Polyester webbing is a useful material, which is used for a variety of purposes. It is essential to print on polyester webbing for branding purposes or to give them a unique design. One of the best ways to print on polyester webbing is to use silicone ink. Silicone ink is a popular choice for printing on flexible materials like polyester webbing.
In this article, we will discuss how to print polyester webbing with silicone ink, what the best ink is for polyester webbing, how to choose silicone ink for polyester webbing, and how to cure screen printing silicone ink.
Printing Polyester Webbing with Silicone Ink
Using silicone ink is an ideal solution for printing on polyester webbing. The process is relatively straightforward, and with the proper techniques, and you can produce high-quality prints. Below are the steps to print polyester webbing with silicone ink:
Step 1: Pre-treat the polyester webbing.
Before printing, it is essential to pre-treat the polyester webbing with a coating solution. This solution helps in improving the adhesion of the ink onto the polyester webbing.You must bake the webbing with low temperature,about 50-80℃.Otherwise,the webbing will be deformed.
Step 2: Prepare the screen printing mesh,squeegee.
Use the 120(48T)mesh plate.You need clean the mesh with thinner.The squeegee must be belved angle,between 65 and 75°.You need clean it too.
Step 3: Print silicone on the polyester webbing.
You need mix the silicone ink base with catalyst by the correct ratio according to TDS from YR silicone.Now that the screens are coated with silicone ink, you can start the printing process. Ensure that the webbing is fixed adequately onto the printing machine. Once it is in place, you can begin printing by pressing the ink through the mesh.
Step 4: Cure the silicone ink.
After printing, you need to cure the silicone ink. The curing process involves exposing the printed webbing to low temperatures. This ensures that the ink molecules are cross-linked, which results in a durable and long-lasting print.
Choosing the Best Ink for Polyester Webbing
Silicone ink is the most suitable option for printing on polyester webbing due to its unique properties. However, there are different types of silicone inks available in the market, and you need to choose the right one for your project. When selecting the best ink for polyester webbing, consider the following factors:
Flexibility: The ink you choose should be flexible enough to withstand the stress and strain that the webbing will encounter.
Adhesion: The ink should adhere well to the polyester webbing and should not crack or peel off easily.
Durability: Look for an ink that has excellent durability and can last for a long time without fading or peeling.
Color range: Choose an ink that has a wide range of colors to achieve the desired effect.
Curing time: Look for an ink that cures quickly to allow for fast production.
You must do test and ensure if the polyester webbing can be good heat resistance.
Curing Screen Printing Silicone Ink
Curing is an essential process that ensures that the ink adheres to the polyester webbing and lasts for a long time. Silicone ink cures at low temperatures, which can range between 40-80℃. The curing temperature and time usually depend on the type of silicone ink used, the thickness of the ink layer, and the equipment used. However, below are standard steps to follow when curing screen printing silicone ink:
Step 1: Allow the ink to dry.
After the printing process, allow the ink to dry for a few minutes before starting the curing process. No bubbles will occur.The screen printing design will be amazing.It's neat without jaw line.This also ensures that the ink is partially cured and dries enough to relocate it for the next process without smearing or damaging it.
Step 2: Heat the webbing.
Place the polyester webbing onto the curing machine, then start to heat it. The temperature should be around 40-80℃, and the timing should be between 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the ink type and thickness.
Step 3: Let it cool down.
After curing, let the print cool down before moving it from the curing machine. This helps to avoid deformation or damage to the print.
Conclusion
Printing on polyester webbing with silicone ink is a simple process, but it requires some experience to attain the desired results. The ink you choose, the curing time, and the curing temperature will determine the quality of the print. When choosing silicone ink, prioritize quality, flexibility, adhesion, color range, and curing time. Alternatively, work with experienced professionals to help you select the best ink for the job. When curing the silicone ink, ensure you follow the correct process to produce a durable and long-lasting print. With the right techniques and expertise, you can produce high-quality prints on polyester webbing.
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