive ink buildup
1. Incomplete or thin ink coverage:
There are multiple issues why this problem would have occurred, and every issue has a solution to we can use to resolve it. Issues for incomplete or think ink coverage can be:
The Screen Printed T-Shirt weave is loose; then use a thicker ink or increase the number of paint strokes.
The squeegee can be too hard; try using a softer durometer squeegee.
The squeegee’s pressure feels insufficient; try using sufficient squeegee pressure to clear the ink from the Mesh-Based Screen.
The mesh is too fine; in this situation, you need to use a coarser mesh.
The strokes are insufficient; in this case, you can increase the number of printing strokes.
The print has fast strokes; try slowing the strokes to allow the ink to flow through the mesh.
There are multiple issues why this problem would have occurred, and every issue has a solution to we can use to resolve it. Issues for print losing detailing can be:
The screen tension can be insufficient; try replacing it with screens with higher tension.
The ink can be too thin; there are three things you can do for this problem. Try using a thicker ink of thicker viscosity, check manufacturer’s limits on viscosity reducers, and use only additives.
The stencil is too thin; here, you can increase the number of emulsion coats for a thicker stencil or use a round edge scoop coater for initial coats.
The screen is not clamped securely; check the clamps to see if tightening or repairing or replacing is required.
The stroke of printing is in both directions; here, use the same printing direction for multiple print strokes.
3. Images printed are smeared:
There are multiple issues why this problem would have occurred, and every issue has a solution to we can use to resolve it. Issues for smeared images can be:
The pallets are loose; try tightening the pallet holding mechanism.
The image is too close to the frame; try to choose a screen frame with three inches of minimum free mesh area and more around the image.
The ink additives are misused; here, follow manufacture limits on ink additives and use only recommended additives.
The fabric is moving during printing; apply the spray adhesive again.
The squeegee pressure is insufficient; try increasing squeegee pressure or reduce the off-contact distance.
4. The bottom of the screens have excessive ink buildup:
There are multiple issues why this problem would have occurred and every issue has a solution to we can use to resolve it. Issues for screens having an excessive buildup on the bottom can be:
There must be an excess of ink deposit; this can be solved through many solutions like using a more rigid printing surface on the pallet or using a finer mesh. Try using a more rigid durometer squeegee, or minimize the print strokes. Try holding the squeegee at a higher angle or use a faster squeegee stroke. If these solutions do not work, try decreasing flood bar or stroke pressure.
The print order can be incorrect; Try printing the smallest areas to th
e most extensive areas, or try printing dark colors first and end with the lightest when possible.
The substrate is not very absorbent; here, flash between the colors.
The ink selection is incorrect; use ink designed for wet-on-wet printing.
The artwork is overlapping too much; try remaking the artwork with less image trap.
These are some of the problems faced while using the Screen Printing machine and how we can solve them. The only advice for all the people dealing with Screen printing equipment is to keep in mind for regular upkeep so that not much of wear-tear is caused.