Regardless
of whether you are using a sophisticated commercial press or one that you made
yourself, it consists of three primary components: the work surface, the
squeegee and the frame. The work surface
or bed of the press should be perfectly smooth and flat. Imperfections in the
work surface show up as imperfections in the print.
of whether you are using a sophisticated commercial press or one that you made
yourself, it consists of three primary components: the work surface, the
squeegee and the frame. The work surface
or bed of the press should be perfectly smooth and flat. Imperfections in the
work surface show up as imperfections in the print.
The
primary function of the frame is to support the screen mesh during the printing
process. Today, both wood and metal screens are used by screen printers. Many
sign shops select the wood frames because they are lower in cost. The
wood frames, however, are prone to swelling and warping.
primary function of the frame is to support the screen mesh during the printing
process. Today, both wood and metal screens are used by screen printers. Many
sign shops select the wood frames because they are lower in cost. The
wood frames, however, are prone to swelling and warping.
Some
old timers in will staple the fabric to a wooden frame, stretching the
fabric by hand. Although this is a
quick, inexpensive method for adhering the fabric to the frame, it is an
unreliable method.
For the small shop
that is not ready to invest in mechanical or pneumatic stretching equipment,
the best advice is to buy prestretched screens from a sign or screen print
supply distributor.
Another option is to buy retensionable frames, such as the Newman
Roller Frame by Stretch Devices. I prefer the roller frames, because if the
screen tension loosens up, you can retension the screen. You can’t do that
after you glue or staple fabric to a frame.
old timers in will staple the fabric to a wooden frame, stretching the
fabric by hand. Although this is a
quick, inexpensive method for adhering the fabric to the frame, it is an
unreliable method.
For the small shop
that is not ready to invest in mechanical or pneumatic stretching equipment,
the best advice is to buy prestretched screens from a sign or screen print
supply distributor.
Another option is to buy retensionable frames, such as the Newman
Roller Frame by Stretch Devices. I prefer the roller frames, because if the
screen tension loosens up, you can retension the screen. You can’t do that
after you glue or staple fabric to a frame.
The
primary objectives in screen making are:
primary objectives in screen making are:
- Proper fabric tension over the
entire area of the screen; - Parallel thread direction to each
other and with the sides of the frame; - Enough fabric tension to produce
“screen pop” or release from the printing surface after the squeegee
printing stroke; and - Constant screen tension
throughout the entire duration of the press run to maintain printing
registration.
If
the screen is not stretched to the proper tension, the mesh openings of the
fabric will be reduced. The smaller openings will restrict the flow of the ink
and consequently the thickness of the ink deposit. Improper screen tension can
also cause problems with the screen pop or screen snap off. If the screen doesn’t pop properly, there can
be a loss of detail and definition.
Improper screen tension can also cause distortion of the image and
misregistration of multiple color prints.
the screen is not stretched to the proper tension, the mesh openings of the
fabric will be reduced. The smaller openings will restrict the flow of the ink
and consequently the thickness of the ink deposit. Improper screen tension can
also cause problems with the screen pop or screen snap off. If the screen doesn’t pop properly, there can
be a loss of detail and definition.
Improper screen tension can also cause distortion of the image and
misregistration of multiple color prints.
 |
| Photo by jose aljovin on Unsplash. If the screen is not stretched to the proper tension, the mesh openings of the fabric will be reduced. |
To
compensate for poorly tensioned screens, some printers increase the off-contact
distance. (Off-contact distance is the amount of space maintained between the mesh in the frame and the
substrate that you are printing.) Rather than correcting the problem, this can
actually exacerbate the elongation of the image and cause misregistration. As the screen stretches, the stencil in the
screen can also prematurely break down.
compensate for poorly tensioned screens, some printers increase the off-contact
distance. (Off-contact distance is the amount of space maintained between the mesh in the frame and the
substrate that you are printing.) Rather than correcting the problem, this can
actually exacerbate the elongation of the image and cause misregistration. As the screen stretches, the stencil in the
screen can also prematurely break down.
After
a screen is stretched, the tension of the screen should be checked with a
tension meter. To ensure accurate measurements and to test for consistent screen tensioning, measurements should be taken at several places on the screen.
a screen is stretched, the tension of the screen should be checked with a
tension meter. To ensure accurate measurements and to test for consistent screen tensioning, measurements should be taken at several places on the screen.
Consistent
screen tensioning is important or image distortion and misregistration of
multiple colors can occur.
screen tensioning is important or image distortion and misregistration of
multiple colors can occur.
Screen
print fabric can be stretched on to the frame using a number of different
tensioning devices and techniques.
Traditionally, fabric tensioning was performed using mechanical and
pneumantic stretchers. In recent years,
retensionable frames have gained popularity.
The advantage of these frames is that the tension can be adjusted as
needed. Higher tension can also be attained using retensionable frames. And there is no
need for adhesives.
print fabric can be stretched on to the frame using a number of different
tensioning devices and techniques.
Traditionally, fabric tensioning was performed using mechanical and
pneumantic stretchers. In recent years,
retensionable frames have gained popularity.
The advantage of these frames is that the tension can be adjusted as
needed. Higher tension can also be attained using retensionable frames. And there is no
need for adhesives.
Large
screen print operations monitor screen tension using tension meters during the
stretching process and after it’s completed.
Poor tensioning can result in the following problems:
screen print operations monitor screen tension using tension meters during the
stretching process and after it’s completed.
Poor tensioning can result in the following problems:
- Inaccurate registration of
multiple colors; - Mesh drag;
- Image elongation or distortion;
- Inconsistent ink deposit; and
- Premature stencil breakdown or
fabric wear.
About Jim Hingst: Sign business authority on vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics, screen printing, marketing, sales, gold leaf, woodcarving and painting.
After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 190 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 500 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2019 Jim Hingst, All Rights Reserved.