Screen Printing Calico Bags – All you need to know

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a printing technique that involves using a mesh screen, ink, and a stencil to create a printed image or design on a substrate such as calico bags. The process involves pressing ink (any PMS colour) through the mesh screen onto the substrate in the areas that are not covered by the stencil. The ink is then cured or dried to create a permanent image on the bags.

The basic principle of screen printing is relatively simple, but the process can be complex and requires specialised equipment and expertise. The mesh screen used in screen printing is made of tightly woven threads, typically nylon or polyester, that are stretched over a frame. The screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion that hardens when exposed to light. A stencil is then created on the screen, either by applying a light-blocking substance to the emulsion or by using a film positive to block out the areas where the ink should not be printed.

Once the stencil is in place, ink is applied to the screen and spread evenly over the image area using a squeegee. The ink is forced through the open areas of the stencil and onto the substrate below. The screen is lifted off the substrate, and the ink is left to dry or cured using heat or UV light. This process enables Calico Bags Australia to print, dry and distribute very rapidly.

One of the advantages of screen printing is that it is a versatile printing technique that can be used to print on a wide range of materials and surfaces such as cotton/calico. The ink used in screen printing is also highly durable and long-lasting, which makes it a popular choice for commercial printing applications.

Screen printing can also be used to create multicolored designs by using separate screens and stencils for each color. The screens are aligned carefully to ensure that the different colors line up correctly, resulting in a high-quality printed image. We can produce 1-5 colour screen prints for most calico bags.

In conclusion, screen printing is a versatile and durable printing technique that involves using a mesh screen, ink, and a stencil to create a printed image on a substrate. The process can be complex and requires specialised equipment and expertise, but it offers a wide range of creative possibilities and is widely used in commercial printing applications.

Screen Printing onto Calico Bags – the nuts and bolts for beginners to experts

Screen printing onto calico bags is a popular and effective way to create custom-designed bags that are both eco-friendly, bio-degradable and aesthetically pleasing. Calico bags are made from a natural, unbleached cotton material, which makes them a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags. Screen printing is a technique that involves transferring ink onto a surface through a stencil, and it is an ideal method for producing high-quality, long-lasting designs on calico bags.

The process of screen printing onto calico bags involves several steps, including designing the artwork, preparing the screen, and printing the design onto the bags. The following is a detailed explanation of each step.

Designing the Artwork:

The first step in screen printing onto calico bags is to create the artwork for the design. This can be done using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or it can be done by hand using drawing materials such as pens or markers. The key is to create a design that is visually appealing and suitable for the dimensions of the bag.

Once the design is complete, it is important to prepare it for printing by separating the different colors into individual layers. This is necessary because each color will be printed separately, and the layers need to be aligned correctly to create a cohesive design.

Preparing the Screen:

The next step in screen printing onto calico bags is to prepare the screen. The screen is made of a fine mesh that is stretched tightly over a frame. A stencil is then applied to the screen in the areas where the ink will be transferred onto the calico bag. The stencil can be made from a variety of materials, including film positives, emulsion, or paper stencils.

Once the stencil is in place, the screen is coated with a photosensitive emulsion. The emulsion is exposed to light, which hardens the areas of the screen that are not covered by the stencil. The screen is then washed with water, which removes the unhardened emulsion, leaving behind a stencil that is ready for printing.

Printing the Design:

The final step in screen printing onto calico bags is to print the design onto the bags. The screen is placed onto the bag, and ink is applied to the top of the screen. A squeegee is then used to push the ink through the stencil and onto the bag. This process is repeated for each color in the design, with each color being printed separately and allowed to dry before the next color is applied.

Once the printing is complete, the bags are inspected for quality and then dried. The final result is a custom-designed calico bag that is durable, eco-friendly, and visually appealing.

There are several benefits to screen printing onto calico bags. First, it is a cost-effective way to produce custom-designed bags in large quantities. Second, it is a sustainable option that reduces the use of single-use plastic bags. Third, the ink used in screen printing is durable and long-lasting, which means that the designs will remain vibrant even after repeated use and washing.

In addition, screen printing onto calico bags allows for a wide range of design options. The use of different colors, textures, and patterns can create unique and eye-catching designs that are perfect for promoting a brand or event.

When it comes to choosing a screen printing service for calico bags, there are several factors to consider. Quality should be a top priority, as well as the ability to produce designs in a timely manner. It is also important to consider the environmental impact of the printing process, and to choose a service that uses eco-friendly inks and materials.

In conclusion, screen printing onto calico bags is a popular and effective way to create custom-designed bags that are both eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The process involves designing the artwork, preparing the screen, and printing the design.

Mechanical Automatic Screen Printing – our engine room

Here at Calico Bags Australia we use automated print machines for mass production of custom printed calico bags. An automatic screen printing machine, also known as a fully automatic screen printing machine, is a type of screen printing equipment that uses automated technology to print high-volume and high-quality designs. These machines are typically used by larger screen printing businesses or manufacturers who require fast and consistent printing results.

Automatic screen printing machines typically consist of a flatbed printing table or carousel that holds the substrate in place, and a series of printing stations that apply ink to the substrate. The machine is controlled by a computerized system that coordinates the movement of the substrate and the application of ink.

To print an image using an automatic screen printing machine, the substrate is loaded onto the printing table or carousel, and the machine moves the substrate to the first printing station. The mesh screen is positioned over the substrate, and the ink is automatically applied to the substrate using a squeegee or other automated mechanism. The machine then moves the substrate to the next printing station, where the next color is applied. This process is repeated for each color in the design, with a separate screen and stencil used for each color.

Automatic screen printing machines are capable of printing high-volume and high-quality designs quickly and consistently, with little or no manual labor required. They can print on a wide range of substrates, including textiles. Automatic screen printing machines also offer a high degree of accuracy and precision, which allows for complex designs and fine details.

One of the main advantages of an automatic screen printing machine is its speed and efficiency. These machines can produce large quantities of high-quality prints in a short amount of time, which makes them ideal for mass production runs. They are also highly accurate and consistent, which reduces the risk of errors and ensures that each print is of the same high quality.

In conclusion, an automatic screen printing machine is a type of screen printing equipment that uses automated technology to print high-volume and high-quality designs quickly and consistently. These machines are typically used by larger screen printing businesses or manufacturers that require fast and accurate printing results. While they are expensive and require expertise to operate, they offer a high degree of efficiency and accuracy, which makes them ideal for mass production runs.