How would you describe industrial screen printing in two sentences?

Industrial screen printing is part of a complex production process to finish surfaces with additional layers. In contrast to manual screen printing, it is important that the applied layers work perfectly for larger volumes.

What is special about industrial screen printing?

It is not so much the production technique itself, but rather the applied layers. Depending on the type of varnish and the way it is used, it adopts different functions. From upgrading of a print project to adding new functionalities.

How do you differentiate between industrial and manual screen printing and what are the main target groups for industrial screen printing?

In contrast to manual screen printing, industrial screen printing is part of the automated manufacturing process of a product. New products can be created with industrial screen printing or larger volumes can be finished.

How does industrial screen printing work?

Ink is applied to a special mesh made of steel fibres. The ink is spread across this fine mesh with a blade, which allows the ink to set in specific places. If any areas are to be left blank on the substrate, the mesh is rendered impenetrable with a stencil. Subsequently, the printed substrate needs to be dried.   

What is possible? And what isn’t?

Due to the great variety of materials and colours, a wide range of products can be realized. Solvent-based inks, UV-curing ink and special varnishes can be used for industrial screen printing. Given the high purchase cost of the inks, larger print runs are more cost-effective.

For many screen printing varnishes, it is important to apply them to a paper with a closed surface. Thus, the ink is not absorbed and the effect will not disappear. Therefore, we always recommend matching the paper and the screen printing method.

What are the advantages and the disadvantages of industrial screen printing?

Industrial screen printing is a very flexible printing method – not just because of its wide range of applications, but also because of its versatile use of materials, inks and varnishes. Regrettably, the inks needed for this method are not cheap.

What is the future of industrial screen printing?

Many applications of industrial screen printing are still in their infancy, for example printed electronics or printed batteries. This will lead to major changes and new developments for this printing method.