Digital Printing Vs Screen Printing: Which One to Choose?
Advanced glass printing technology is changing the way we think of glass as a design medium for interior and exterior surfaces, whether for architectural, commercial or industrial applications.
Advanced glass printing technology is changing the way we think of glass as a design medium for interior and exterior surfaces, whether for architectural, commercial or industrial applications.
Advanced glass printing technology has changed the way we think of glass as a design medium for interior and exterior surfaces, whether for architectural, commercial or industrial applications. The choice between digital and screen printing methods today is based not only on technology but also on considerations such as location, volume, trends, imagery, sustainability and versatility, as well as more functional and utilitarian requirements.
Digital printing vs screen printing
The design potential of printed glass enhances the use of glass, enabling the creation of unique, aesthetically pleasing and functional internal and external surfaces with outstanding results. Digital printing and screen printing are actually complementary methods, even on the production floor.
Glass processors with both technologies can effectively switch between the two formats as required to maximise usage and optimise return on investment. These solutions vary depending on the level of customisable design potential, cost effectiveness, durability and market demand. Architects, interior designers and the automotive industry can all benefit from both printing methods.
Digital Printing Glass
Screen printing on glass
Screen printing is the oldest form of glass printing still in use. It is suitable for both internal and external surfaces and has long been the accepted method for the production of high volume, durable glass printing, particularly for automotive glass and industrial, large panel architectural glass applications.
Screen printing designs are created using stencils and applied to the glass surface by spreading the ink over a mesh screen. The stencil obscures the glass area as the ink flows onto the glass to create the design. The glass is fired to provide a heat treatment for the ink to adhere to the glass. Although screen printing on glass is very durable and the print quality is high, the time and cost of setting up each colour is a disadvantage when the required quantity is not large. This method has a maximum capacity of four colours that
Digital printing on glass
Digital printing on glass is more flexible than screen printing. There are two methods; UV cured digital glass printing (also known as digital UV glass printing) and digital ceramic glass printing. Both can print any digital image on glass and have the added advantage of a virtually unlimited palette and fewer fixed costs. The differences lie in the type of ink used, the printing method and the drying process. It is these differences that lead to important differences in functionality and durability.
Digital Printing Glass
UV digital glass printing uses inorganic inks and UV light to dry the ink on the glass surface. The lack of functional inks and limitations in durability and scratch resistance limit the use of UV printing, particularly in exterior design applications.
After printing, the digital ceramic ink is fused into the glass during the firing stage, making the ink an integral part of the printed glass. The versatility of digital ceramic printing on glass offers not only unlimited design potential to print any image, patterned text or graphic, but also the versatility to reproduce the appearance of surface textures such as wood grain or marble.
Glass-ceramic digital printing
Designs can be achieved at previously unachievable sizes, with unparalleled resolution and focusing accuracy and unique colour intensity. The final product improved in this way not only meets the most challenging aesthetic requirements, but also all functional and material requirements on a sustainable basis.
Digital Printing Glass
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Ceramic digital printing technology - ideally suited to the quick, easy and economical implementation of glass designs - is suitable for both interiors and exteriors. Glass areas can be enhanced by high resolution and vibrant colour intensity - exactly according to the customer's specifications and tastes. Digital printing on ceramics - unlike traditional screen printing - allows the printing of many different colours at the same time.
The theme of your choice
With ceramic digital printing technology, absolutely any pattern can be edited and sent to the printer. A special print head then transfers the ceramic ink precisely onto the glass. Finally, the selected pattern is permanently fused to the surface of the glass.
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Northglass is an industry leader in the glass products industry.
Products range include: laminated safety glass, tempered safety glass, low e insulated glass, reflective glass, silk screen printed glass, tempered glass,bullet proof glass, clear and body tinted float glass, ultra clear glass(low iron glass), & curtain wall, shower doors, windows, facades and furniture applications etc.
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