In the previous episodes, we talked about laser engraving and spray oil application. Today, let's discuss one of the most common and fundamental processes in the surface treatment of silicone products - screen printing.
If laser engraving is the "premium version" of silicone character processing, then screen printing is the "basic version" with the lowest cost and widest application. The vast majority of characters and patterns on silicone keys, toys, and daily necessities are produced using screen printing.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing is the full name of screen printing, which is a type of plate printing.
The principle is quite simple: First, make a screen printing plate, design the text and graphics to be printed on the silicone product as hollowed-out. Then, pour the silicone-specific ink onto the screen plate, and use a scraper to scrape back and forth. The ink will leak through the hollowed-out screen holes and print on the surface of the silicone product, forming the desired characters or patterns.
The entire process is like using a colander to sprinkle flour - the flour leaks through the holes of the colander and forms patterns on the dough below. Simple, direct, and efficient.
What can screen printing do? Which products are using it?
Screen printing is the most common surface character processing method for silicone products. Almost all products that need to print text, numbers, logos, or simple patterns on the silicone surface can be completed using screen printing.
The most common applications include:
Remote control buttons: numbers, function identifiers
Calculators, keyboards: letters and numbers
Medical devices: identification on operation panels
Industrial controllers: function annotations
Silicone toys: cartoon patterns, brand logos
Silicone daily necessities: brand logos, usage instructions
Screen printing can meet the needs of most custom customers for silicone keys. Because it is easy to operate and has low cost, it is the preferred process for most surface characters on silicone products.
Screen printing also has a unique advantage: it can print multiple colors. The same screen printing plate only needs to replace different colored inks to print multiple colors on the same pattern. A button can undergo up to 8 screen printings, achieving rich color effects.
What can Hongxiangda do for you?
At Hongxiangda, screen printing is one of our most mature surface treatment processes:
Extensive experience: From remote controls to medical devices, we have extensive experience in screen printing for all kinds of products
Multi-color printing: Supports from single-color to multi-color screen printing, meeting different design requirements
Quality control: From ink selection to baking and curing, each step has standard operating procedures
Comprehensive services: After screen printing, we can also combine with spray varnish, laser engraving and other processes to complete the task in one step
If you are developing silicone products and are unsure whether to use screen printing or laser engraving, please come to Hongxiangda to have a chat. We can provide the most suitable suggestions based on your product positioning, budget and usage scenarios.