The client provides an electronic file of the pattern, text, or logo to be printed (usually in vector format such as AI, CDR, or high-resolution bitmap).
The designer processes the file based on the color, printing position, and process requirements of the umbrella fabric (color separation, creating a spot color plate, etc.).
1).Screen Frame and Screen Selection: Select the appropriate screen frame size and screen mesh based on the design fidelity and the substrate (umbrella fabric). (Higher mesh sizes result in smaller openings, suitable for fine patterns; lower mesh sizes result in larger openings, suitable for large color areas and thicker ink layers.)
2).Screen Stretching: The screen is stretched tightly against the frame to achieve the required tension.
3).Photoresist Coating: Apply an even layer of photoresist to the stretched screen.
4).Exposure: Place the processed design film (film) over the photoresist-coated screen and expose it to ultraviolet light in an exposure machine. The photoresist corresponding to the transparent areas of the film is hardened by the UV light, while the black areas (the design) block the UV light and remain unhardened.
5).Development: Rinse the exposed screen with water. The unhardened photoresist (i.e., the design) is washed away, revealing the mesh openings; the hardened photoresist remains on the screen, forming closed areas. This creates a screen with a hollow pattern.
6).Drying and Inspection: Thoroughly dry the developed screen and inspect the screen for clarity and integrity of the pattern and for permeability of the mesh openings.
Cut the fabric to be printed (usually polyester or nylon) and secure it to a workbench or printing fixture. The printing position should be flat, taut, and wrinkle-free. Sometimes the entire canopy needs to be printed, while other times, only a portion (such as the edge or a specific area) needs to be printed.
Choose the appropriate ink type based on the design requirements (color, effect) and the fabric material (commonly solvent-based inks or more environmentally friendly water-based inks; special effects may require foaming inks, glitter inks, etc.).
Prepare the ink color accurately and adjust the viscosity (usually adding diluent/oil-opening water).
Secure the prepared screen onto the printing press (manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic).
Pour the prepared ink onto one end of the screen (the non-designed area).
Use a scraper (squeegee) to evenly apply pressure at a certain angle (usually 45-75 degrees) across the screen. The scraper forces the ink through the cutouts on the screen and onto the umbrella fabric below.
This is a critical step that directly impacts the fastness and durability of the print.
After printing, the ink needs to be completely dried and cured on the fabric fibers.
Drying and curing is typically performed in a hot air drying tunnel or oven. The temperature and time must be carefully controlled based on the ink type and fabric material (for example, polyester fabric typically requires a temperature of around 130-160°C for 1-3 minutes).
Insufficient curing can result in poor wear and washability of the print, and easy fading. Overcuring (excessive temperature or prolonged curing) can cause the fabric to turn yellow, become brittle, or feel hard.
For multi-color printing, multiple screens (one for each color) are required, and overprinting is performed. After each color is printed, wait for it to dry (touch dry) or fully cure (depending on the ink requirements) before printing the next color, ensuring accurate overprinting.
After drying and curing, the umbrella fabric needs to cool.
Quality inspection is performed: Check for pattern clarity, color accuracy, precise overprinting, defects such as missing prints, ink spots, and stringing, as well as the curing strength (usually a simple friction test or tape test is performed).
Qualified products proceed to the subsequent umbrella sewing and assembly process. Unqualified products are reworked or scrapped.
After printing or when changing colors, the screen must be cleaned thoroughly and promptly to prevent the ink from drying and clogging the mesh. A dedicated screen-cleaning solution or solvent is typically used.
1). Advantages: Thick ink layer, strong coverage, and vibrant, saturated colors; Printing is possible on a variety of materials; Equipment investment is relatively low; Suitable for small to medium-sized batches; Special effects (such as 3D foaming and glitter) can be printed.
2). Disadvantages: Lower efficiency when printing with multiple colors; Inner lines and gradients are less expressive than digital printing; Platemaking costs are relatively high (especially when printing with multiple colors); Ink curing requires specialized equipment; Solvent-based inks may raise environmental concerns (VOC emissions).
This is the main process of silk screen printing for umbrellas. Each step requires meticulous operation and strict control to produce silk screen printed umbrellas with exquisite patterns and durability.
If you want to know more hwo many more stpes involved in silk screen printing for umbrellas, you can visit our Rainscene Umbrella factory website: https://www.rsumbrella.com/ or contact me at +86 13600463934 or email:sales7@rainscene.com, thank you!
