Rotary screen printing is a continuous printing process where a cylindrical screen with perforations applies colorant directly onto the material being printed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
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The Cylindrical Screen: At the heart of the process is a cylindrical screen. This screen isn't solid; it's covered with tiny holes (perforations) that define the printing pattern. The areas that shouldn't be printed are blocked off, preventing colorant from passing through.
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Colorant Application: The colorant, which can be pigment-based or dye-based, is pumped into the interior of the cylindrical screen.
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Forcing the Colorant: A squeegee or roller is positioned inside the cylinder, pressing the colorant against the inner surface of the screen. This pressure forces the colorant through the open perforations.
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Printing onto the Material: As the cylindrical screen rotates, it comes into contact with the material (typically fabric). The colorant that's been forced through the perforations is transferred onto the material, creating the desired pattern.
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Continuous Process: Because the screen is a cylinder, the printing process is continuous. The material moves under the rotating screen, allowing for high-speed production.
Key Advantages of Rotary Screen Printing:
- High Speed: It's a relatively fast printing method, suitable for large production runs.
- Large Area Coverage: Can print large areas efficiently.
- Versatility: Can be used on a variety of materials, including fabrics, paper, and plastics.
In summary, rotary screen printing utilizes a perforated cylindrical screen to apply colorant to a material in a continuous process, making it an efficient method for large-scale printing.
