High resolution, precision and high speed are the main ingredients for industrial screen printing. Large quantities, referred to as volume orders, use industrial facilities to process production at a higher rate. Generally these factories offer manufacturers different services such as graphic design, custom color matching, image setting and film output services. The high resolution precision screen printing uses a screen or stencil as the medium for depositing ink onto the material or product surface either automatically or manually. Industrial facilities print on surfaces such as fabric, steel, glass, plastic and boxes for a variety of industries.
Instructions
1. Visit industrial screen printing search sites such as Thomasnet.com. These websites include company profiles, facility descriptions, printing product capabilities as well as contact information, the printing representative's name and company website address if applicable.
2. Read through descriptions and locate 5 to 8 facilities manufacturing your product type. Manufacturers generally work with factories specializing in the type of product the company produces. For instance, if you produce volume t-shirt runs, you will not place production at an industrial screen printing facility specializing in plastic or paper printing.
3. Call the industrial screen printing representatives to schedule appointments at your showroom. The representative will ask you for production quantity specifications. Industrial facilities have high minimum order requirements such as 1200 pieces per color. Keep in mind, if your company cannot manufacture the minimum piece requirement, you will not be granted the appointment.
4. Ask the representative for printing size scale dimensions. This is essential especially if you are producing large scale prints. The maximum printing space available at the facility is the dimension generally used by the screen printer. For example, if you produce 24 inch width by 36 inch length screens, you cannot print production at a facility offering 20 inch width by 30 inch length screen printing palettes or printing beds.
5. Request factory samples showing different technique and printing finishes for the showroom meeting. Industrial facilities offer a wider range of inks, dyes and finishes, benefiting the manufacturer and the product to increase sales and consumer interest. For example, if you manufacture home d cor items with recessed printing, make sure the factory includes the printing technique within the sample types.
6. Discuss volume cost discounts and time table delivery schedules. A volume discount cost and estimated delivery table is often submitted to each manufacture for reference. The higher the production order is, the less the cost to produce each piece or unit. For instance, 1200 units costs more to produce than 2400 units leading to maximum profit for the manufacturer when re-selling the goods. Bear in mind, late delivery directly impacts your shipping dates to customers.
7. Request a meeting at the industrial screen printing facility. This gives you the opportunity to view and confirm specific machines are available at the printing location site. It also ensures your goods will not be sub-contracted to another facility. This is especially important if you are manufacturing overseas. Bear in mind you are responsible for airfare, hotel and transportation to these sites.
8. Copy all graphic, sizing and printing information in the format requested by the industrial screen printing facility. Do not submit your original artwork or graphics. Certain facilities prefer electronic submissions or CD discs. Each time the industrial design department has to alter artwork for clarity is an added expense. Most facilities request each color within the screen separated to create individual screens or stencils. Make sure this information is discussed prior to submitting your materials for production. Once the production run is set up at the factory, you cannot make changes or stop the order.
