Screen Printing Guide
Screen Printing:
Plastisol screen printing is a technique that uses plastisol ink, a PVC-based ink, in the screen printing process. The ink contains PVC particles suspended in a liquid plasticizer, which gives it a thick and smooth texture.
In this method, the plastisol ink is applied onto the substrate (such as fabric or paper) through a mesh screen. The ink sits on top of the material rather than being absorbed into it, as it doesn't air dry or evaporate like water-based inks. Instead, it requires heat curing to set the ink onto the fabric permanently.
After the ink is applied, the printed material is passed through a conveyor dryer or heat press, which heats the ink to around 320°F (160°C) for a specific period. This curing process causes the PVC particles in the plastisol ink to melt and fuse together, forming a durable and flexible bond with the fabric.
Plastisol screen printing is popular for its vibrant colors, ability to produce opaque prints on dark fabrics, and durability after curing, making it a preferred choice for many apparel and textile applications.
Discharge Printing is a technique used to print designs on garments, especially on darker-colored fabrics. Unlike traditional screen printing that adds ink on top of the fabric, discharge printing involves removing the dye from the fabric itself to create the design.
Here's how it works:
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Preparation: A discharge ink, containing a bleaching agent, is used instead of traditional pigmented ink. This ink is applied onto the fabric.
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Activation: The printed area is exposed to heat, usually via a conveyor dryer or heat press. This heat activates the discharge agent in the ink.
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Dye Removal: The activated discharge agent works by removing or bleaching the dye from the fabric, creating the desired design or pattern. The removed dye is often replaced by the color of the fabric itself or can be overprinted with pigment inks for colored designs.
Discharge printing results in a softer feel compared to traditional screen printing because it doesn’t add additional layers of ink on top of the fabric. It also allows for vibrant designs on dark-colored fabrics while maintaining the breathability and comfort of the garment.
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