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Screen Printing Beyond Textiles with Chromaline

screen printing beyond textiles with chromaline

Screen printing has long been a cornerstone of the textile industry, and it continues to thrive in garment decoration across the globe. But textiles are just one part the larger screen printing industry. From industrial applications to electronics, glass, and packaging, screen printing plays a critical role in countless markets where precision, durability, and versatility are key.

At Chromaline, we’re proud to support the many industries that rely on screen printing beyond apparel. From electronics and industrial labeling to glassware and packaging, our emulsions, films, and screen chemistry are engineered to meet the demands of high-precision, high-performance applications. Whether you're manufacturing components, decorating rigid substrates, or producing functional prints, Chromaline delivers the quality and reliability your process depends on.


screen printing beyond textiles circuit board

Beyond Apparel: Screen Printing’s Industrial Advantage

Screen printing remains the gold standard for precision, durability, and scalability—especially in applications where:

  • High-opacity or specialty inks are needed
  • Unique substrates are involved (glass, plastic, metal, balloons, circuit boards)
  • Regulatory or durability standards must be met (e.g., in aerospace or medical industries)
  • A tactile, raised print or functional coating is required

Industries like printed circuit boards (PCBs), membrane switches, automotive panels, drinkware, architectural glass, and industrial labeling continue to rely on screen printing because no other imaging method offers the same combination of durability, precision, and material compatibility.

In PCB manufacturing, screen printing is used to apply conductive inks and dielectric layers with exacting control—something that’s hard to achieve with digital alternatives. Membrane switches and industrial interfaces rely on screen printing for printing silver, carbon, or insulating inks in layered circuits, where tolerance and repeatability are critical. In the automotive industry, screen printing is used for everything from dashboard components to functional coatings on glass and mirrors.

Architectural and decorative glass—from etched storefront panels to donor walls and awards—benefits from screen printing’s ability to lay down thick, opaque inks or resist masks that stand up to etching processes. Drinkware and promotional products require high-adhesion inks that can withstand dishwashing, UV exposure, and handling—conditions where screen printing still outperforms most digital methods. And in industrial labeling, especially on curved or irregular surfaces like pipes, electronics housings, or containers, screen printing offers unmatched ink flexibility, adhesion, and longevity.

In short, when permanence, function, or specialty substrates are involved, screen printing remains the technology of choice—and Chromaline has the chemistry to support it.


screen printing beyond textiles medical equipment

Chromaline Products That Go Beyond Textile Printing

At Chromaline, we offer a full range of products designed not only for textile screen printing, but also for the growing world of industrial and specialty printing. Whether you're printing on glass, plastic, metal, or electronics, our lineup has you covered with precision, durability, and efficiency.

1. Capillary Films (Pro/Cap & Razor)

Our capillary films are engineered for shops that demand consistency and ultra-sharp edge definition—especially critical in high-detail applications like:

  • Printed circuit boards
  • Plastic containers and tubes
  • Industrial labels and membrane switches

Pro/Cap is ideal for high-volume production where speed and repeatability are key. It comes in multiple thicknesses to match your ink deposit requirements. Razor, our premium capillary film, offers exceptional resolution, making it a top choice for fine-line graphics, high LPI halftones, and electronic component printing. It’s built to stand up to demanding workflows, especially when paired with automated equipment.

2. High-Solids Emulsions

When you're printing on non-porous or rigid surfaces, your emulsion needs to resist aggressive inks and extended run times. Chromaline’s high-solids emulsions deliver the strength and stability required for these applications:

  • UDC-ACE is a dual-cure emulsion built for long print runs, offering exceptional detail, chemical resistance, and thermal durability, especially important when printing on metal, plastic, or coated glass.
  • MAX-R is for maximum resistance. A dual-cure emulsion built to withstand the rigors of industrial printing. Highly chemical, thermal, and abrasion resistant; especially important when printing on metal, plastic, or coated glass.
  • DTS Z-1 is a ready-to-use hybrid emulsion. High resolution with faster cure times is ideal when utilizing Direct-To-Screen exposure systems, such as CST's DLE and Chromaline's LTS exposure systems.

3. iSC Screen Chemistry

Non-textile printing often involves inks and coatings that can be more aggressive and difficult to reclaim. That’s where our Integrated Screen Chemistry (iSC) line makes a real difference.

This full suite includes:

  • Degreasers to prep mesh for optimal stencil adhesion
  • Screen washes and press washes tailored for solvent, UV, and plastisol inks
  • Stencil removers that reduce reclaim time and preserve mesh integrity

Together, these chemistry products help maintain a clean screen room, prolong mesh life, and ensure you get consistent, high-quality prints from job to job—no matter the substrate.

4. Laser-To-Screen Technology (LTS 8012)

As more shops move away from film positives and toward digital imaging, the LTS 8012 auto exposure unit offers a powerful solution for precision printing.

  • Uses laser diodes to directly expose screens—no film, wax or vacuum frame required
  • Produces fine-line detail and registration accuracy that rivals CTS systems, but with lower operational and maintenance costs
  • A perfect match for shops printing on glassware, electronics, or high-detail graphics where image quality and repeatability are essential

Pairing the LTS 8012 with Chromaline emulsions like UDC-ACE or DTS Z-1 delivers a complete, high-resolution imaging system ideal for both prototyping and high-throughput production.


screen printing beyond textiles car dashboard

Chromaline R&D: Innovation That Drives Possibility

At Chromaline, innovation is more than a value—it’s our foundation. Our in-house Research & Development team is made up of experienced chemists and engineers who specialize in photochemistry and coated films, developing proprietary and patented products that set industry standards. This technical expertise gives us a strong IP base and a competitive edge in our core markets—while opening doors to entirely new applications.

Whether you're developing a new industrial printing process, looking to solve a complex imaging challenge, or exploring a custom chemistry solution, our R&D team is ready to collaborate. We don’t just make emulsions and films—we engineer solutions that help you push the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging.

With a global reach and a mission to lead through innovation, quality, and service, Chromaline delivers tailored solutions for diverse industries—from electronics and packaging to architectural glass and functional coatings. Whatever you print, wherever you print, Chromaline is here to make your job easier—so you can print with confidence.


Contact Chromaline Screen Print Products

If your business relies on precision, durability, and consistency in screen printing, Chromaline is here to help you push what's possible. Whether you're optimizing production workflows, upgrading your imaging process, or tackling complex substrates, the Chromaline team is ready to support your success with proven products and expert guidance. No matter the application—Chromaline delivers.