Mesh Application Guide

[GoldRapt]

I was looking to understand what mesh to use for what type of printing .
I managed to find on the interweb, this application guide Now it is based on the American mesh count system and I hope to work out the UK alternatives in due course. BUT in the mean time I thought someone might like to know this info as well and offer opinions if anything is wrong?
Thanks.

Mesh Recommendations by Application
Graphics printing
• Line artwork 230 –305
• Halftone screens up to 70 lines/in. 305–380
• Halftone screens from 70-133 lines/in. 380 –420
• Objects (plastics, etc.)
• Opaque areas 255–305
• Halftone and fine lines 305–420
Garment printing
• Glitter 25–60
• Flock adhesive 45–125
• Puff-up colors 55–125
• Overprint 80 –110
• Pigment ink printing,areas/lines 110 –175
• Plastisol transfer 125–305
• Universal fabric 125
• Plastisol direct 125–305
• Pigment inks, half-tone 155–255
• Sublimation transfer 195–305
Textiles, flat films
• Heavy décor fabrics (terry cloth, denim) 45–123
• Smooth, dense fabrics (table cloths, curtains) 110–155
• Light, porous material 195–305
Ceramics
• Glaze printing, coarse, embossed effect 15–55
• Glaze printing, medium to fine 55–155
• In and under-glaze (direct printing) 110–255
Decals
• Areas/lines 195–380
• Fine lines/half-tone 255–420
• Gold and luster inks 305–420
Glass
• Automotive glass
• Black surrounds for rear/side windows 125–195
• Antennas 195–255
• Silver paste (defroster) 195–255
Architectural glass
• Windows, doors 55–195
• Mirrors 195–305
Cosmetic bottles
• Inks 195–305
• Precious metals 305–380
Beverage
• Bottles, glasses 125–305
Household
• Ovens, etc. (masks) 110 –175
• Ovens, etc. (lines and half-tones) 195–255
• Lampshades, furniture 125–255
Advertising
• Shop signs 110 –195
Printed circuit boards
• Overlay solder mask 30 –45
• Photosensitive solder mask 60 –175
Membrane keypads and overlays
• Insulation lacquer 90 –175
• Silver conductive paste 125–175
• Adhesive 125–195
• Transparent windows 305

[Ian M]

Tony, The numbers refer to how many holes per inch so higher the number the finer the mesh. If you notice the halftone screens do have a higher number of holes & the main reason for this is so the halftone dots don't fall through the holes in the mesh. There is a comapny who do seem to have a very good website who supply screen printing equipment etc with some very useful information too & their link is http://www.art2screen.co.uk/index.asp One thing always to remember on mesh count is that the finer the count the finer the print.

[GoldRapt]

I cant find an application guide on that website Ian, can you please?

[Ian M]

Tony, if you contact them they should be able to explain everything to you regarding mesh sizes. The one you put on here is a very comprehensive one & as I said the main thing is to remember the finer the image you want to print the finer the mesh you use.

[Ian M]

Tony, just had a look & here it is http://www.art2screen.co.uk/mesh-informations-28-w.asp

[GoldRapt]

Good find, thanks.
Not as comprehensive as my list but its a start.

[Ian M]

Your more than welcome Tony.
The list on the link does seem small compared to your list but, I can assure you it does cover most items that are screen printed with various types of inks.

[Paul]

Judgin by this it looks like water based inks are thinner then

[GoldRapt]

Agreed, but maybe the drying makes them eventually thicker? I intend to find out.