Direct Stencil Method
Method: In the direct stencil method, the photosensitive film base (with the emulsion side facing up) is first placed flat on the work surface. A pre-stretched screen frame is placed flat over the film base. Photosensitive emulsion is then poured into the frame and applied under pressure using a soft squeegee. After thorough drying, the plastic film base is peeled away, leaving the photosensitive emulsion adhered to the mesh; the screen is then ready for exposure. Finally, it undergoes development and drying to produce the finished screen printing stencil.
Process Flow: Pre-stretched screen → Degreasing → Drying → Peeling off film base → Exposure → Development → Drying → Touch-up → Blocking out (sealing)
Indirect Stencil Method
Method: In the indirect stencil method, the indirect film is first exposed, hardened using a 1.2% H₂O₂ solution, developed in warm water, and dried to create a peelable image stencil. During stencil production, the emulsion side of the image stencil is pressed firmly against the pre-stretched mesh; pressure ensures the emulsion adheres tightly to the moistened mesh. The film base is then removed, and the screen is air-dried to complete the stencil.
Process Flow:
Pre-stretched screen → Degreasing → Drying
Indirect film → Exposure → Hardening → Development
1 & 2 → Lamination → Air-drying → Touch-up → Blocking out (sealing)
Direct-Indirect Hybrid Method
First, the photosensitive film is adhered to the screen frame using water, alcohol, or photosensitive emulsion. After hot-air drying, the film base is peeled off. The screen is then exposed and developed to produce the final screen printing stencil.