DSF

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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