Emulsion Screens

Emulsion Screens Description:

Although emulsion screens are one of the oldest forms of printing, they remain the most versatile to this day.

Emulsion screens are made from a frame. Mesh is stretched onto this frame, and the mesh is then imaged ready for printing.

There are many different types of frames used in emulsion screens; some wood, some metal. The mesh can be of a polyester-type material or a woven stainless steel. The image can be applied using a film adhered to the mesh, or a liquid emulsion applied by hand or machine. A combination of proper mesh thickness, mesh angle, mesh tension, and thickness of emulsion will determine a good emulsion screen.

Emulsion screens are used in many forms and industries such as automotive and micro-electronics. These industries require precise and accurate deposits and line widths.

Stentech's screens are manufactured to maintain these specifications. There are different weaves, and thread thicknesses of mesh. Fabrics are available in polyester, stainless steel, nickel mesh and a nickel polyester combination. Liquid emulsions and films are widely used today in the pattern media.

The emulsion applied to the mesh is sensitive to UV light. The emulsion can be applied by hand or machine using a coating trough, a metal trough that holds the liquid emulsion. It is applied with great accuracy to a desired thickness and then exposed and developed. The open areas of the screen allow the ink and paste to pass through.

Another method is to apply a film coated with pre-sensitized emulsion on to the mesh using water or emulsion to adhere it. Once dry, a backing sheet is peeled away and the photographic film is placed in position. It is exposed and developed in a similar way to the liquid emulsion process.

We offer a full range of mesh for every application.

There are a few different types of mesh used in screen printing today. Polyester and stainless steel are the most widely used. They both come in different weaves and thread diameters. Polyester can also be found in different colors, an important feature in the graphics side of the business.

Top quality stainless steel mesh is used in the micro-electronics industry. This mesh comes in different thread counts and weaves, the most common being a plain weave. The flattening of the thread, also called Calendaring, is available. The angle of the mesh plays an important part in emulsion screens, helping to define the print.