1. Tension meter

Tension meter is an instrument that measures the mutual traction between the contact bodies of mesh when the mesh is subjected to tension. There are two types of tension meters: mechanical and electronic. The unit of tension measurement is N/cm.

Tension can also be expressed in relative values. Centimeter tension meter uses relative values to express tension. It is calculated by the value (in millimeters) of the depth of the screen that the weight of the tension meter makes it sink. The tension value can be obtained directly from the indicator panel or indirectly from the control panel.

There are manual meter and mechanical meter. To ensure that the tension required for making screen, tension meter is necessary during or after the screen is stretched.

2. Mesh ruler

Mesh ruler measures the mesh count of various screens. There are two types: glass plate type and plastic sheet type. When measuring, first make the screen transparent, or put it on the screen table. Put the mesh ruler on the screen, and then slowly move the mesh ruler to make the vertical line parallel to the warp or weft of the screen.

Due to the overlapping effect of the warp and weft of the screen and the vertical line on the mesh ruler, a diamond pattern is formed on the mesh ruler. The horizontal diagonal of the pattern points to the corresponding scale number on the mesh ruler, which is the number of the measured screen.

Mesh ruler is a popular tool for measuring the mesh count of screens. Usually, to maintain the accuracy of the measuring instrument and the accuracy of the measured data, it is necessary to keep the mesh ruler clean to prevent scratches and bumps on it. After use, the instrument must be wiped clean.

3. Densitometer

Densitometer is a photoelectric measuring instrument that measures the gray value of black and white originals, and measures continuous tone or dot values. Densitometers are divided into two types: transmission densitometers and reflection densitometers.

Transmission densitometers are suitable for measuring transparent originals, and reflection densitometers are suitable for measuring solid originals. The measurement range of the densitometer is 0-2.5. The larger the number, the higher the blackness.

The basic principle of measurement is to measure the degree of blackening of the photosensitive material after exposure and development, that is, the blackness.

When making screen, the silver bromide on the photosensitive material is exposed to light, and reduced to metallic silver after development, forming a certain degree of light blocking.

The higher the blackness, the higher the density. The lower the blackness, the lower the density. The meter with a filter can also measure the color density of color originals.

4. Colorimeter

Colorimeter measures and analyzes the color, hue, and color value of the material. If the colorimeter is connected to a computer, the ability to analyze and process colors can be improved. You can search and call out various data from the color storage library for color matching as needed.

5. Hardness tester

Hardness tester is an instrument for testing the hardness of something. There are two types according to its complexity: simple hardness tester and complex one.

Hardness testers are popular in rubber industry. In silkscreen printing, hardness testers are used for squeegee materials.

6. UV light

In silkscreen printing, UV light is an ideal light source. The exposure time of UV light is generally controlled between 3-6 minutes (referring to 1000W mercury lamp or dysprosium lamp). The thicker the emulsion, the longer the time. It is a bit longer in winter, and a bit shorter in summer.

UV light uses an electronic rectifier. The light intensity it emits is not affected by the voltage of power grid. It can be started with only 130 volts. The range of light it emits is exactly the range required by the photosensitive material. It can run continuously and start continuously. It has low heat generation. UV light is the most ideal light source for making screens.