Automatic Screen Printing
Automatic screen printing is a printing method in which color paste or dye is printed onto fabric by automatically using flat screen plates one after another.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Automatic screen printing is a method of continuously printing patterns onto fabric by machine, using flat screen plates made for each design. In general, the pattern is fixed by printing while changing plates for each color, then going through processes such as drying, steaming, and washing.
“Auto” refers to automated printing equipment and does not indicate the type of fabric or the weave or knit structure. The finished result varies depending on the material, the dye or pigment used, the plate, the printing paste, and the post-processing.
Features and Expression
Because it uses flat plates, this method is well suited for expressing fine lines, outlined patterns, and relatively large designs. Plates are needed according to the number of colors, and multicolor patterns are created by controlling pattern position and the overlap between colors.
Texture, color development, sheen, thickness, and breathability are not determined uniformly by automatic screen printing itself. In dye printing, the finish tends to blend into the fabric, while in pigment printing, the surface feel and stiffness change depending on the type and amount of binder.
- It is easy to express pattern outlines and details.
- Because plates must be prepared for each color, plate-making planning is important for multicolor designs.
- Pattern reproducibility is also affected by fabric fuzz, stretch, base color, and processing conditions.
Main Applications
As printed fabric, it is used for shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, cut-and-sew items, children's clothing, fashion accessories, and bedding and interior applications. It is selected according to the design, such as floral patterns, geometric patterns, stripes, and all-over prints.
The season is not limited by the printing method alone. It can be applied to base fabrics from light to heavy weights, but for summer items it is important to check breathability and how the fabric feels against the skin, and for autumn/winter items to check how the pattern appears on brushed surfaces, using actual fabric samples.
How to Choose and Handling Precautions
When adopting it, colors, pattern placement, show-through, outlines, and how it appears against the base color are checked in advance with a strike-off before mass production. Since the suitable production method differs depending on the number of colors, pattern size, repeat, and required quantity, the printing conditions should be organized at the planning stage.
Shrinkage and stretching are mainly affected by the properties of the base fabric and the finishing process. Before cutting, if necessary, the fabric is relaxed by letting it rest in rolls or by wetting it through, and the material allowance is set with the pattern direction and matching in mind. For highly stretchable fabrics and fabrics with fuzz, check for pattern distortion and appearance.
During washing, dark colors and strongly colored patterns require attention to color transfer, fading due to friction, and surface whitening. Follow the care label instructions, check test results such as washing fastness and rubbing fastness, and set quality standards suitable for the intended application.
Differences from Similar Terms
Screen printing is a general term for printing and dyeing using screen plates. Automatic screen printing refers to the method of using flat screens with automated equipment. Hand screen printing differs in that the operator handles the plates manually.
Rotary screen printing is a method of continuously printing by rotating cylindrical screen plates. It differs from automatic screen printing in plate shape and equipment configuration, and is used depending on pattern size, quantity, production conditions, and other factors. Inkjet printing generally does not use plates and differs in that it prints directly from data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between automatic screen printing and rotary screen printing?
Automatic screen printing uses flat screen plates, while rotary screen printing uses cylindrical plates that rotate during printing. Which is more suitable depends on pattern size and repeat, number of colors, required quantity, and fabric characteristics.
Does fabric printed with automatic screen printing shrink when washed?
The degree of shrinkage cannot be determined by the printing method alone and depends on the material, such as cotton or rayon, the woven or knitted structure, the finishing process, and washing conditions. Before mass production, a washing test should be conducted, and if necessary, the fabric should be wetted through before cutting or designed with the shrinkage rate in mind.
What should be noted when sewing printed patterns?
Check the pattern direction, the pattern placement on the left and right body pieces and the front and back body pieces, and the areas hidden by seam allowance, and set the material allowance on the assumption that pattern matching will be required. In stretch fabrics, patterns are more likely to become distorted during cutting and sewing, so align the grain and handle the fabric without pulling it excessively.
