Silk screen printing is a popular technique used in printing on various materials, including fabrics, plastic, glass, and metal. A critical component of the silk screen printing process is the squeegee. The squeegee is a tool used to transfer ink or other printing material through a screen onto a substrate.
Shape and Size
The shape and size of a silk screen printing squeegee vary depending on the specific printing requirements. The most common shape of a squeegee is rectangular, but some designs have rounded corners. The width of the squeegee blade typically ranges from 3 to 18 inches.
Features of a Good Squeegee
A good silk screen printing squeegee should have the following features:
1. Consistent hardness: The squeegee blade should have a consistent hardness throughout, ensuring even ink transfer.
2. Sharp edge: The squeegee blade should have a sharp edge, which helps to ensure clean and precise ink application.
3. High resistance to wear: The squeegee should be resistant to wear and tear, ensuring durability and longevity.
4. Suitable for various inks: The squeegee should be suitable for use with different inks, including solvent-based, water-based, UV-curable, and plastisol inks.
The silk screen printing squeegee is a vital tool in the printing process, enabling the transfer of ink from the screen to the substrate. It is essential to choose a high-quality squeegee that is suitable for the specific printing requirements, ensuring maximum efficiency and quality.
