Regarding label and sticker printing, the most common methods are the traditional silkscreen or the digital printing method. Both manufacturing methods are highly used due to their quality of prints. However, silkscreen printing may have some advantages over digital printing. Read on to find out why silkscreen printing is our preferred method.
General difference between silkscreen and digital printing
You may be wondering what is silkscreen printing and digital printing. Before we go into the specifics, here is a quick rundown of how each printing method functions.
Silkscreen printing
As its name suggests, silkscreen printing requires the usage of different screens in its printing process. A stencil is first created according to the design of the print. A mesh silkscreen is then placed on the design and loaded with ink. Afterwards, a squeegee then pushes the ink through the mesh and onto the stencil, creating a print. During the printing process, we can use different screens for each colour of your design. By layering the different colour prints, you will get your finished product.
Digital printing
Digital printing involves using a computer to process the artwork before printing it directly onto the surface of the desired product, where the ink is then bonded onto the surface of your product. It is an easy-to-use and effective method of printing.
Comparisons between the two
Colour vibrancy
Silkscreen printing uses a large amount of ink that is layered upon each other to create your product. The ink used could be up to ten times thicker than digital prints. As each separate layer consists of only one colour, silkscreen printing can maintain a colour vibrancy and brilliance that is difficult to replicate via digital printing. Silkscreen printing is the way to go if your designs are bold and eye-catching.
Durability
Due to the thick layers of ink used in silkscreen printing, the finished product is more durable than digital prints. The additional layers of ink allow the finished product to be long-lasting and least likely to fade away. Additional finishes could also be added to the ink to make the printed product resistant to elements.
Colour Variations
Unfortunately, when it comes to variations, digital printers have an easier time printing designs with multiple colours. The ease is due to silkscreen printing having to change screens for each colour. It is possible for silkscreen printing to print multitudes of colours, but it might not be cost-effective due to the higher number of screens required. However, silkscreen printing can achieve a higher-quality finish if you are willing to spend the extra dime.
Conclusion
Ultimately, silkscreen printing is the method of choice for clients looking to invest in higher quality and durable prints. Hillier is your choice if you are looking for silkscreen printing in Singapore!
Hillier Industries has been in the printing business for decades, and we aim always to provide our customers with quality products and excellent service. Speak with us today, and we will advise you on your printing needs!