Screen Printing Screens

How to Choose Screen Printing Plates?

Screen printing plates, These are the basic production equipment where the design to be transferred to print is formed on emulsion and screen printing silk. The mold consists of a frame, screen printing silk with a suitable mesh value, and emulsion compatible with the printing system. For print quality, detail clarity, and consistent ink transfer, these three elements must be selected in harmony with each other.

When selecting a screen printing plate, not only the width and height of the frame should be considered. The printing area, the external dimensions of the product, the table size of the machine to be used, the squeegee movement, the type of ink, the printing surface, and the necessary overlay should all be evaluated together.

Prepared by Okan Gökhan screen printing plates; Available with metal and aluminum frame options, it can be produced in different silkscreen counts. In addition to standard 40x60 and 50x70 sizes, custom-sized plate production can also be considered depending on the print and the machine to be used.

What parts does a screen printing stencil consist of?

Screen Printing Frame

The frame is the main body that holds the stretched silk and ensures the plate maintains its shape during printing. Screen printing frames can be made from metal or aluminum profiles. The profile dimensions must be compatible with the overall frame size and the silk tension to be applied.

Screen Printing Silk

Screen printing silk is a woven fabric that allows ink to pass through to the printing surface. As the mesh value increases, the fabric generally becomes denser, and ink transfer may decrease; at lower mesh values, more ink transfer can be achieved due to the more open pore structure. The exact choice should be made according to the ink, pattern, and printing surface.

Emulsion

Emulsion is a light-sensitive coating material that enables the transfer of a pattern from a film onto a mold. The emulsion used must be compatible with the paint system. Emulsion compatibility should also be evaluated in water-based and solvent-based paint applications.

Suitable products masks and emulsions You can review it in that category.

Differences Between Metal and Aluminum Screen Printing Stencils

Metal and aluminum frames perform the same basic function; however, they differ in terms of weight, ease of use, cost, and operating conditions. Which material is more suitable should be determined according to the mold size, frequency of use, and the production method of the company.

Metal Screen Printing Plates

Metal molds are preferred in many workshops due to their robust construction and economical production costs. They are particularly suitable for standard-sized jobs, beginner workshops, and applications where cost is a priority.

The surface coating and weld areas of the metal frame should be checked regularly. Keeping the frame dry after mold washing and chemical treatments helps preserve its lifespan.

Aluminum Screen Printing Molds

Aluminum plates are lighter than metal plates. This can make handling, washing, exposure, and placement in the printing press easier for large frames. While aluminum has the advantage of being corrosion-resistant, the frame and silk still require regular cleaning.

Aluminum frames are preferable in busy workshops or production processes where the mold is frequently moved. When making the final selection, the profile structure, mold dimensions, and the tension to be applied should be evaluated together.

40x60 Screen Printing Plates

40x60 Aluminum Screen Printing Mold

40×60 aluminum screen printing plate, It can be considered for workshops that need a compact and lightweight frame. It can be prepared with 24, 27, 32, 43, 55, 66, 77, 90, 100, 120 and 140 silk screen options according to different printing applications.

40x60 Metal Screen Printing Mold

40x60 metal screen printing plate, It is suitable for businesses seeking standard-sized productions and an economical framework. The choice of silk screen should be made according to the surface to be printed on, the dyeing system, and the pattern detail.

50x70 Screen Printing Plates

50x70 Aluminum Screen Printing Mold

50x70 aluminum screen printing plate, It can be used in jobs requiring a larger printing area. The lightweight frame structure can facilitate the handling of the plate during the printing, exposure, and developing stages.

50x70 Metal Screen Printing Mold

50x70 metal screen printing plate, For large-format prints, it can be considered an economical and robust framing option. The profile structure and silk tension should be prepared to match the overall dimensions of the plate.

How to Determine Pattern Size?

When determining the plate size, a work allowance should be added to the width and height of the print. The design should not be placed too close to the inner edges of the frame. Sufficient space should be left for squeegee movement, paint pool, and machine connection.

• The actual width and height of the print design must be measured.
• A working margin should be left around the pattern for squeegee movement.
• The outer dimensions of the mold must be compatible with the printing press's mounting system.
• The plate must fit within the usable space of the exposure machine.
• The working area of the mold washing cabinet should be checked.
• The squeegee width should be chosen to suit the inner area of the pattern and the design.
• Profile strength and silk tension should be evaluated in large molds.

It is crucial to clarify before ordering whether the 40x60 or 50x70 measurements refer to the internal or external frame dimensions. The printing area and the outer dimensions of the mold are not the same.

How to Choose Screen Printing Silk and Mesh Number?

Mesh selection is one of the most important factors determining the printing behavior of a screen printing plate. The same design can yield different ink transfer and detail results at different mesh values.

Low Mesh Values

Lighter mesh silks can be considered for prints requiring more dye transfer. Lower mesh options can be used in applications requiring a thick dye layer, special effects, or high amounts of dye transfer. However, the risk of dye bleeding may increase in fine details.

Medium Mesh Values

Medium mesh options can be used in many general screen printing applications. The choice should be made according to the ink viscosity and print detail for textiles, paper, cardboard, and different surfaces.

High Mesh Values

Tightly woven silks are preferred in applications requiring fine lines, small text, halftones, and controlled ink layers. For metal, plastic, and delicate surface printing, high mesh values can be considered depending on the ink and pattern structure.

These classifications are general guidelines. Mesh selection should not be based solely on surface name without considering the paint's pigment structure, viscosity, printing surface, and manufacturer's recommendations.

How Does Silk Tension Affect Printing?

The silk needs to be secured to the frame with even and sufficient tension. Varying tension in different areas of the plate can cause the pattern to stretch, the print to shift, the paint to transfer unevenly, and overlapping problems in multi-color work.

Using too little tension can cause the silk to separate slowly from the product after printing and lead to image distortion. Excessive tension, or tension unsuitable for the frame, can damage the silk, adhesive bond, or frame.

In professional stretching, the silk must be stretched evenly in all directions, the tension must be measured, and the mold should not be removed from the stretching system until the adhesive has fully hardened.

How to Use Mold Stretching Adhesive?

Before applying the stretch film adhesive, the frame surface must be cleaned and free of oil and old adhesive residue. Once the silk has reached the correct tension, the adhesive should be applied evenly to the area where the frame and silk contact.

The amount of adhesive used, activator requirements, and drying time may vary depending on the product. Insufficient adhesive can cause the silk to separate from the frame; uncontrolled and excessive application can reduce the usable area of the silk surface.

Products used in die stretching and printing preparation. screen printing adhesives You can review it in that category.

How to Prepare a Screen Printing Mold?

1. The frame is selected: A metal or aluminum frame suitable for the print size and machine is selected.
2. Mesh is selected: The silk screen number is selected to match the paint, surface, and pattern details.
3. The silk stretches: The silk is fixed onto the frame with balanced tension.
4. The surface is cleaned: Silk is purified to remove oil, dust, and production residues.
5. The emulsion is applied: The emulsion, suitable for the printing system, is applied evenly.
6. The mold is dried: Complete drying is ensured in a clean environment away from light.
7. The film is inserted: The image is fixed onto the mold in the correct orientation and position.
8. The exposure is done: An appropriate test duration is applied to the emulsion and lighting system.
9. Pattern opens: The mold is washed with controlled water pressure.
10. The check is performed: The pattern is checked for open pores and unwanted pinpoint holes.

Models that can be used for mold making. screen printing exposure machines, and the equipment required for pattern opening and cleaning processes mold washing cabinets You can review it in that category.

Screen Printing Plate Maintenance and Cleaning

• Once printing is complete, the paint must be cleaned off the plate before it dries.
• A cleaning product suitable for the type of paint should be used.
• Excessive pressure should not be applied too closely to the silk when cleaning the mold.
• Metal frames should not be left wet after washing.
• The silk should be checked for tears, loosening, or differences in tension.
• Care must be taken to ensure that the squeegee blade does not strike the mold frame.
• Molds should be stored away from sharp and heavy equipment.
• The emulsion surface of patterns that will be reused must be protected.

If the pattern is no longer to be used, the silk can be cleaned by applying a suitable emulsion remover. However, if a mold hardener has been used or if the dye has completely dried on the silk, recovering the mold may be difficult.

In which fields are screen printing plates used?

• Textile and garment printing
• Fabric bags and promotional products
• Paper, cardboard and label printing.
• Printing on plastic and PVC products.
• Metal sheet and industrial part printing.
• Glass and ceramic surface applications
• Wooden and furniture pieces
• Electronic and technical screen printing applications
• Art, education and workshops

The table dimensions and mounting system of the machine in which the mold will be used should also be considered during selection. Suitable machine models should be chosen. screen printing machines You can review it in that category.

Custom Size Screen Printing Mold Production

Standard 40x60 and 50x70 printing plates may not be sufficient for every printing job. For large parts, long prints, or special machines, screen printing frames of a size suitable for the project can be prepared.

When ordering a custom-sized mold, the following information must be shared:

• Desired outer frame dimensions
• If necessary, usable interior space
• Width and height of the print design
• Product and surface to be printed on.
• Type of paint to be used
• The desired or suggested mesh value
• Metal or aluminum frame option
• The printing and exposure machine in which the plate will be used.

OkanGökhan Screen Printing Plates

Okan Gökhan prepares metal and aluminum screen printing plates in Topkapı, Istanbul. Plates can be offered in different sizes and silk screen options depending on the print to be made. During model selection, the printing area, the outer dimensions of the plate, the paint, surface and machine compatibility are evaluated together.

To get information about 40x60, 50x70 or custom-sized screen printing plates, you can share the dimensions of your print design, the surface you will be using, and the type of paint. For product selection and ordering: You can contact Okan Gökhan.. Product supply and delivery are provided from Istanbul to all of Türkiye.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Plates