Screen printing

Printing process, screen printing

The technology associated with the screen printing process opens up a wide spectrum of application possibilities ranging from classic textile printing to high end applications. One example is the in-mold process, which is used for coating mobile telephones, among other applications.

In contrast to offset, gravure and flexo printing, not only flat substrates can be printed, but also three dimensional objects (e.g. glass, plastic or metal packaging). The selection of metallic pigments is organized by the desired optical effect and the ink technology (solvent-based, water-based, UV curable). Longer drying times permit the use of higher boiling solvents, so that pastes in white spirits, mineral oil, glycols, etc. can also be used. The fineness of the metal pigments used should correlate to the mesh size of the sieve - the d50 size value should not exceed one-third of the sieve mesh size. For larger special effects such as sparkle effect the mesh size must be adjusted according to the pigment size.

Based on the technological requirements and the wide variety of applications, SCHLENK provides the entire metal pigment product range (aluminium and gold bronze, leafing and non-leafing) in powder, paste and granule form. DECOMET® pigments in the 4000 and 5000 series can produce effects that are similar to those achieved with foil when the right process is used.




If you would like further information we would be happy to assist you.

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