How To Create Off-Contact For Screen Printing Magic

Off-contact refers to a method of screen printing in which a certain distance is maintained between the screen and the substrate throughout the printing process. But why is it important and what are the parameters to good off-contact?
In this "how-to" mini seminar session, Kieth Stevens demonstrates how to set off-contact on a manual press. Proper off-contact helps in avoiding smearing or ghosting of a print, resulting in a crisp, clean image.
We have received many requests from our customers to do seminars, so we are posting a "how-to" series on our RUclips channel. These short how-to videos will address some basic and advanced techniques for screen printing.
We'd love to hear some suggestions of what you'd like us to cover.
For more information about our screen printing inks, visit iccink.com/
#internationalcoatings #iccink #international_coatings #screenprinting #screenprintinginks #plastisolinks #howto #howtoscreenprint #offcontact

[@phototec]

So what do you consider a good off contact amount, 1/16", 1/8", or 1/4" etc?

[@ICCINK]

Hi Jon, that is the magic question. There is no exact answer as many variables play in to this. For example, how tight the mesh is, how big the image size is, or even the viscosity of the ink. For example a Poly white may require additional off contact. A thicker substrate may also require more off-contact. The main point is that the screen should lift off IMMEDIATELY after the squeegee passes. When the mesh is very tight, you can even hear a "pop" sound as the squeegee passes over the substrate.

[@enzprintco.8625]

Have the text on the screen a little longer. I can’t read that fast while listening. I never claimed to be bright lol

[@ICCINK]

Noted! :) Thanks for the feedback.
We used the text to augment what was being said in the video, but yeah, can definitely improve.