Screen printing fabric is a popular and versatile printing method that yields excellent results in terms of quality and durability. Inks for screen printing fabric is used for increasing the fabric value.If you use silicone ink on fabric,it can bring special feature for your fabric,such as anti-slip,soft hand feel,3D printing effect.It involves the use of stencils, mesh screens, and inks to create prints on fabric. Inks for screen printing come in different types, each with specific properties and applications. This article will discuss the various types of inks for screen printing fabric, how to use them, and how to produce them.
Types of inks for screen printing fabric
1. Water-based inks: These inks are made of water, pigments, and binders. They are popular for their eco-friendliness, ease of use, and versatility. Water-based inks are perfect for printing on light-colored fabrics, and they produce soft, breathable prints that are extremely comfortable to wear. They also have a quick drying time and are easy to clean up.But the water based ink is not good elasticity.If your fabric is high elasticity,you'd better print silicone ink.The silicone product has 800% elasticity and 500% elasticity.You must do test with your fabric before mass production.If you print silicone ink on one roll fabric,you have two methods to print.
(1).You use the automatic machine to print the fabric on flat table.The automatic machine can be width 1.6*L0.5m.One roll fabric is often 1.45meter width,50meter length.Your flat table can be 32 meter length,width 2 meter.You can print 32 meters in one time.Your print table must have one automatic baking oven.Every screen printing silicone ink must be baked at 100-120℃ for surface dry.Hence,the baking oven must follow the automatic screen printing table machine.
(2).You can use the rolling machine to print silicone ink on fabric .It's high productivity.You can lower production cost.The rolling machine uses steel plate.It's round.You can use laser cutting machine to make any desing on rolling screen.The machine need use one pump to drink the silicone ink into the rolling screen.Then the rolling machine uses the metal squeegee to print silicone ink on fabric.
2. Plastisol inks: These inks are made of PVC particles suspended in a plasticizer. They are popular for their durability, bright colors, and versatility. Plastisol inks are perfect for printing on dark-colored fabrics, and they produce prints that are opaque and vibrant. They also have a longer drying time and require heat curing to bond the ink to the fabric.
3. Discharge inks: These inks are used to remove the dye in the fabric and replace it with a new color. They are perfect for printing on dark-colored fabrics, and they produce soft, breathable prints that are extremely comfortable to wear. Discharge inks work best on natural fabrics, such as cotton, and they require a heat source, such as a steamer or a heat press.
4. Metallic inks: These inks contain metallic particles that create a shiny, reflective effect on the fabric. They are perfect for printing on fabrics that require a metallic finish, such as sports jerseys or dance costumes. Metallic inks are available in different colors and finishes, from gold to silver to bronze.
5. Glow-in-the-dark inks: These inks contain phosphorescent particles that emit light in the dark. They are perfect for printing on fabrics that require a night-time effect, such as Halloween costumes or rave wear. Glow-in-the-dark inks require a light source to charge them, such as a UV lamp or a flashlight.
How to use inks for screen printing fabric
Screen printing fabric involves the use of stencils, mesh screens, and inks to create prints on fabric. To use inks for screen printing fabric, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create the design
The first step is to create or select the design that you want to print. This can be done using a digital or analog method, such as drawing, painting, or computer design software.
Step 2: Create the stencil
The second step is to create the stencil that will be used to transfer the design to the fabric. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as cutting the design out of a sheet of paper or film, or using a photo emulsion process.
Step 3: Prepare the screen
The third step is to prepare the mesh screen that will be used to apply the ink to the fabric. This involves stretching the mesh over a frame, coating it with emulsion, and exposing it to light to create the stencil.
Step 4: Apply the ink
The fourth step is to apply the ink to the fabric using the mesh screen and stencil. This can be done using a squeegee or a manual or automatic press. The ink is then dried or cured using heat or air drying.
Step 5: Clean the equipment
The final step is to clean the stencil, screen, and equipment used in the printing process. This is important to ensure that the equipment remains in good working condition and the ink is not contaminated.
How to produce inks for screen printing fabric
To produce inks for screen printing fabric, follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather the materials
The first step is to gather the materials needed to produce the ink. This includes the pigment, the binder, the solvent, and any additives or modifiers.
Step 2: Mix the pigment and binder
The second step is to mix the pigment and binder together in a container. This can be done using the correct proportions and a mixing tool, such as a spatula or a paint mixer.
Step 3: Add the solvent
The third step is to add the solvent to the pigment and binder mixture. This helps to dilute the mixture and make it flowable.
Step 4: Add any additives or modifiers
The fourth step is to add any additives or modifiers to the ink. These can include anything from thickeners to drying agents to UV stabilizers, depending on the specific properties and applications of the ink.
Step 5: Test the ink
The final step is to test the ink on a piece of fabric to ensure that it has the desired properties and quality. This can include testing the color, opacity, texture, and durability of the ink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, screen printing fabric is a popular and versatile printing method that yields excellent results in terms of quality and durability. Inks for screen printing come in different types, each with specific properties and applications. The type of ink used will depend on the fabric, the design, and the desired effect. To use inks for screen printing fabric, follow the steps outlined above. To produce inks for screen printing fabric, follow the steps outlined above. By mastering these techniques, anyone can create beautiful and long-lasting prints on fabric.
