8 Screen Printing Machinery Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for screen printing machinery as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 8 screen printing machinery manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked screen printing machinery companies as of November, 2024: 1.TODO IMPRESIÓN Systems, S.L., 2.Systematic Automation Inc., 3.Workhorse Products.
Table of Contents
What Is a Screen Printing Machinery?
Screen printing machinery is a type of stencil printing machine that uses a mesh material screen as the plate for printing.
Among the mesh material's grid, areas not needed for printing are solidified with emulsion to create a mask. Printing is then done using a plate that has been created to allow ink to pass through specific areas while blocking others. In the past, silk was used, and it was known as silk screen printing. However, nowadays, synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are mainly used.
This technique is based on a stencil, where dye is applied over a pattern-cut template. Unlike offset printing, a method that transfers ink to the plate, screen printing allows for a thicker application of ink.
Uses of Screen Printing Machinery
Screen printing machinery can be used on various materials, including paper, glass, plastic, synthetic resin, metal, fabric, and more. This is because it operates on the principle of pushing ink through the mesh. One significant feature is its ability to print not only on flat surfaces but also on cylindrical, conical, and even curved surfaces like bottles and cups.
There are various types of ink available for different weather resistance and special applications. It is used in visual printing materials such as advertisements. While it finds applications in many fields, including industrial products, daily necessities, and commercial purposes, below are some specific examples of printed materials.
1. General Applications
- Tableware such as cups and glasses (glass and ceramics)
- Clothing items like T-shirts
- Miscellaneous goods like toys and stationery
- Various packages and containers
- Printing on food items (chocolates on candies, for example)
- Woodwork
- CD/DVD printing
- Injection-molded products
- Pressed parts
- Semiconductor packages
- Instrumentation in automobiles and other vehicles
- Electrical components (printing heaters on the rear window of a car, for example)
- LCD displays
- Printed circuits
- Posters, signs, POP displays
- Stickers and signs
2. Printed Electronics
Printed electronics involve forming electrical circuits using printing technology, with screen printing being one of the methods employed. It is considered effective in terms of high productivity, low cost, and low environmental impact. This technology is utilized in various electronic devices, particularly in components for smartphones and sensors. Specific applications include:
- Thin film coating for the slimming down and internal density of electronic devices
- Thick film coating to improve the insulation of circuits
- Application of high-viscosity materials in extremely fine line widths
In particular, printed electronics are used in devices such as stacked ceramic capacitors, stacked inductors, chip resistors, solder paste printing, touch panel sensors, and flexible devices.
Principles of Screen Printing Machinery
Screen printing machinery is a type of stencil printing that involves opening holes in the plate itself and rubbing ink onto it. Gravure printing and stenciling are also types of stencil printing. The screen printing process begins with the preparation of the printing screen in a step called "plate making."
1. Plate Making
The general plate-making process for screen printing is as follows. In recent times, digital screen plate-making machines have simplified these steps:
1. Frame Preparation
Determine the size of the frame (aluminum frame, cast frame, wooden frame, etc.) based on the size of the printed material. Choose the material and mesh count for the screen mesh.
2. Mesh Stretching
Use a mesh stretching machine to stretch the screen mesh onto the frame. During this process, use a dedicated cleaner and a plate cleaning machine to remove dust and debris from the stencil, enhancing the efficiency of the subsequent emulsion application.
3. Emulsion Coating
Apply a liquid photosensitive resin directly (direct method) or attach a film with photosensitive emulsion to the plate (indirect method) to coat with emulsion. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
4. Exposure and Development
Attach a positive film to the emulsion-coated plate and expose it. After exposure, develop it with water and let it dry.
5. Inspection and Pinhole Correction
Inspect for the presence of pinholes and repair them with a photosensitive agent.
2. Printing
In the printing process of screen printing, use a tool called a squeegee to push the ink accumulated in the screen's patterned (hole) area from the edge of the plate onto the printed material. The squeegee, typically made of rubber or polyurethane, comes in various shapes such as flat, sword-shaped, and angular. The angle and pressure setting of the squeegee are crucial elements in printing.
During printing, align the position of the printing area and use a scraper to flow ink onto the screen's patterned (hole) area. Conduct a test print with the subject in place to check for issues like ink smudging. After confirming no problems, proceed with the actual printing.
Types of Screen Printing Machinery
There are various types of inks that can be used with screen printing machinery. In addition to regular water-based and oil-based inks, examples include UV-curable inks, powders (gold, silver, pearl), and functional inks (fragrance, phosphorescent, mirror, color-changing), among others. The mesh used in screen printing also varies in mesh thickness and mesh count depending on the application.
In the printing process, the outcome is influenced by the shape, angle, and pressure of the squeegee. It is crucial to select the right combination based on the desired print result.
List of 8 Screen Printing Machinery Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Spain
- Diverse Options: 1-8 colors, semi-auto to fully auto, pneumatic/electric.
- Cutting-Edge: Printers use temp/UV drying, with accessories for diverse needs.
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TODO IMPRESIÓN Systems, S.L.
Screen Printing Machines for the Industry
Manufacturer Overview
Todo Impresion Systems, S.L., founded in 2003 and headquartered in Tarragona, Spain, is a manufacturer and supplier of various printing machines. The company’s products include thermoprinting, laser, and digital printing machines. It specializes in automation projects and integration of equipment into existing production lines. It also provides consumables and accessories ranging from exposure units and drying tunnels to screen printing inks and chemicals. Additionally, it offers services such as metalworking and painting, electrical and electronics integration, and elegant programming for stable and user-friendly operation. The company’s products serve the automotive, electronics, and household goods industries.
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Anatol Equipment Manufacturing Co.
SCREEN PRINTING PRESSES
Manufacturer Overview
Anatol Equipment Manufacturing Co. founded in Waukegan, Illinois, USA, in 1982, is a manufacturer of screen printing machines. Products manufactured by the company are comet light flash cure units, dryers, textile screen printing machines, and pilot flash cure units. It also offers spare parts and maintenance services for its equipment. The company has a distribution network on 6 continents and 70 countries. In 2014 it introduced the all-electric VOLT automatic screen printing press.
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The M&R Companies
Textile Screen Printing Equipment
Manufacturer Overview
M&R, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Roselle, Illinois, is a manufacturer of digital and screen-printing equipment, such as direct-to-film and direct-to-garment equipment. The company also sells a wide range of textile and graphics presses and dryers and manufactures over 100 types of equipment that address various industry needs. It holds over 75 patents dating back to 1983, and its parts department stocks over 10,000 different OEM parts, enabling it to replace parts over 25 years old. Its online store makes it easier for customers to order a wide range of OEM parts at any time.
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Workhorse Products
Screen Printing Machinery
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Riley Hopkins
RILEY HOPKINS EQUIPMENT
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Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.
Screen Printing Equipment
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Vastex International, Inc.,
SCREEN PRINTING PRESSES & ACCESSORIES
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Screen Printing Machinery Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TODO IMPRESIÓN Systems, S.L. |
20.4%
|
| 2 | Systematic Automation Inc. |
14.7%
|
| 3 | Workhorse Products |
14.2%
|
| 4 | Anatol Equipment Manufacturing Co. |
13.3%
|
| 5 | The M&R Companies |
10.0%
|
| 6 | Vastex International, Inc., |
10.0%
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| 7 | Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc. |
9.0%
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| 8 | Riley Hopkins |
8.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the screen printing machinery page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- TODO IMPRESIÓN Systems, S.L.: 20
Newly Established Company
- TODO IMPRESIÓN Systems, S.L.: 2003 (21 years ago)
- Systematic Automation Inc.: 1983 (41 years ago)
Company with a History
- Systematic Automation Inc.: 1983 (41 years ago)
- TODO IMPRESIÓN Systems, S.L.: 2003 (21 years ago)
Screen Printing Machinery Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Screen Printing Machinery Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
3 | 75.0% |
Spain
|
1 | 25.0% |
