General Guidelines for Screen Printing On Flat Glass

Typical applications cover appliance, automotive and architectural glass

Key
Elements
ARTWORK

Variables
Film Positive

ALTERNATIVE
IMAGING
TECHNIQUES

Computerization

SCREEN

Frame

Characteristics

Guidelines

Comments

Quality

Film must be clean, void of marks, greasy

stains, scratches or other blemishes such
as static spots

Poor artwork is the single largest cause of

poor print quality

Image

Image output must be solid of the correct

density,
complete
image(s)
intact,
geometrically accurate in representation
with no appearance of distortion, moir or
banding

Printing can never better the originalonly

equal it at best

Edge
Resolution

If necessary, re-output the film at a higher

DPI if edge quality of image is not smooth
or there is evidence of moir/banding (see
above)

Check with imagesetter supplier for further

resolution and density recommendations

Accuracy

If printing more than one color, check

registration accuracy between the set of
films

Films shrink due to environment changes

which can cause registration problems later

CTS and Direct

Projection

A variety of Computer-To-Screen and

Direct Projection systems offer alternative
imaging techniques that do not require film
positives and perhaps other processing
steps employed in conventional screen
making. Follow systems guidelines closely
for optimal error-free results.

Check image for unacceptable serrated

edges, as well as moir with monotone or
process work and banding with vignettes
(dot gradations).

Type

Stretch & Glue and Self-tensioning are

the two main types of frame systems
commonly used for glass printing

Stretch and glue frames are lighter, more

cost
effective
and
practical
for
auto/architectural glass
Self-tensioning frames are a more practical
consideration for appliance/white goods
due
to
close-tolerance
multicolor
registration requirements

Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Frame
(Continued)
Size

Guidelines

Comments

Image size should ideally not exceed 65%

of the inside of the frame for architectural
glass

Percentage recommendations may not be

possible in all situations

50% for automotive glass

40% for appliance and other smaller format
sizes

GANA DD DOC 0111

Allow as much space as possible from

squeegee to inside frame for good ink well
(see separate entry)
Consider equipment and other possible
limitations

Ink Well

Ensure there is a healthy space large

enough for the squeegee and floodbar to
clear the image at either end to prevent ink
from seeping back into the open image
area

Ink seepage due to insufficient clearance

will cause potential rejects particularly with
etched or frosted coatings

Tubing

Tubing/section size should be based on

overall frame size and desired tension
levels

Consult with fabric and screen supplier for

optimum recommendations

Construction

For extra large screens for architectural

applications, consider having corner
gussets and prebowed

Flatness

All four corners should lay flat on the print

table without any signs of warpage

Do not use if the frame doesnt clamp down

flat as the image may distort as well as
other problems

Squareness

Corners squared 90

An out of square frame can potentially lead

to registration and distortion problems

Gussets reduce corner

prevents cracking

warpage

and

Prebow reduces inward deflection under

high tensions and helps maintain tension

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Frame
(Continued)
Standardization

Fabric / Mesh

Type

Guidelines

Comments

Keep frame sizes to a minimum to reduce

adjustments and set up times, particularly
with architectural applications

Determine one frame size (maximum) for

appliance and automotive jobs and no
more than three for architectural (S, M and
L for example)

Consider a universal master frame holder

to accept various frame sizes for
architectural applications

A master frame holder can significantly

reduce setup/changeover times (having
two sets: one on press and the other
prepared offline for next job)

Monofilament polyester

Low elongation polyester is the most

common mesh type used for glass printing

Stainless steel
Nylon

Stainless steel is good for conductivity

purposes

Typical mesh counts used for glass printing

with inorganic enamels are:
- Appliances: 86 380 Threads Per Inch
(TPI)/34 150 Threads Per Centimeter
(TPC)
Effects ink consumption, ink deposit,
opacity, screen tension, screen life among
other factors

Mesh Count

Consider particle size when selecting,

particularly for fine line images and
characters (see Aperture on next page)
Higher mesh counts (TPI/TPC) provides
better image detail to be reproduced

GANA DD DOC 0111

- Automotive: 140 305 TPI/55 120 TPC

- Architectural: 74 255 TPI/29 100 TPC
Printing mediums other than ceramic frit,
such as other types of inorganic, organic,
elastomeric, solvent-/water-based or UV
(ultra-violet) may require different mesh
counts, processing and handlingrefer
specifically
to
suppliers
mesh
recommendations
and
processing
procedures as well as those of the ink
coating manufacturer

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables
Fabric / Mesh
(Continued)

Characteristics

Guidelines
Effects how ink flows to edge of stencil

Thread
Diameter

Best to use thinnest thread possible for

small dots, fine lines and graduations
Thinner thread results in less resistance to
print

Aperture

POA
(Percentage Open
Area)

Mesh Color
(dyed)

GANA DD DOC 0111

Aperture or physical opening size should

ideally be at least 3 4 times greater in
size than the largest particles contained in
the ink

POA is a useful guide to determine how

receptive ink will transfer to the glass
surface in comparison to other fabric
grades

Comments
Thicker thread is prevalent for glass
printing due to the aggressiveness of the
ceramic frit
Thinner threads typically deposit more
enamel and provide better resolution and
overall print detail

Aperture can be increased or decreased in

size by selecting a thinner or thicker thread
diameter

POA is determined by thread count and

diameter

Higher POA requires less squeegee

pressure and wear while permitting higher
printing speed

As opposed to white, dyed mesh impacts

quality and edge sharpness of the stencil
image

White mesh is cost effective for nondemanding applications such as flood/open

screens

Yellow or orange mesh provides better

resolution and definition than white

Dyed fabrics are best to use for all

photographically
reproduced
images
regardless of pattern

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Fabric / Mesh
(Continued)

Tension

Guidelines

Comments

Screens should have enough tension to

allow for a clean separation from the glass
surface immediately behind the squeegee
during the print stroke with minimum offcontact

While each fabric grade has its own

desirable tension level, how straightforward
or demanding the job is needs to be taken
into consideration too

Follow fabric suppliers recommended

tension level for each fabric grade, usually
around level I for automotive and
architectural and level II for white
goods/small format intricate jobs
Smaller screens withstand higher tension
levels than their larger cousins
Tension should be uniform within the
image area, checked in five places (center
and four corners) in both directions with
small screens, and consider up to nine
places for very large architectural screens

Follow stretching equipments procedures

for rapid tension

Stretching

Fabric stretched at a bias angle for glass

printing is generally not required so fabric
ought to be glued linearly better than 1%
angle to the screen frame
Fabric should ideally be held pneumatically
at the desired tension level consistently for
30 minutes prior to gluing

GANA DD DOC 0111

Higher tension screens will

productivity, quality and yield

increase

If screen making is outsourced, establish

minimum shipping tension for each fabric
type based on recommendations, as
opposed to when it is received, sometimes
referred to as shipping or transit loss
Consistent print results and superior
coating uniformity can only come about
with close tension consistency regardless
of tension level or screen size

If stretching is outsourced, discuss

methodology to gain best results for
assured quality and consistency
Methodology behind the 30-minute rule is
to prevent screens from weakening too
quickly from repeated use, thereby
extending their durability and useful life

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Fabric / Mesh
(Continued)
Preparation

Comments

All newly stretched fabric needs to be

degreased so that its surface is clean and
slightly abraded to promote better adhesion
of the stencil

Procedure and treatment techniques

involved are according to film or emulsion
used

Cleaned screen should ideally be dried in

an enclosed area or cabinet void of
collecting dust particles and must be
completely
dried/moisture-free
before
being coated

If stretching screens for storage purposes,

clean and degrease screens within 24
hours of coating and exposing

Test
Screens

Screens made for samples and testing

purposes should have the exact same
fabric grade and tension level that is used
in actual production regardless of what
they may be

Production can better match printed

samples, deposit thickness, color and
opacity/translucency when both screens
are made to the same specifications except
for size

Rest Period

When stretching has been completed,

allow at least 24 hours - 48 hours before
coating for reorientation of the fibers (this is
when the long side of large screens are
forced to bow in the center)

Rest period will help to prevent lines or

dots at the outer edge of the image
developing a curve, if the frame bows
along its length, as well as improving closetolerance registration

Type

While there are numerous types available,

they basically comprise of two groups
according to enamels chemistry: solventresistant or water-resistant

Select emulsion type based on type of ink

system to be used, being mindful that the
screen may not be used with all types of
printing ink

Emulsion or
Stencil Film

Application

GANA DD DOC 0111

Guidelines

For capillary film

manufacturers
recommendations

application, follow
processing

For emulsion coating, one or more coating

strokes are required to encapsulate the
mesh

Full encapsulation is necessary to provide

integrity for maximum durability

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Emulsion or
Stencil Film
(Continued)

Thickness

Guidelines

Comments

EOM (emulsion over mesh) on the

substrate side should be kept below 10
microns with coating recipes preprogrammed if using an automatic coating
machine

For superior quality image detail, EOM

should ideally be between 4 8 microns
depending on emulsion type

Following suppliers recommendation to

attain mesh encapsulation, which may
require several test screens to achieve the
objective

Substrate side of screen should provide a

good gasket for ink transfer and image
integrity

Surface Roughness

Drying

GANA DD DOC 0111

If there are any doubts about obtaining the

most desirable Rz value (measure of
roughness) with fine images, have test
screens made to determine optimal value

Screens coated with emulsion or capillary

film applied should be dried horizontally
with squeegee side uppermost in a clean
dust-free environment

Thinner EOM is recommended for fine dots

and lines as it reduces the unsightly thickedge appearance
Thickness has no effect on ink deposit in
open areas except at the outer edges

Screens with a Rz value of 8 12 is

recommended for glass surfaces
If stencil is too smooth (lower than 8 R z),
static may damage the printed image as
the screen separates
If Rz value is too high, edge resolution will
be lost

Allowing screens to dry in a vertical

position will render coating or stencil to be
uneven and will lead to print quality issues

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Guidelines
Determine correct distance of light source
according to screen/image size

Emulsion or
Stencil Film
(Continued)

Exposure

Determine correct exposure time, via a

light integrator, with the aid of an exposure
calculator

Suppliers will recommend optimum lamp

system according to screen/image size but
higher Kw lamps provides superior image
reproduction

Each fabric grade and emulsion thickness

will have its own unique exposure time that
should be programmed into the procedures
for consistency

Obtain a full vacuum seal between blanket

and exposure glass as it is critical to
prevent image distortion and loss of detail

For very fine line resolution requirements,

consider
the
secondary-exposing
technique to improve definition and coating
integritymore prevalent for appliance
applications
Keep exposure glass, top and bottom,
continuously clean of particle matter, tape
and greasy finger marks

GANA DD DOC 0111

Comments

Change lamps at the recommended life,

usually 1000 hours regardless of a light
integrator employed
Keep a record of each screen made,
emulsion applied, image (job #) and
exposure time for tracking potential
problems

Washout

Establish
acceptable
procedures
to
washout the emulsion, including spray
consistency and warm water temperature
95 - 113 F (35 - 45 C), if used and
highly recommended

Do not overly washout as it will irreparably

damage the emulsion/stencil properties

Blockout
and Tape

Blockout areas outside the emulsion/stencil

and tape according to set procedures

It is better for screen makers to finish the

screen completely and have ready for
printing than to allow printers to do this part
of the job

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Key
Elements
SCREEN
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Guidelines
If outsourced, check makers QC
inspection sheet upon receiving screens
and keep on file

Emulsion or
Stencil Film
(Continued)
Final QC

Custom Taping

Prior to placing into production, inspect the

whole screen to ensure stated tension is
correct, the complete image is in tact (such
as half a dot missing), line integrity, edge
resolution acceptable (with the aid of a
loupe) and no appearance of banding,
moir, etc
Mark up screen prior to production,
indicating where the tape will go when
processing various custom sizes with the
same screen/image
For professional-looking clean screens,
use a backlite washbooth designed for this
purpose including a high-pressure washer
with suitable PSI

Cleaning

Washbooth

Remove tape, adhesive residuals and any

particles of ink, including those at inner
edges of the frame

Comments

If necessary, keep a log of screens

recording tension of fabric each time it has
been used before and after
Proper documentation will map longevity of
screens and may indicate potential
problems from reoccurring

Pre-marking will significantly

accuracy and productivity

improve

Consult washbooth suppliers as well as

state, city and local ordinances regarding
drainage and waste disposal

Consider two separate systems, or a

combination, when processing water and
solvent-based inks

PRINT TABLE
and

Urethane is the most common squeegee

material and make sure the grade selected
holds up to aggressive frit and solvents
used

Squeegee

PRESS SETUP
Material

Single durometer straight edge

squeegees (90 corners) are the most
commonly used for glass printing
Dual-durometer blades are gaining in
popularity for fine detail applications,
particularly for smaller format printing and
demanding results

GANA DD DOC 0111

High quality, more expensive squeegee

blades are generally more cost-effective as
they do a better job of printing, have more
resistance to aggressive frit/solvent
cleaning and last much longer

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Squeegee
(Continued)

Guidelines

Affects ink deposit and edge resolution

Durometer
(hardness)

Edge Quality

Mechanical
Angle

Durometer ranging from 65 85 are

widely used for glass printing
Continuous cleaning as well as wear and
tear will increase durometer over time and
those increasing in hardness by 5 should
be discarded for demanding print quality

Most critical variable of the squeegee: keep

clean and sharp, let it rest after cleaning
and sharpening (see separate entry)
Solvents and chemicals weaken the edge;
so does printing too soon after sharpening
(see separate entry)
Set mechanically fixed angle on the
squeegee assembly bridge 10 - 15 from
the vertical position
Large depth squeegee blades will require
less of a fixed angle as opposed to those
shorter in depth
Actual print angle is an important variable
that needs to be constantly attended to in
order to render suitable print performance

Print Angle

GANA DD DOC 0111

Angle decided by several variables:

durometer, mechanical fixed angle, depth
of squeegee from holder, pressure, offcontact and peel-off settings, mesh, image
and more

10

Comments
Softer squeegees yield more deposit but
reduce edge definition while the reverse
occurs with harder blades
Check durometer periodically to insure
hardness has not changed due to solvents
or when incrementally wearing down
Always refer to durometer by its hardness
numbernot
by color
when
troubleshooting since a common colorcode system does not exist between
manufacturers
Follow manufacturers recommendation for
proper squeegee handling and care
For long production runs, rotate squeegees
frequently, as determined by experience, to
allow their edges to regain integrity (reduce
swelling)

Never preset more than 20 angle

mechanically under any circumstances for
glass printing

Print angle should not vary more than 5

10 from fixed mechanical angle and back
off pressure slightly when reducing angle
or print speed
Less angle improves edge quality/thinner
deposit while the opposite occurs with a
greater angle

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Squeegee
(Continued)
Pressure

Guidelines

Comments

Pressure needed is in direct relation to

screen tension, fabric grade, off contact,
peel-off, image size, copy characteristics,
durometer and frit size to complete ink
transfer

Keep pressure at a minimum to reduce

unnecessary squeegee and screen wear
as well as image distortion and possibly
registration problems

The least amount of force is ideally

required to transfer ink through the screen,
which under suitable conditions, will reduce
overall stress in the process

Speed

Ideal speed is determined by transferability

of ink (ink flow) and shear rate according to
mesh grade and reproduction of image
detail

Probably the most overlooked variable for

consistency in deposit uniformity

Length

GANA DD DOC 0111

Best way to keep pressure low is by using

higher screen tension and lower off-contact
distance

Lower viscosity generally permits faster

print speed
Speed should ideally be fixed with the
same ink type and viscosity range for all
jobs
Squeegee length should be no longer than
1 (25 mm) past the image width on either
side

Fit the squeegee to suit the image, not the

frame

A blade that is too long will collapse in the

center, resulting in excessive pressure,
premature screen wear, image distortion
and uneven ink deposit

Snowplow

Consider snowplowing the squeegee a few

degrees, on either axis when printing lines
and halftones

Snowplow helps to improve edge definition

of lines by reducing the sawtoothing effect
as well as helping to eliminate moir

Dripless

Use feature when printing acid-etch

coatings or any ultra thin/transparent-type
coatings

The anti-drip device prevents ink dripping

off the squeegee blade onto the open
screen during the flood cycle, which will
ruin the next print

11

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Squeegee
(Continued)

Sharpening

Management Care

Guidelines

Comments

A good quality squeegee sharpener is

imperative as the number one support tool
for screen printing onto any clear substrate,
such as glass and in particular for large
sizes

Frequent sharpening is perhaps the most

critical pre-press process on the production
floor but about the least considered

Prepare a detailed procedure to ensure

sharpening is regularly carried out after
squeegees have been printing and
cleaned, rested before sharpening and
then rested again before reuse

Squeegee blades are the cheapest item for

printing yet they can be the most expensive
in the process if they are not treated
properly

Clean only with water or press-wash for

solvent-based inks and do not leave ink to
dry on them

Superior blade material will always last

longer, resist solvents better
and
significantly
improve
overall
print
performance

With solvent-based inks and aggressive

cleaning solvents, rest blades ideally for 24
hours or overnight before reuse or
sharpening

Have several sets of squeegees in the loop

of the same size so they can be rotated
during production

GANA DD DOC 0111

Ideally cross-train in its operation, rotate

but designate one person per shift/per
month to handle the job to yield consistent
results

Uncoil material when received, cut to size if

practical, lay flat, store away from inks,
solvents and bright lights at 68 77 F
(20 25 C)

Rest again for 24 hours or overnight after

sharpening (see comments)

Variables

Follow
sharpeners
recommended
procedures very carefully and modify them
to suit as required

Variables listed in this section are some of

the more critical operational variables.
Please be aware that there are many more
variables associated with the squeegee

12

Some sophisticated sharpeners create

hardly any heat from friction if used
correctly, so squeegees could be reused
immediately after sharpening
Using aggressive solvents for cleaning will
unnecessarily make the edges swell and
be completely unusable until properly
rested

Consult your supplier

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Floodbar
Role

Guidelines

Comments

The real purpose of the floodbar

(floodcoater or scraper blade) is not to
return the ink back to commence the next
print cycle but to determine how much the
squeegee will deposit

Squeegee can only transfer what the

floodbar has left in and on the screen
regardless of its conditions

Those that are mechanically angled at 0

from vertical are ideal for applying heavy
depositsand are sometimes referred to
as a standard floodbar

Type

Set Up

Those pre-angled at 25 - 45 degrees are

better for obtaining thinner deposits and
improved image resolution/edge quality.
Sometimes are referred to as a halftone or
special floodbar
Should have enough pressure to leave an
even amount of ink across the surface
along its entire length
Floodbar adjustments are independent of
the squeegees, which can be very
advantageous

If the dynamics of the screen permitted

more ink coating to be transferred than
desirable, switch to an angle (halftone)
floodbar
If ink deposit is insufficient due to the
dynamics of the screen, switch to a
standard floodbar

Adjust floodbar pressure for controlling ink

deposit before changing other variables

Any nicks will print as an unsightly line

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Edge

Edge must be straight, level, nick and burrfree

Controls

Keep control settings consistent, such as

speed, angles, pressure, etc.

13

Never lay a floodbar on its edge but rather

on its back and place a protective cover
over the edge

Oftentimes, the flooding action has more

influence on the print than the squeegee so
be mindful of its formidable power

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

Variables
Floodbar
(Continued)

Characteristics

Guidelines

Comments

Length

Extremely important that its length should

be paired with the squeegee

A floodbar that is too long will leave more

ink coating in the middle of the screen thus
permitting the squeegee to print an uneven
deposit

Print Modes

Should ink dry too quickly in the screen

between print cycles, consider using the
flood/print mode, if available, as it keeps
the screen flooded during the pause
between cycles

Conversely, if too much ink seeps through

the screen between print cycles, switch to
the print/flood mode of operating, which is
generally considered the normal way of
operating

Variables

Variables listed in this section are some of

the more critical operational variables.
Please be aware that there are many more
variables associated with the floodbar

Consult your supplier

Make-Ready

Before setting up a press, check that it is in

a useable state from the last job and safe
to commence make-ready - especially at
the start of a shift and in particular when a
formal handshake (handover) was not
conducted between the previous operator

Sometimes the most simplest things

forgotten
create
unnecessarily long
downtimes between changeovers

Screen tension alone determines distance

to use

Mechanical

Off-Contact

Set as low as possible to allow for a clean

release of screen from the substrate during
the printing stroke
Since larger screens typically have lower
tension, they would require higher offcontact

GANA DD DOC 0111

14

Too much off contact will result in

excessive squeegee pressure, image
distortion, poor registration, reduced
screen life, loss of image detail and
inconsistent ink deposit
Higher tension screens will always allow a
lower off-contact distance corresponding
with less squeegee pressure; setting up the
ideal rheology for successful printing

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

Variables

Characteristics

Mechanical
(Continued)
Peel-Off

Guidelines

Comments

Shear rate of ink determines the amount of

peel-off to use, if required, to prevent a
large area of the fabric to remain in contact
with the glass behind the squeegee

Increase peel-off rather than off-contact if

high tension screens do not create a clean
separation from the glass surface

Peel should be set high enough to allow

the screen to release from the substrate to
provide a clean looking print

Nesting

To reduce wear on the screen and yield a

better-looking print, consider using nesting
supports to prevent the squeegee from
jumping when it runs on and off from the
glass surface
May also be used to register the glass
panel

Teardown

Upon finishing a production run, it is a good

working practice to leave the printing
machine in a neutral safe state that is
zero back registration adjustments and
cancel
any excessive
settings
or
adjustments
On the last print of a job, set the machine
so the print cycle finishes at the end of the
print stroke, thereby making it easier to
clean the screen

GANA DD DOC 0111

In many instances where good printing

techniques are used, nesting is not always
required but generally used to provide a
safety net
Nesting material should be the same
thickness as the substrate

As screen printing equipment can be rather

complex, insist on having handshakes (an
update of the printing machines state and
current/finished job) when switching
operators

Ensure correct lamp configuration, voltage

power settings and conveyor speed with
UV curing

In general terms, water- or solvent-based

inks require the longest possible resident
time in the heating section that will keep up
with productivity, which will then afford the
lowest temperature setting for a more
efficient way of operating and reducing
glass exit temperature

If cooling is used, ensure the air is not

restricted, too warm and that the exhaust is
working properly

Usually the reverse with UV, ink is exposed

for the shortest possible time to crosslink
and not over cure

Ensure heat settings configuration is

correct for the ink type, color, deposit
thickness and conveyor speed

Drying or
Curing

High tension screens will always reduce

the dependence of peel-off and excessive
squeegee pressure

15

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Key
Elements
PRINT TABLE
and
PRESS SETUP
(Continued)

ENVIRONMENT

Variables

Characteristics

Mechanical
(Continued)
SOP

Conditions

Print room

Guidelines
Each of the printing equipments settings
and conditions should be properly recorded
for each type of print need and ink medium
used (standard and transparency etch) so
that they can be repeated by any operator
Generate a full working set of operating
procedures (SOPs) according to practices
and techniques employed when results
produce good-looking prints with minimal
hassle in make-ready and production
Consider building a separate room around
the printing operation to keep factory dust
and dirt away

Comments

Some form of standardized procedures

become necessity when mechanizing an
artistic printing process into one that is
more
controllable,
repeatable
and
manageable by everyone involved

To keep the print room continuously clean,

minimize traffic by making it Authorized
Personnel Only and, as necessary, supply
operators with cleanroom outerwear (coats,
hats, bootees, etc)
Consistency to maintain actual or practical
working conditions, regardless of what they
are, is more important than the ideal values
stated if they cannot be continuously met
Cost to provide some form of a separate
print room is greatly outweighed by
spectacular print results and superior
production performance

GANA DD DOC 0111

Temperature

Ideal range 68 72 F (20 22 C)

Humidity

Ideal range throughout the year 50% - 60%

R/H

Pressure

Atmosphere slight over pressure, 1 in (45

mm) over water column

Air Quality

Quality filtered air with at least four

changes/hour although six should be
considered

16

Consider using
viscometer

an

industry-recognized

Consistency in viscosity promotes quicker

changeovers for short custom jobs and
makes it easier to track problems as they
arise

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Key
Elements
ENVIRONMENT
(Continued)

Variables
Conditions
(Continued)

Guidelines

Characteristics

Static

Reduce the effects of static electricity by

using antistatic mats and coats as well as
consider separately grounding equipment
as necessary

Access

Ensure access doors open outwards to

prevent dragging factory dust particles from
entering
Enamels, referred to as ink or paint, should
be thinned and/or mixed prior to use within
the suppliers viscosity range

Enamel (ink)
Viscosity

Establishing a workable range will enable

operators to use the same machine
settings
Always filter the ink before used,
particularly if ink recovery is practiced, to
prevent hard dried pieces from being
printed

Dried up, hard ink can not only ruin an

otherwise good print, but can also pop the
screen

Screens

As above

If materials cannot be stored in this type of

environment, they should be brought into
the printing environment at least 24 hours
prior to being used and allowed to
acclimate to the print room-type conditions

Enamels

As above

As above, but recommend 48 hours prior to

use

Consider hanging them on the wall or

provide a rack for each size including
paired floodbars

As with floodbars, squeegees should never

be rested on their edges but left laying on
their backs blade uppermost

Use a tin side meter to ensure the glass air

side surface is uppermost for architectural
and appliance glass printing

When printing on the tin side of glass, the

ceramic frit will react with the tin and may
cause discoloration or mottling. This could
give the appearance of a defect or poor
print quality

Recovery

Material Storage

Squeegee
Floodbar

Others
Air Side

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Key
Elements
ENVIRONMENT
(Continued)

Variables
Others
(Continued)

Characteristics

Guidelines

Comments

Tin Side

Use a tin side meter to ensure the glass tin

side surface is uppermost for automotive
glass printing

The tin side is desirable for automotive

applications, due to the reaction with the tin
and the silver conductive ceramic enamel

Antistatic

Consider
using
antistatic
devices
particularly as the glass enters the print
room from the washer

Refer to suppliers recommendations

Ink Feeding

Consider suitable access for operators to

pour ink into the screen at the floodbar
end, according to size of the press and
layout

Inspection

Consider need to inspect print immediately

after printing before it enters the dryer

Work with OEM initial recommendations

Highly recommended to allocate space for

such checking since it will enable operators
to make print adjustments as necessary

For information on additional reference resources including the GANA Glazing Manual and other Glass Informational Bulletins visit GANA
website: www.glasswebsite.com.
The Glass Association of North America (GANA) has produced this document solely to provide general information as to general guidelines for
screen printing on flat glass. The document does not purport to state that any one particular type of screen printing process or procedure should
be used in all applications or even in any specific application. The user of this document has the responsibility to ensure that architectural glass
constructions meet building code and other specific project requirements, GANA disclaims any responsibility for any specific results related to the
use of this document, for any errors or omissions contained in the document, and for any liability for loss or damage of any kind arising out of the
use of this document.

This document was developed and approved by the GANA Decorative Division Printing on Glass Task Group and approved by the Decorative Division membership and GANA Board of
Directors. This is the original version of the document as approved and published in January 2011.

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