Screen Printing

Why AQL?
Screen printing is one of AQL's signature services; in fact AQL has been screen printing since the start 40 years ago. Today, we have 36 semi-automatic lines and 5 fully-automatic lines. Very few companies have as much experience as AQL when is comes to screen-printing containers; which is why we can offer the lowest scrap rates in the industry. We make our own screens and mix our own inks keeping development time to a minimum. Although screen printing is a common method for decorating container, the variables are both numerous and complex. More containers are scraped for poor adhesion than any other quality issue. Do not entrust amateurs with your containers, the result can be costly.

The Process at AQL
Screen printing is a method of printing where ink is forced through a photographically treated screen onto the container to be decorated. There are many types of inks that can be used including epoxy-based and UV curable. Properly matching the ink to the materials is an area in which AQL excels. The artwork can also effect ink selection as does the product that will be filled. Most inks require a curing process after printing; however, time and/or exposure requirements can vary significantly from one job to the next. A thorough understanding of all of these variables is critical to achieving proper adhesion and durability.

Colors are applied one at a time, with a new screen for each color. AQL's automatics can run multiple colors in-line for optimal output. Our OMSO Axial (link to Axial Page= OMSO Axial) can print up to 6 colors 360 degrees on symmetrical and asymmetrical containers! Placement and multicolor registration is usually guided by a lug or a ramp molded in the bottom of the container. How well this is controlled depends on the equipment and the skill of its operator.

Applications at AQL

• Plastic Bottles, Jars & Tubes
• Glass Bottles, Jars & Vials
• Metal Cans, Tubes & Tins

Benefits & Limitations

• Direct surface printing
• Wide color range
• In-line multicolor printing
• Good adhesion
• 360 degree coverage
• High speed production
• Limited process color

Ordering Information
Please mail artwork as a digital file on CD or e-mail the artwork to Tom Ciborski

• Format: Illustrator or EPS (all fonts converted to outlines).
• Hardcopy: A printed proof at actual size should be provided with electronic art.
• Art Services: Artwork modifications, if required, will be quoted separately.
• Colors: Provide pantone color numbers, color samples, or pantone chips.

Alternatives

• Pad Printing
  
• Therimage Labeling
  
• Heat-Transfer Labeling