1. Flat-Bed Screen Printing
This is the most traditional form of screen printing, where the screen is flat, and the substrate (material being printed on) is stationary or moves underneath it.
Process: The squeegee pushes ink through the screen stencil onto the substrate. The substrate remains stationary or moves linearly under the screen.
Applications:
Common in textile printing for t-shirts and other garments.
Used for flat items, such as posters and stickers.
Advantages: Provides precision and is ideal for high-quality designs with solid colors.
2. Rotary Screen Printing
In this method, the screen is cylindrical and rotates while the substrate moves continuously beneath it.
Process: Ink is forced through a cylindrical mesh screen onto the moving substrate, allowing for continuous printing.
Applications:
Ideal for fabrics (e.g., rolls of material in the textile industry).
Used in wallpaper printing, ceramics, and other industrial processes.
Advantages: Highly efficient for high-volume production of continuous patterns or designs.
3. Cylinder Screen Printing
This technique is similar to rotary screen printing but is used for curved or cylindrical objects.
Process: The screen moves over a stationary or rotating cylindrical object, applying ink as it passes.
Applications:
Common in bottle printing, cans, and other curved surfaces.
Used for packaging, branding, and promotional items.
Advantages: Allows printing on irregular surfaces, including glass, plastic, and metal objects.
Choosing the Right Type
Flat-Bed: Best for garments and small-scale precision printing.
Rotary: Suitable for large-scale production of textiles and wallpapers.
Cylinder: Ideal for curved items like bottles or cans.