Inkjet printing is a contactless, pressureless technology. It has the common features of digital printing with no screen.

Silkscreen printing needs screen that is mesh-shaped. During printing, the ink on screen leaks from the through-hole of screen surface to the substrate under extrusion of the squeegee, thus finishing the printing.

1. Introduction

Inkjet printing

There are many types of inkjet printing. The basic principle is to input the graphic information stored in the computer into a flatbed printer first, and then through a special device. A mist of ink droplets is sprayed from the nozzle to the substrate surface under computer control. According to the charge effect, the pattern is directly formed on the substrate surface to become the final printed product.

Silkscreen printing

Modern silkscreen printing uses photosensitive materials to make screen through photoengraving (making the screen holes of the pattern part through holes, while the screen holes of the non-pattern part are blocked). During printing, the ink is transferred to the substrate through the mesh holes of the pattern part, forming the same pattern as the original.

Silkcreen printing machine is simple. It's easy to operate. printing and making screens are simple and low-cost, and highly adaptable. Silkscreen printing has a wide range of applications.

2. Inkjet printing VS silkscreen printing

Inkjet printing is another versatile printing technology after silkscreen printing. Like silkscreen printing, it has a wide range of printing materials, and can be printed on surfaces of different shapes. It has strong adaptability.

On the other hand, as an old printing method, silkscreen printing has shown advantages, especially in PCB printing. With the application of more new technologies in silkscreen printing, it still occupies a large market.

Competition between the two printing methods

Based on the advantages of these two, it is easy to find fierce competition in the printing market. Some large-format printing products done by silkscreen printing before are done by inkjet printing now.

Today, inkjet printers used in large-format printing have a maximum format of 3 to 5m. They are available to make large-format posters, promotional materials, and outdoor advertisements.

Inkjet printing is a fully digital printing method that is completely free from the cumbersome procedures of traditional printing technology. It can shorten the time it takes to bring a product to market. For products that have high time requirements, inkjet printing is the best choice.

The advantages of inkjet printing, such as full digitalization, personalized printing and remote printing, will inevitably attract more printers to use it. Therefore, the competition between these two methods is also inseparable from the competition with printers.

Advantages of the two printing methods complement each other

The combination of the two methods can save production time and improve efficiency. Although inkjet printers have full digitalization, short preparation time, and rapid response to the market, they are not perfect after all. It is not suitable for large-scale printing, but only for printing less than 1000 pieces. Silkscreen printing is good for mass production.

So it's good to use inkjet printing for small batch printing at first, and then conduct research after putting the product on the market. Choose the popular design for mass printing. You can not only save costs, but also reduce waste.