Screen printing is a versatile printing technique that can print on a variety of surfaces. As many different types of screen printing jobs as there are printing application requirements, there are many different types of screen printing jobs. Screen printing responsibilities vary depending on the type of printing to be done and whether the work will be done hand or machine. While small-scale jobs can be easily completed with a hand press, most large-scale screen printing jobs require the use of machines.
Printing items such as business cards, greeting cards, labels, brochures, posters, stickers, boxes, containers, clothing, touch-sensitive panels, and more are all possible with screen printing. A specific screen, squeegee, and color mix may be required for each project. While pre-mixed colors are available, many screen printing jobs necessitate the use of specialized color mixing technicians to determine the correct percentage of additives that the ink may require; additives are required to thin the colors, slow or speed the drying process, and increase the adhesive strength of the colors.
Setting up the printing press is a primary screen printing task. Preparing a screen or selecting the right one from the ready-made options and setting it up are examples of this. The screen will need to be adjusted based on the task at hand. The screen press setup may be done the printer, or it may be done assistants or workers. The screens are then inked, and the appropriate squeegee is chosen for the job. A test printing is common practice in screen printing jobs.
Before printing a large run, the printer must compare the test print to the screen printing job description to ensure that the instructions were followed correctly. It’s also a good idea to double-check that the colors match the brief and that the color quality is consistent. Before finishing and cleaning the printing screen, the printer must ensure that the correct number of prints have been printed, in addition to checking print quality.
There are other screen printing jobs that involve handling and transporting items in addition to printing. Cutting machines may be required for the printed items, which must then be packed and prepared for shipping. In some cases, the printer may also provide delivery services for the client’s finished prints.