Screen Printing Squeegee

Description

What is a screen printing squeegee?

Screen printing squeegee, The screen printing plate is the basic screen printing equipment that transfers the printing ink from the silk or mesh of the printing plate to the surface to be printed. The angle, pressure, and pulling speed applied during printing directly affect the amount of ink, the print clarity, surface coverage, and repeatability.

OkanGökhan Screen Printing Ragle, It is designed to provide controlled ink transfer in manual and semi-automatic screen printing applications. Thanks to its durable polyurethane blade and ready-to-use handle, it can be used in different working conditions, from small workshops to professional production lines.

In which applications is a screen printing squeegee used?

Screen printing squeegees can be used in textile, packaging, label, advertising, promotional, and industrial printing applications. With the appropriate selection of ink, plate, and mesh, they help in printing on the following surfaces:

• T-shirts, sweatshirts and fabric products
• Tote bags and textile promotional products
• Paper, cardboard, label and box surfaces
• PVC and various plastic surfaces
• Metal panels and machine parts
• Wooden and decorative products
• Glass and flat industrial surfaces
• Advertising, signage and promotional materials

Suitable for the surface on which the squeegee will be used. screen printing ink, stencil, silk number, and squeegee hardness They should be selected together. Squeegee quality alone is not sufficient; the right combination of equipment ensures clearer and more repeatable prints.

Key Features

• It helps to distribute the paint evenly on the mold.
• It allows for the application of controlled pressure.
• It helps to achieve clean edges and a smooth paint finish.
• It features a durable polyurethane squeegee rubber.
• Suitable for use in manual printing presses.
• It can be used in textile and industrial screen printing applications.
• There are various length options to suit different mold and print sizes.
• Suitable for professional workshops and beginners in screen printing.

How to Choose Ragle Size?

When selecting the squeegee size, not only the width of the print design but also the inner dimensions of the screen printing plate should be considered. The squeegee should be wider than the print design, but should be able to move freely without rubbing against the inner edges of the plate.

In general practice, it is preferable for the squeegee to leave sufficient allowance on both sides of the printing pattern. Using a squeegee that is too narrow can make it difficult to transfer the ink evenly across the entire pattern. Using a squeegee that is excessively wide for the plate can restrict the range of motion during printing.

When choosing a size, it is recommended that you consider the following information together:

• Width of the print pattern
• Internal measurement of the mold
• The table dimensions of the printing press used.
• Surface area of the product to be printed
• Manual or machine-assisted operation mode.

How does squeegee stiffness affect pressure?

The stiffness of the squeegee affects the amount of paint transferred to the surface and the level of detail during printing. Softer squeegees can adhere better to the surface, releasing a denser layer of paint. Stiffer squeegees, on the other hand, are preferred for applications requiring controlled paint transfer and fine detail.

When evaluating the suitability of the squeegee rubber used in this product for your application, the printing surface, ink type, mesh number, and desired ink thickness should all be considered. Selecting a squeegee solely based on stiffness may not yield the correct results for every print job.

If you only need knife material for your existing handle Screen Printing Squeegee Rubber You can check out the product.

Proper Squeegee Usage

During printing, the squeegee should be held at a specific angle and pulled at a consistent speed across the plate. Varying the pressure applied during printing can cause excessive ink accumulation in some areas of the pattern and insufficient ink transfer in others.

To achieve more balanced results:

1. Make sure the mold is securely fastened to the printing press.
2. Use paint and mesh suitable for the printing surface.
3. Place the paint on the part of the stencil that is outside the printing area.
4. Hold the squeegee evenly with both hands.
5. Maintain as constant the angle and pressure as possible throughout the printing process.
6. Avoid unnecessary repetition of the process.
7. After printing, clean the squeegee with a cleaner suitable for the ink used.

Squeegee Angle and Pressing Pressure

Holding the squeegee too low can transfer more paint to the surface, while holding it too high will result in a more controlled and thinner paint layer. The ideal angle and pressure vary depending on paint viscosity, surface type, mold tension, and mesh number.

Applying excessive pressure during printing can cause the mold to stretch too much, distorting pattern details and premature wear of the squeegee. Insufficient pressure, on the other hand, can prevent the paint from being fully transferred to the surface.

Which paints can it be used with?

Screen printing squeegees can be used with water-based, textile, PVC, and various solvent-based screen printing inks, provided the chemical resistance of the rubber and handle used is taken into consideration. Each type of ink has different fluidity, open time, and cleaning methods.

If you are printing on plastic, PVC and similar surfaces PVC Screen Printing Paint You can examine the product. The suitability of the paint for the surface to be printed on should be tested before application.

Ragle Maintenance and Cleaning

To prolong the life of the squeegee blade, no ink should be left on it after printing. Dried ink can distort the shape of the blade edge and create lines, marks, or uneven ink transfer in subsequent prints.

• Clean the squeegee immediately after printing is complete.
• Choose a cleaner suitable for the type of paint being used.
• Do not leave the squeegee rubber in solvent for an extended period.
• Do not rest the sharp edge against hard metal surfaces.
• Protect from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
• Check the blade edge for any nicks or deformations.
• Do not store the squeegee in a way that puts stress on the printing edge.

Who is it suitable for?

OkanGökhan Screen Printing Squeegee is suitable for the following users and businesses:

• Screen printing workshops
• Textile and t-shirt printing businesses
• Label and packaging manufacturers
• Advertising and promotional companies
• Metal and plastic parts manufacturers
• Businesses that print electronic and machine panels
• Fine arts and design workshops
• Vocational schools and university printing workshops
• For beginners in screen printing

We supply screen printing squeegees from Istanbul to all of Türkiye.

OkanGökhan Screen Printing Machines, with its production and sales infrastructure in Topkapı, Istanbul, offers screen printing businesses solutions including machines, molds, squeegees, inks, drying systems, and auxiliary materials. Screen printing squeegees can be shipped to workshops and manufacturers in Istanbul and other cities across Türkiye.

To receive assistance in selecting the appropriate squeegee size, printing surface, or other screen printing equipment, you can share the dimensions of the product to be printed, the surface type, and the inner dimensions of the stencil you are using.

For workshop setup or identifying missing equipment. Materials Needed for Screen Printing You can check our guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Squeegees

What is a screen printing squeegee used for?

A screen printing squeegee transfers the printing ink from the mesh on the plate to the printing surface. The thickness, clarity, and homogeneity of the print are directly related to the use of the squeegee.

How is ragle size determined?

The squeegee should be wider than the print design but narrower than the inside of the die. A length should be chosen that allows it to move freely within the die without rubbing against the edges.

On which surfaces can a squeegee be used?

Provided suitable paints and molds are used, it can be used on textiles, paper, cardboard, PVC, plastics, metal, wood, glass, and promotional products.

When should a squeegee rubber seal be replaced?

It is recommended to replace the squeegee rubber if nicks, rolling, loss of stiffness, waviness, or permanent solvent deformation occur at the blade edge.

Is Ragle compatible with all screen printing dies?

The squeegee can be used with different screen printing dies as long as its size is suitable for the inner working area of the dies. The dies size and squeegee length should be compared before ordering.

Can the same squeegee be used for both textile and metal printing?

While physically feasible, the paint, mesh, hardness, and cleaning requirements of the two applications may differ. To maintain production quality, it may be healthier to use separate squeegees for different paint systems.

What factors affect the price of a screen printing squeegee?

The price of a screen printing squeegee can vary depending on the length of the product, the type of handle used, the characteristics of the squeegee rubber, and the manufacturing method. To get the current price, please select the size on the product page.