Rotary Screen Printing VS Roller Printing

Difference between Rotary Screen Printing and Roller Printing.


Rotary Screen Printing:

Rotary screen printing is a continuous printing process. A perforated cylinder or spherical screen are used which are automatically fed with paste from inside by special pump. Each screen is independently driven. The transfer of printing paste through the perforations of the screen into the fabric is governed by specially designed squeeze blades. During printing, the paste is pressed through the surface via openings in order to obtain the desired design. The cylindrical screens allow more screens to be arranged per unit length than is the case with flat screen printing. Speed range from 80 to 110 metres/min. The standard internal circumference of cylindrical screens is 640 - 1018 mm. However, other dimensions· are also possible. Production efficiency of rotary screen printing is high though printing cost is high due to high price of screen. Besides, different screens are needed for varying colors.

Roller Printing:

Roller printing is the most economical and fastest way of printing techniques. This type of printing is also referred to as intaglio or machine printing. The technique of roller printing is especially used for very large batches but faces great competition from rotary screen printing. Roller printing is capable of producing very sharp outlines to the printed pattern which is especially important for small figures. The maximum design repeat is the circumference of the engraved roller. Designs with up to 16 colors present no problem in roller printing.

Difference between Rotary Screen Printing and Roller Printing

Rotary Screen Printing

Printing is done by specially made perforated cylindrical or spherical screen.

Paste is pumped to the screen and distributed length wise by pumps.

Up to 24 colors can be printed but 8-10 are printed easily.

Can be printed woven and knitted fabric.

The main equipment of printing is rotary screen.

Design can be changed quickly.

Engraving costs slightly lower than copper roller.

Setting up time – lower.

Production rate-high.

Pressure of fabric – low.

Skillness required by the operator is low.

Color applied is more adaptable.

Roller Printing

Printing is done by specially engraved copper roller.

Paste is transferred to the engraved roller by color furnishing roller.

Even 16 engraved roller can be used for different colors of pattern only 4-6.

Can be printed woven and tricot fabric.

The main equipment of printing is engraved roller.

More time required for changing of pattern.

Engraving costs is higher.

Setting up time – higher.

Production rate medium.

Pressure of fabric – high.

Skillness required by the operator is high.

Color applied is less in general.

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