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Testing methods for silk screen products
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Testing methods for silk screen products

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Testing methods for silk screen products

Silk screen printing is everywhere—from T-shirts to electronics. But how do we ensure its quality? Proper testing is essential.


This article will explore the importance of testing methods for silk screen products. In this post, you'll learn about common defects, optimal testing environments, and detailed testing methods.


What is Silk Screen Printing?

Silk screen printing is a popular method of transferring designs onto various surfaces. It involves using a mesh screen, stencil, and ink. The process starts by creating a stencil on a screen. Ink is then pushed through the mesh onto the printing surface. The result is a clean and vibrant design.


Common Materials Used in Silk Screen Printing

Several materials are commonly used in silk screen printing. The mesh screen is often made of polyester. The ink varies depending on the surface being printed. Plastisol ink is used for fabric, while solvent-based ink works well for glass and metal.


Applications of Silk Screen Printing in Various Industries

Silk screen printing is versatile. It is widely used in the fashion industry for T-shirts and hoodies. The electronics industry uses it for circuit boards. It also appears in packaging, especially for cosmetic bottles and containers. This method is popular due to its durability and bold results.

  • Fashion: T-shirts, hoodies

  • Electronics: Circuit boards

  • Packaging: Cosmetic bottles, containers


Worker measuring adhesive tape in screen printing workshop


Why Testing Methods are Crucial for Silk Screen Products

Ensuring Product Quality and Consistency

Testing ensures that every silk screen product meets quality standards. It helps identify defects early. Regular tests prevent faulty products from reaching customers. This keeps the production process smooth and efficient.


Meeting Industry Standards and Customer Expectations

Industries have strict standards. Testing ensures compliance with these regulations. Customers expect high-quality products. Consistent testing guarantees that products meet these expectations. It builds trust and loyalty.


Preventing Common Defects and Issues

Regular testing helps spot common defects. Issues like misprints, poor adhesion, and color differences are identified. This allows for quick corrections. Early detection saves time and reduces waste.


In next section, we'll explore Common Defects in Silk Screen Products.


Common Defects in Silk Screen Products

1. Foreign Matter

Foreign matter often adheres to the coating film. This includes dust, spots, or filamentous debris. These contaminants can affect the final product's appearance and quality.


2. Exposed Background

Thin screen printing can lead to exposed backgrounds. This happens when the screen printing doesn't fully cover the intended area. The underlying color shows through, impacting the design.


3. Missing Print

Sometimes, the required screen printing position isn't reached. This results in missing prints. Parts of the design may be absent, reducing the product's visual appeal.


4. Blurred or Broken Lines

Poor printing can cause lines to be blurred or broken. Uneven thickness, blurring, and disconnected lines are common issues. These defects affect the clarity and precision of the printed design.


5. Uneven Screen Thickness

Improper screen operation can lead to uneven thickness. Dots, lines, and patterns may have inconsistent thickness. This creates an unprofessional appearance.


6. Misalignment

Misalignment occurs when the screen printing position is offset. Inaccurate positioning leads to designs being out of place. This can ruin the symmetry and overall look of the product.


7. Poor Adhesion

Insufficient adhesion means the screen coating doesn't stick well. It can be easily peeled off using 3M tape. This defect compromises the durability of the printed design.


8. Pinholes

Pinholes are small holes visible on the film surface. They are caused by various factors, including improper handling and environmental conditions. Pinholes can lead to durability issues.


9. Scratches

Scratches occur due to poor protection after screen printing. These marks can diminish the product's aesthetic value. Proper handling and storage are essential to prevent this defect.


10. Color Variation or Stains

Non-screen colors sometimes attach to the screen surface. These variations or stains can alter the intended design. Ensuring a clean printing environment is crucial.


11. Color Deviation

Color deviation is a common issue. It happens when the printed colors deviate from the standard color plate. Consistency in color matching is vital for maintaining brand identity.


White-Matte-Silk-Screen-Printing-Bottle-500ml-Pet-Plastic-Square-Shampoo-Hair-Care-Products-Cosmetic-Conditioner-Bottle


Visual Inspection

Importance of Visual Inspection

Visual inspection is crucial for maintaining quality. It helps identify defects early. This process ensures only the best products reach customers.


Proper Lighting Conditions for Inspection

Proper lighting is essential for effective visual inspection. The luminance should be between 200-300LX. This is equivalent to a 40W fluorescent lamp at a distance of 750MM.


Inspection Angles and Distances

The inspection angle and distance are key factors.

  • Angle: Inspect at a 45° angle between the line of sight and the product surface.

  • Time: Each inspection should last approximately 10 seconds.


Distances Based on Surface Grades

Different surfaces require different inspection distances.

  • Grade A: Directly visible external surfaces should be inspected from 400MM.

  • Grade B: Less visible external surfaces should be inspected from 500MM.

  • Grade C: Difficult to see internal and external surfaces should be inspected from 800MM.


Reliability Testing Methods

Test Type Purpose Conditions Procedure Acceptance Criteria
High-Temperature Storage Test Ensure durability in high temperatures +66°C, 48 hours Store at +66°C for 48 hours, then room temperature for 2 hours No wrinkles, blisters, cracks, peeling, or significant color/gloss changes
Low-Temperature Test Ensure durability in low temperatures -40°C, 48 hours Store at -40°C for 48 hours, then room temperature for 2 hours Same as high-temperature storage test
High Temp & Humidity Storage Test Ensure durability in hot, humid conditions +66°C/85%, 96 hours Store at +66°C/85% humidity for 96 hours, then room temperature for 2 hours Same as high-temperature storage test
Thermal Shock Test Simulate rapid temperature changes -40°C to +66°C, 12 cycles (5 min transition) Cycle between -40°C and +66°C, then room temperature for 2 hours Same as high-temperature storage test
Silk/Pad Printing Adhesion Test Evaluate adhesion of printing paint 3M600 tape, >5 samples Apply tape to printed area, pull at 90° angle, repeat 3 times Printed font or pattern should be clear and legible without peeling
Friction Test Evaluate adhesion of coated paint Eraser, 500G force, 15MM stroke, 50 times Rub back and forth with eraser No visible wear, print legible
Solvent Resistance Test Ensure durability under solvent exposure Isopropanol, 99% alcohol Drop isopropanol on surface, dry after 10 minutes; rub alcohol 20 times with 1kg pressure Print clear, no luster loss or fading
Thumb Test Check friction resistance Thumb, >5 samples, 3+0.5/-0KGF force Rub printed picture with thumb 15 times No chipping, breaking, or poor ink adhesion
75% Alcohol Test Evaluate alcohol resistance 75% alcohol, white cotton gauze, 1.5+0.5/-0KGF Rub printed pattern 30 times with alcohol-soaked gauze No peeling, gaps, broken lines; slight fading acceptable if pattern remains clear
95% Alcohol Test Evaluate alcohol resistance 95% alcohol, white cotton gauze, 1.5+0.5/-0KGF Same as 75% alcohol test Same as 75% alcohol test
810 Tape Test Evaluate print durability 810 tape, >5 samples Apply tape to screen printing, pull up at 45° angle, repeat 3 times No chipping or breaking
3M600 Tape Test Check print resistance 3M600 tape, >5 samples Apply tape to screen printing, pull up at 45° angle, test once No chipping or breaking
250 Tape Test Evaluate print durability 250 tape, >5 samples Apply tape to screen printing, pull up at 45° angle, repeat 3 times No chipping or breaking
Gasoline Wipe Test Check resistance to solvents Gasoline mixture, cotton gauze, 1.5KGF Rub printed pattern 30 times with gasoline mixture-soaked gauze No peeling, chipping, broken lines, or poor ink adhesion; slight fading acceptable if pattern remains clear
N-Hexane Wipe Test Evaluate resistance to n-hexane N-hexane, cotton gauze, 1.5KGF Rub printed pattern 30 times with n-hexane-soaked gauze No peeling, chipping, broken lines, or poor ink adhesion; slight fading acceptable if pattern remains clear

1. High-Temperature Storage Test

High-temperature storage tests ensure product durability. The storage temperature is set at +66°C for 48 hours. After this period, the product is kept at room temperature for 2 hours. Acceptance criteria include no wrinkles, blisters, cracks, peeling, or significant changes in color or gloss.


2. Low-Temperature Test

Low-temperature tests evaluate performance under extreme cold. The storage temperature is set at -40°C for 48 hours. Similar to the high-temperature test, the product is kept at room temperature for 2 hours afterward. The acceptance criteria remain the same.


3. High Temperature and Humidity Storage Test

This test checks the product's resilience in hot and humid conditions. The storage environment is +66°C with 85% humidity for 96 hours. Afterward, the product rests at room temperature for 2 hours. The acceptance criteria are identical to the high-temperature test.


4. Thermal Shock Test

Thermal shock tests simulate rapid temperature changes. The product is cycled between -40°C and +66°C, with each transition not exceeding 5 minutes. A total of 12 cycles are conducted. Post-test, the product is kept at room temperature for 2 hours. Acceptance criteria include no wrinkles, blisters, cracks, peeling, or significant changes in color or gloss.


5. Silk/Pad Printing Adhesion Test

This test evaluates the adhesion strength of the printing paint. It uses 3M600 transparent tape or tape with adhesion greater than 5.3N/18mm. The test method involves applying the tape to the printed font or pattern, pressing it flat, then pulling the tape at a 90° angle. This is repeated three times. The printed font or pattern should remain clear and legible without peeling.


6. Friction Test

The friction test evaluates the adhesion of coated surface paint and silk/pad printing paint. An eraser is used for this test. The method involves rubbing back and forth with a 500G vertical force and a 15MM stroke, 50 times. Acceptance criteria include no visible wear, and the printed font or pattern should remain legible.


7. Solvent Resistance Test

The solvent resistance test ensures the durability of the print under exposure to solvents.


Isopropanol Test

Drop 1ml of isopropanol solution on the surface and dry it after 10 minutes. The acceptance criteria are that printed words or patterns should be clearly visible without loss of luster or fading.


Alcohol Resistance Test

Rub a 99% alcohol solution back and forth 20 times using 1kg pressure. The acceptance criteria remain the same as the isopropanol test: clear visibility without fading or luster loss.


8. Thumb Test

The thumb test checks the print's resistance to friction using a thumb. Conditions require more than 5 test samples. The procedure involves rubbing the printed picture with the thumb 15 times using a 3+0.5/-0KGF force. The acceptance criteria are that the printed pattern should not be chipped, broken, or exhibit poor ink adhesion.


9. 75% Alcohol Test

The 75% alcohol test evaluates the print's resistance to alcohol. Conditions include more than 5 test samples, white cotton gauze, 75% alcohol, and 1.5+0.5/-0KGF. The procedure involves rubbing the printed pattern 30 times with alcohol-soaked gauze. Acceptance criteria are no peeling, gaps, broken lines, or poor ink adhesion. Slight fading is acceptable if the pattern remains clear.


10. 95% Alcohol Test

This test follows the same conditions and procedure as the 75% alcohol test but uses 95% alcohol. The acceptance criteria are identical: no peeling, gaps, broken lines, or poor ink adhesion. Slight fading is allowed if the pattern stays clear.


11. 810 Tape Test

The 810 tape test ensures the print's durability. Conditions require more than 5 test samples and 810 tape. The procedure involves applying the tape to the screen printing, pulling it up at a 45° angle, and repeating this 3 times. The acceptance criteria are that the printed pattern should not be chipped or broken.


12. 3M600 Tape Test

This test checks the print's resistance using 3M600 tape. Conditions include more than 5 test samples and 3M600 tape. The procedure is similar: apply the tape to the screen printing, pull it up at a 45° angle, and test it once. The acceptance criteria are that the printed pattern should not be chipped or broken.


13. 250 Tape Test

The 250 tape test is another method to evaluate print durability. Conditions require more than 5 test samples and 250 tape. The procedure involves applying the tape to the screen printing, pulling it up at a 45° angle, and repeating this 3 times. The acceptance criteria remain the same: the printed pattern should not be chipped or broken.


14. Gasoline Wipe Test

The gasoline wipe test checks the print's resistance to solvents. Conditions include more than 5 test samples, white cotton gauze, a gasoline mixture (gasoline:75% alcohol=1:1), and a force of 1.5+0.5/-0KGF. The procedure involves rubbing the printed pattern 30 times with gasoline mixture-soaked gauze. Acceptance criteria are no peeling, chipping, broken lines, or poor ink adhesion. Slight fading is acceptable if the pattern remains clear.


15. N-Hexane Wiping Test

This test evaluates print resistance to n-hexane. Conditions require more than 5 test samples, white cotton gauze, n-hexane, and a force of 1.5+0.5/-0KGF. The procedure involves rubbing the printed pattern 30 times with n-hexane-soaked gauze. Acceptance criteria are the same as the gasoline wipe test: no peeling, chipping, broken lines, or poor ink adhesion. Slight fading is acceptable if the pattern remains clear.


Quality Test


Conclusion

Testing methods for silk screen products are crucial. They ensure quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Manufacturers should implement proper testing procedures to detect and fix defects early. Continuous improvement and adherence to quality standards are vital. Regular testing helps maintain high-quality products and builds customer trust. Keep refining your processes for the best results.

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