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Screen Printing Filaments

... is so named because a print is made by pushing ink through a screen to make an image. The fabric most commonly used in screen printing is either mono- or multi- filament polyester. These fabrics are reclaimable, good for long runs, and usable in many different areas.

Monofilament fabric is woven of a single thread as opposed to multifilament fabric which is woven of a twisted strand thread. Monofilament fabric is uniform in weave, giving a smoother ink flow and resulting in a sharper print. Multifilament fabric is less uniform in weave but has more tooth for easier adhering of stencils and heavier ink deposit.

Monofilament fabric mesh count is determined by the number of threads per linear inch. The fewer threads per inch, the larger the size of the openings and the more space for ink to get through the fabric. Multifilament fabric is indicated by a number followed by an XX, for example 8XX or 10XX. Monofilament fabrics are designated only by a number, such as 86 or 109. The following chart shows a rough equivalent between mono- and multi- filament fabrics. Please refer to the Screen Printing Ink Comparison Chart for more suggestions on the type of ink to use.

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