Glass customization in the design is quite efficient. But nowadays, you can see a variety of printing on glass materials. Some have floral designs. Some glass materials comprise the 3D texture.
Have you ever wondered about the printing processes transforming dream designs into reality? They are none other than the printing technologies such as screen printing and digital printing.
Today, we will discuss screen printing vs. digital printing and understand which method is better for which scenarios.
Let’s plunge into the facts.
What is Glass Screen Printing? How does it Work?
Screen Printing is a traditional printing method that utilizes the screen concept. For example, you prepare your designs and create the stencil for the areas to be printed. Now, the ink is spread through the screen on the glass surface.
Only those areas that contain the designs are printed successfully on the surface. It offers an elegant look and nurtures excellent printing speed. Remember, there is a separate screen needed for every design.
Here is how you can understand its working mechanism.
- Preparation of screen. Apply the light-sensitive emulsion to the screen. Print your design onto the screen. Expose it to the sunlight for hardening.
- Creation of the design. The designs to be printed comprise the space areas. They are placed on the glass materials.
- Application of colors. Now, the ink is pressed through the spaces that imprint the designs on the glass surface.
- Curing. Additional heating and drying can bond the design to the glass efficiently.
For various colors, you must create different screens and print the designs.
What is Glass Digital printing? How does it work?
Digital Printing is a new player in the market. It comes with elegant printing techniques and doesn’t require multiple screens for the various colors. Even complex 3D textures are possible with digital printing methods.
Here is the exact process under the digital printing process.
- Digital file preparation. Which design do you need to print? Decide on that. Prepare it in your graphic designing tool. Ensure the colors are accurate before sending it to the printer.
- Inkjet printing process. Digital inkjet printers comprise multiple cartridges and colors. They spray the ink on the glass materials and print the colors.
- Curing and treatment. There are two ways to treat and strengthen the design on the surface. First, it is to apply the heat. It provides the necessary quality. The second is the heat treatment. Apply whatever method you like.
Screen Printing vs Digital Printing on Glass: Differences
Screen Printing differs from digital printing in design, accuracy, and hassle-free printing processes. We have sorted out the crucial differences between the printing types on the glass materials. Let’s explore and disclose the best one now.
プロセス
Process decisions are necessary. Some printing processes are unique like screen printing. Also, they bring in the hassles. Let’s compare the printing process of screen printing vs. digital printing.
Screen Printing believes in screen creation before each color printing. Design is first printed onto the screen. Then, a squeegee helps print the material. Each color requires a different screen. So, the method is challenging and distinct from digital printing.
Digital Printing is simple, efficient, and quick. Prepare your design in Photoshop. Spread the ink through the inkjet printer on the glass. Go for some heat treatment, and congrats! You have printed a permanent design that lives for extended periods without any problem.
Color Application and Accuracy
The design itself is not crucial but also the colors. The accurate colors can glow your design and make it more prominent. When comparing, you must consider the accuracy and complexity of the color printing.
Screen Printing is good for single-color printing. It offers detailed printing with accuracy. Plus, the vibrancy of color is flawless. But it fails when you need to print multiple colors.
Digital Printing is a pretty impressive solution in this case. It can print multiple colors in a single go. Plus, the next-level accuracy can attract the consumers.
耐久性
Do you want the long-term design? Compare both methods and achieve the goals with the best one. Let’s see who can do the wonders.
Screen Printing spreads out a thick ink print. It is resistant to scratches and provides extended durability. It even survives the abrasion and promises a long-term deal.
Compared to it, digital printing offers a durable design but is not as durable as screen printing. The scratch and abrasion can tear the design.
Cost efficiency
Do you have a limited budget to invest in printing? Indeed, adopt the printing method that fits your budget.
Screen Printing is an expensive setup. It needs multiple screens. The process is complex, too. Printing can consume time. Therefore, choose it for the bulk printing.
Digital Printing works on a smaller budget and features more facilities. Consider it when you need small batches of printing with affordability.
| 特徴 | Screen Printing on Glass | Digital Printing on Glass |
| Process Complexity | Requires a separate screen for each color, with careful alignment. | Uses a digital file to print directly onto glass. |
| Color Application | Colors applied in layers, each requiring precise alignment. | All colors printed in a single pass. |
| Cost and Volume Efficiency | High setup costs but cost-effective for large production runs. | Lower setup costs make it economical for small to medium runs. |
| 耐久性 | Thick ink layers bond strongly, offering excellent scratch resistance. | May be less durable without UV curing or heat treatment. |
結論
What type of printing methods are you choosing? Bag the screen printers when you need simple and bulk printing. For the complex designs, you can opt for digital printing. For quality printing, you must have premium-quality glass.
However, do you need both the quality printing and elegant quality of the glass materials? Well, grab it from both 神順ガラス製造会社. We are the optimal choice if you need durable glass materials. Also, from the screen to digital printing, you can go the extra mile for your colors and designs. Check out the top collections now!