Screen printing on to metal involves forcing ink through a mesh screen onto a metal substrate. The screen is a finely woven fabric stretched tightly over a frame. A stencil, created using a photographic or manual process, blocks off areas of the screen where ink is not desired. The ink is then pushed through the open areas of the screen using a squeegee, transferring the design onto the metal surface.
Durability: Inks used for metal screen printing are often formulated for high adhesion and resistance to wear, weather, and chemicals, ensuring long-lasting designs. Heat curing or UV curing is often employed to further enhance the durability of the ink.
Versatility: This technique can be applied to a wide range of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel, brass, and copper, and to various shapes and sizes.
Precision and Detail: Screen printing allows for fine detail and sharp edges, making it suitable for intricate designs, logos, and lettering.
Ink Variety: Specialized inks are available for metal substrates, offering a range of colours, finishes (matte, gloss, metallic), and effects.
Multiple Colours: While single-color prints are common, multi-colour designs can be achieved by printing layers of ink using separate screens.
Industrial Applications: Screen printed metal is commonly used for product labelling, control panels, signage, nameplates, and decorative applications in various industries.
Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal ink adhesion. This may involve cleaning, degreasing, and sometimes applying a primer or pre-treatment.
Curing: after the ink is applied to the metal, it must be cured. This is heated. This process hardens the ink, and ensures that it bonds properly to the metal substrate.
