Principles for Setting the Pressure Parameters of the Screen Printing Machine's Squeegee

Principles for Setting the Pressure Parameters of the Screen Printing Machine's Squeegee

In automatic screen printing machine printing process, screen printing squeegee parameter setting is one of the key factors in determining print quality. The right screen printing squeegee setting parameters ensure that the ink is evenly transferred to the sheet, resulting in a clear print pattern and full colour; whereas improperly setting parameter may result in blurred patterns, ink build-up or insufficient transfer. In this paper, we will talk the factors affecting squeegee pressure, set the principle, the specific operation steps and common problems and solutions, etc., a detailed introduction to the automatic sheet screen printing machine squeegee pressure parameter setting method.

When we adjust the press parameter of screen printing squeegee on screen printing machine, we need to consider the following factors, material of substrate, mesh count of the screen printing mesh, ink type and the fineness of the printed pattern. Different printing materials have different thicknesses, hardness and surface smoothness. Thicker, harder materials require more squeegee pressure, while materials with smooth surfaces require less pressure. Therefore, when selecting the cylinder pressure, it should be reasonably adjusted according to the characteristics of the material. The mesh count of the screen printing mesh also affects screen printing squeegee pressure adjustment. Typically, screen printing screens with smaller mesh counts require less cylinder pressure to avoid excessive pressure causing excessive screen printing squeegee bending and stencil damage. Therefore, when adjusting screen printing squeegee pressure, the mesh count of the screens should be fully considered. Inks have different compositions and different sensitivities to pressure. There may be a difference in screen printing squeegee pressure required for water-based and solvent-based inks under the same conditions. Factors such as the fineness of the printed pattern, line width and color block area also affect squeegee pressure. For fine patterns and fine line printing, the need for smaller squeegee pressure to ensure the clarity of the pattern and the sharpness of the edges, to avoid ink diffusion.

There are three principles when setting the screen printing squeegee press. When setting squeegee pressure parameters, the principle of gradual adjustment from low to high should be followed. Initially set a lower pressure, test printing and observe the printing effect. If you find that the ink transfer is not enough, the pattern is not clear and other issues, gradually increase the pressure, each increase should not be too large, generally 0.1 - 0.5kgf as a unit, until it reaches a satisfactory printing results. This can not only avoid one-time damage to the substrates or screen printing screens due to excessive pressure, but also more accurately find the right pressure value.

Second principle is ensure the ink are transferred evenly. The central goal of squeegee pressure is to ensure that the ink transfers evenly to the substrates. During the pressure adjustment process, it is important to carefully observe whether the ink layer is uniform, and whether there is any localized ink buildup or insufficient transfer. Through several trial printings and adjustments, the ink is evenly distributed throughout the printing area to ensure consistent color and clear lines.

When setting screen printing squeegee pressure, the capacity of the equipment and the substrates must be taken into consideration. Too much pressure may cause damage to the screen plate, squeegee blade, printing platform and other equipment components, shortening the service life of the screen printing machines; but also easy to lead to screen printing screens deformation or breakage. Therefore, in the pursuit of good printing results at the same time, to ensure that the pressure in the range of equipment and substrates material can withstand, to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and the integrity of the substrates.

Regular maintenance and optimization of the screen printing squeegee pressure parameter settings of the automatic screen printing machine can help improve printing quality and equipment stability. During the long-term use of the screen printing machine, screen printing squeegee, screen printing plate and other components will gradually wear out, affecting the transfer of pressure and ink transfer effect, so you need to regularly check and replace the worn parts. At the same time, with the development of printing technology and the improvement of process requirements, constantly sum up the experience, according to the new sheet material, ink type and printing pattern requirements, optimize the squeegee blade pressure parameter setting method, in order to adapt to the diversified printing needs.

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