If you’re about to place an order for your next batch of graphic overlays or membrane keypads, the last thing that you will think to consider is the impact that a stencil could have on your product. But, one of the major causes of production inefficiency for a printer comes from trying to use the wrong screen print stencil for the job in hand. Having the right one, can greatly improve productivity, reduce ink usage and also reduce wastage.
Improving productivity is one of the best ways to improve profitability whilst providing the most competitive price to the customer; consequently huge efforts are placed on increasing printing speeds and throughput. Yet how much time is really spent focusing on screen print set-up times, right first-time quality, out of specification print wastage.
In fact, one of the major causes of production inefficiency comes from trying to use the wrong screen print stencil for the job in hand. This undoubtedly leads to unnecessary time spent carrying out 'on-press' fixes, such as changing squeegee pressure/angle/type/speed. In terms of efficiency, this effort is wasteful as this treats the symptoms rather than the cause and these fixes don't always work on the next job.
The solution is simple: all manufacturers in this industry should be using the right stencil for the job.
Our preference is the MacDermid Autotype Capillex CX, the 'Controlled Profile' stencil system. Specifically formulated for the most demanding of industrial applications Capillex CX improves production efficiency through minimising the stencil influence on ink build to produce a cleaner, more reliable print. The end result is an extremely flat, low-ink deposit with minimal edge build or saw-toothing, which reduces ink usage and ensures a consistent finished result.
This stencil system is also compatible with both conventional UV and solvent based inks, making it ideal for our requirements. We have experienced massive increases in productivity and simultaneously managed to reduce costs on ink and cut our waste since switching to the Capillex CX.
The use of a state-of the art stencil system is just one way in which Fascia improves its service to customers. There are many other areas that can also improve production efficiency and product quality. Not all suppliers in the market meet these high standards, so you may want to at least cover the following with them:
1. Are they a certified supplier for printing the UL logo?
2. Have they achieved the ISO9001: 2000 Quality System?
3. Can they provide low cost prototyping within five days?
4. Can you be assured that you are receiving the highest levels of quality because of 100% final inspection?
5. Are you provided with a state-of-the-art bar-coding system, which provides you with full tracking of products?
If the answer to any of these is no, then it may be time to consider switching supplier.
http://www.fasciagraphics.co.uk/