Screen printing: modern printing technology meets tradition

Created on

16.11.2023

The history of screen printing is controversial and there is no proven origin. What is clear is that screen printing, also known as "serigraphy", is one of the oldest printing techniques and has a long history. The first records of screen printing date back to China in the 8th century, where this technique was used for the production of silk fabrics. The first patent for the screen printing technique was granted in England in 1907. Over time, the technique has evolved and is now used for a variety of applications, including textile printing, art and much more. Although screen printing has been around for over a thousand years, it is still one of the most versatile and effective printing techniques. If you are looking for a durable and still cutting-edge printing technique that offers quality, versatility and cost-effectiveness, then screen printing is the perfect choice.

Printing ink is applied to the substrate through the screen printing stencil using a squeegee ©photo_gonzo/stock.adobe.com

printing process in detail

Screen printing is a printing process in which the printing ink is applied to the substrate through the open areas of a screen printing stencil using a squeegee. The stencil is an essential tool for this printing technique. It is an aluminum frame on which a fine polyester mesh is stretched and to which a light-sensitive photo emulsion (emulsion layer) is applied. This layer reacts to short-wave blue light and thus becomes insoluble in water, which is used for stencil production. The motif can then be projected directly onto the stencil or created using the wax jet technique. After developing with water, the final print motif becomes visible in the stencil. Uncured parts are thus washed out of the stencil, making the screen permeable to the printing ink again.

Printing takes place on a printing machine in the flag area, which can repeat 5 colors continuously up to 400 cm. The printing ink is pressed through the stencil onto the printed material using a squeegee. Fixing requires high temperature, steam and time. Finally, the post-wash, which includes special washing and rinsing baths, removes excess ink and determines the final color and result. Drying and winding take place on a 2-field stenter frame at 130°C.

Flag production in action: using the 'KP-52' screen printing machine for high-quality textile printing ©Franz Reifmüller

digital printing: individual design meets modern technology

Digital printing is revolutionizing the way textiles are printed. No stencils, no delays - straight from idea to print. Thanks to fine nozzles, the ink is sprayed directly onto the material, guaranteeing outstanding print quality and precision. This modern technology is perfect for small and very small series in the outdoor area as well as for large series in the interior decoration area.

There are two basic processes in digital printing: direct printing and sublimation printing . FAHNENGÄRTNER has been a leader in this printing technology since the beginning and offers you expert advice and outstanding service. Experience the future of printing with FAHNENGÄRTNER and digital printing and convince yourself of the quality and efficiency of this modern technology.

The digital printer enables fast and precise printing - perfect for high-quality results.

Direct printing: modern printing technology for high-quality results

Digital printing has one major advantage over traditional screen printing: it is a tool-free printing process. This leads to greater flexibility and speed as well as more cost-efficient solutions for small print runs. In recent years, the disadvantages of digital printing, such as poor light fastness and insufficient print-through, have been successfully overcome. The technology has continuously evolved to achieve high quality standards. Today, digital printing offers an equivalent alternative to screen printing and is an attractive option for many printing applications.

With direct printing, the desired design is applied directly to specially pre-treated textiles. The colors are fixed at high temperatures (170-190°C). This is done either by using a hanging steamer, as is common in screen printing, where the colors are hardened by heat and steam, or by using infrared panels that use dry heat. Finally, a simple wash removes excess dye from the textile. With a resolution of up to 720 dpi and a speed of up to 150 m²/h, we offer you a high-quality and fast print result.

fahnengärtner - pioneers in digital printing

FAHNENGÄRTNER relies on the advanced technology of Hollanders Printing Solutions (HPS) from Eindhoven for its printing projects. After 5 years of development, the two companies have jointly developed the world's only digital printing machine that enables textiles to be printed on both sides at the same time. The Colorbooster DS makes it possible to achieve 100% print simulation on all substrates in digital printing, regardless of the thickness of the material. In addition, printed images on opaque materials can be displayed legibly from both sides. In the final expansion stage, it will even be possible to print two different print images on both sides at the same time. By using special HIGH ENERGY printing inks, the ColorBooster DS also achieves unprecedented light and weather fastness. With this advanced technology, we achieve great results that look perfect in any weather and lighting conditions. The printed images remain intense and bright even after many washes.

FAHNENGÄRTNER also uses the new technology for its flags, banners and Beachflags to guarantee the highest quality and durability. You benefit from a fast production time thanks to the double-sided printing.

The Colorbooster DS: your ideal partner in the printing sector, guaranteeing excellent and vibrant color results.

We have a modern selection of printing machines available for single-sided direct printing: The "little sister" of the ColorBosster DS, the ColorBooster XL, as well as the HP-Latex 1500 from HP, which has been part of our range since autumn, offer you the highest print quality for your projects.

By using Polyweb Plus as the fabric quality, we can achieve unsurpassed durability. This premium fabric quality is the longest lasting option for outdoor flags. When you consider all these factors, you come to the conclusion that we at FAHNENGÄRTNER are able to produce the best digitally printed flag in the world today.

The cooperation with HPS has set an important milestone in the printing industry. The advanced technology opens up new possibilities for the design of banners, flags and textiles. FAHNENGÄRTNER is proud to be part of this revolutionary development and to offer you the best of the printing industry. The new technology is further proof of FAHNENGÄRTNER's innovative strength and commitment to keeping up with the times and providing you with the best possible results.

sublimation printing - the perfect choice for high-resolution prints

Sublimation printing offers a unique opportunity to provide textiles with high-quality and color-intensive prints. The motif to be printed is first sprayed onto a specially coated paper in mirror image. The paper then runs together with the fabric over a heated roller, which transfers the motif to the textile. The advantage of this technique lies in the high resolution of up to 1440 dpi, the brilliant print colors and the sharp contours. However, there are limitations in terms of production speed and weather fastness, which is why sublimation printing is mainly used in interior decoration.

Further links:

https://guido-lengwiler.ch/download/buch_promo_de.pdf

https://hollanders-ps.nl/

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