Woven elastic cord is a popular accessory used in a variety of applications. However, printing on this material can be challenging, especially if you are using silicone ink. In this article, we will discuss the features and usage of woven elastic cord, as well as provide some technical screen printing tips to help you achieve the best results.
Features of Woven Elastic Cord
Woven elastic cord is a flexible material that is made up of multiple fibers intertwined together to create a stretchable cord. The cord can be made from different types of fibers, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and rubber. This material is widely used in the fashion and textile industries for making garments, bags, footwear, hats, and other accessories.
One of the unique features of woven elastic cord is that it is highly resistant to wear and tear. It is also resistant to moisture, which makes it suitable for use in outdoor applications. Additionally, this material can be easily colored to match any color scheme desired, making it a versatile option for customization.
Usage of Woven Elastic Cord
Woven elastic cord comes in a variety of sizes and styles, which makes it suitable for different applications. For instance, thin elastic cord can be used for making jewelry, while thicker cords can be used for making straps for bags or shoes. This material can also be used in costume design, DIY projects, and industrial applications.
Another popular use of woven elastic cord is for screen printing. Screen printing is a process of transferring ink onto a substrate by pressing it through a mesh screen with a squeegee. This printing method is widely used in the textile industry, particularly for printing on t-shirts, hoodies, and bags.
How to Screen Print Woven Elastic Cord with Silicone Ink
Screen printing on woven elastic cord can be tricky due to the material's stretchability and the ink's adhesion issues. However, by following these steps, you can achieve great results:
Step 1: Select appropriate equipment
Select a screen with a mesh count of 120 to 150 and a frame size that matches the size of your woven elastic cord. Choose a belved squeegee that is wider than your substrate's width to ensure that there is enough pressure to push the ink through the mesh screen.
Step 2: Prepare the screen
Apply an emulsion to the screen using a scoop coater. Allow the screen to dry in a dark room or use a drying cabinet. Then expose the screen to UV light to create the stencil. Rinse the screen with water to remove any unexposed emulsion.
Step 3: Mix silicone ink
Select a silicone ink that is suitable for printing on elastic materials.YR Silicone recommends you use self-drying silicone ink,also called low heat cure silicone ink.It can be cured at 40-80℃,and self-drying without baking at room temperature.When you bake the screen printing silicone ink,you will reduce the curing time,it'll be cured at 10 seconds for surface dry,cured thoroughly about 10 minutes.The self-drying need 12 hours. Mix the ink according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add a catalyst to the ink to ensure that the ink cures properly.
Step 4: Print onto Woven Elastic Cord
Place the woven elastic cord on the printing table and adjust the screen position to align with the substrate. Use table glue to secure the substrate to the table. Most of print table is made of glass.Apply ink to the screen and place the squeegee on top of the screen. Pull the squeegee across the screen to push the ink through the mesh and onto the substrate. Repeat this process until the entire substrate is covered with ink.
Step 5: Dry the Ink
Once the ink has been applied, set it to dry completely. It may take several hours or overnight for the ink to dry depending on the curing requirements.In order to avoid delamination of silicone ink,we recommend you start printing after the silicone ink for surface dry.Let the ink stick each other.
Technical Screen Printing Tips
Here are some technical screen printing tips to help you achieve the best results when screen printing on woven elastic cord with silicone ink:
- Use a stretch-resistant silicone ink to prevent silicone coating breakdown due to the material's stretchability
- Pre-stretch the woven elastic cord before printing to avoid any shrinkage or distortion after printing
- Choose a squeegee that is softer than the screen mesh to avoid damage to the screen.Rubber squeegee is ideal for silicone ink printing on cord.
- Use a silicone ink that is specifically formulated for printing on elastic materials to ensure proper adhesion.We recommend you use silicone adhesive XG-360Z-3X for undercoating before color ink printing.
- Mix the ink according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper curing
- Experiment with different squeegee angles and ink deposit to find the ideal printing conditions for your specific application.We recommend you use belved squeegee,angle at 65-75°。
Conclusion
Woven elastic cord is a versatile accessory that can be printed on using silicone ink. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can achieve the best results when screen printing on this material. Remember to select appropriate equipment, mix the ink according to the manufacturer's instructions, and experiment with different squeegee angles and ink deposit to achieve the desired results.
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