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Draft Cleaner Technologies Substitutes Assessment (CTSA): Screen Reclamation - Chapter 1

EPA 744R-94-005a
September 1994

Profile of Screen Reclamation Use-Cluster

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Screen printing is probably the most versatile of the printing techniques, since it can place relatively heavy deposits of ink onto practically any type of surface with few limitations on the size and shape of the object being printed. The ability to print variable thicknesses of ink with a high quantity of pigment allows for brilliant colors, back lighting effects, and durable products which are able to withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions and laundering. Unlike many other printing methods, substrates for screen printing can include all types of plastics, fabric, metals, papers, as well as exotic substrates such as leather, masonite, glass, ceramics, wood, and electronic circuit boards. While screen printing does compete with other printing techniques for some products (especially for small paper substrate products), it has a specialized market niche for many graphic art materials and textile printing applications. Comparatively low equipment investment costs allow for low cost short production runs.

The screen printing process involves stretching a porous mesh material over a frame to form a screen. Part of the screen mesh is blocked by a stencil to define the image. A rubber-type blade (squeegee) is swept across the surface of the screen, pressing ink through the uncovered mesh to print the image defined by the stencil. The substrate is then either manually placed onto drying racks or placed onto a conveyor transport system for conveyance into a drying unit. The screen and its stencil can be used repeatedly to print the same image multiple times.

The screen printing process differs in many ways from the other printing methods of lithography, gravure, flexography, and letterpress. Because screen printing utilizes various materials in a printing process that differs greatly from other printing methods, it presents environmental challenges that are unique in the printing industry.

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