Graphic Screen Printing Equipment, Inks, Emulsions and Capillary Films
Today’s graphic screen printing equipment delivers the ability to screen print almost every design or text onto any substrate or 3-dimension object, but does not come without challenges. Selecting the right emulsion is a crucial component to the success of every graphic screen printing application. This breakdown of different graphic types from fleet graphics to machine interface panels will help you tackle the biggest challenges you’ll face and provide guidance on how to overcome them each step of the way.
Medium / Large Format Graphics
Matching color is the greatest challenge for process color signs, POP and fleet Graphics. Chromaline’s graphic emulsions deliver high resolution, sharp edge-definition prints and ensure consistent and repeatable color matching.
Optical Media
Edge definition, fine text and halftones are the requirements for optical media graphics—the perfect job for Chromaline’s high-resolution emulsions!
Industrial Graphics
Machine interface panels provide the first impression of a product–they must communicate quality! Chromaline’s graphic emulsions provide high resolution and superior edge definition for appliances, switches, nameplates and instrument panels.
Containers
Direct-printed containers help increase product value! Chromaline emulsions can provide the high-resolution images and precise ink deposit necessary for creating the visual and tactile message of superior quality containers.
Modern graphic screen printing equipment can print nearly any image on most any substrate, but it comes with challenges. Choosing the right emulsion is key to success. This guide covers different graphic types to help you navigate common challenges and overcome them step by step.
SOLVENT INKS
Application
Solvent-based inks produce vibrant, glossy colors and can withstand frequent handling, making them popular in industries that prioritize longevity and quality in print. These inks offer excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to water, chemicals, and UV light, making them ideal for products exposed to harsh environments, such as automotive parts, outdoor signage, and packaging
TOP PICKS
Emulsion: UDC-2 Dual-Cure | Capillary Film: Razor® Photopolymer*
METALLIC SOLVENT INKS
Application
These inks contain metallic particles, such as aluminum or bronze, to create a reflective or metallic sheen that enhances product appeal on materials like glass, metal, plastic, and ceramics. They are commonly used for applications in packaging, beverage bottles, automotive components, and electronics, where the metallic effect can convey a premium or decorative look.
TOP PICKS
Emulsion: UDC-ACE Dual-Cure* | Capillary Film: Magna/Cure® Dual-cure
UV INKS
Application
UV inks provide excellent resistance to fading, scratching, and chemicals, making them suitable for packaging, electronics, drinkware, and automotive parts. Additionally, their rapid curing process reduces drying time, allowing for efficient production with minimal environmental impact due to low VOC emissions.
TOP PICKS
Emulsion: UDC-2 Dual-Cure | Capillary Film: Razor® Photopolymer*
METALLIC UV INKS
Application
Metallic UV inks provide durable, scratch-resistant prints with a metallic sheen, commonly used in packaging, automotive parts, cosmetics, and promotional items. These inks cure quickly under UV light, making them ideal for high-speed printing on non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, metal, and ceramics.
TOP PICKS
Emulsion: UDC-ACE Dual-Cure* | Capillary Film: Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure
WATER BASED INKS
Application
In packaging, posters, and promotional items, water-based inks provide vibrant colors and matte or semi-gloss finishes. These inks are popular for their environmental benefits, lower VOC emissions, and ease of cleanup compared to solvent-based inks.
TOP PICKS
Emulsion: UDC-ACE Dual-Cure | Capillary Film: Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure
Challenges and Obstacles
Every day, graphic printers are confronted with obstacles; matching corporate colors for POP prints or fleet graphics, printing tiny, 6-point text on lotion bottles, and creating flawless industrial interface panels for appliances, autos, keyboards, and switch overlays—applications where high quality prints are imperative!
Graphics Emulsion Selection Chart
| Ink | Application | Direct Emulsion | Capillary Film |
| Solvent inks | Posters, indoor/outdoor signs, transportation graphics, POP, banners, IMD, identity cards, bottles & containers, coated surfaces | UDC-2 Dual-Cure UDC-HV Dual-Cure UDC-ACE Dual-cure* Razor® Fusion Photopolymer* DTS Z1 Photopolymer* |
Pro/Cap Diazo Pro/Cap TD Diazo Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure Razor® Photopolymer* |
| Metallic Solvent Inks | High quality labels, decals, displays | UDC-2 Dual-Cure UDC-HV Dual-Cure UDC-ACE Dual-cure* |
Pro/Cap Diazo Pro/Cap TD Diazo Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure Razor® Photopolymer* |
| UV Inks | Posters, POP, banners, labels & decals, membrane overlays, containers, IMD, indoor/outdoor & flexing applications | UDC-2 Dual-Cure UDC-HV Dual-Cure UDC-ACE Dual-cure* Razor® Fusion Photopolymer* DTS Z1 Photopolymer* |
Pro/Cap Diazo Pro/Cap TD Diazo Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure Razor® Photopolymer* |
| Metallic UV Inks | High quality labels, decals, displays | UDC-2 Dual-Cure UDC-HV Dual-Cure UDC-ACE Dual-cure* |
Pro/Cap Diazo Pro/Cap TD Diazo Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure |
| Water Based Inks | Applications that do not require scratch and abrasion resistance | CP Tex Diazo* UDC-ACE Dual-cure* Max-R Dual-Cure DTS Z1 Photopolymer* |
|
| LED Inks | Various graphic applications and membrane switch overlays | UDC-2 Dual-Cure UDC-HV Dual-Cure UDC-ACE Dual-cure* Razor® Fusion Photopolymer* DTS Z1 Photopolymer* |
Pro/Cap Diazo Pro/Cap TD Diazo Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure Razor® Photopolymer* |
*Recommended for high-resolution Images
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