Discussion For Benefits of Silk Screening, PCB Printing and Designing Methods
PCB is a complex design of traces and components that function together to accomplish the electronic property requirement. Also, there will be multiple layers in the PCB which makes it even more complex in the sense of interconnections, leads, components placements, etc. That is the very reason why manufacturers leave marks on PCB boards to identify things on them. Manufacturers usually add an extra layer on the top to add all these markings. It is not just about the markings, there are several benefits of silk screening, let us discuss them here.
Methods of silk screening
There are different aspects of labelling names and marks on boards. It has to be ineffective on the circuitry or component leads at the same time add no extra weight on the board. There are several methods used in PCB Assembly to print labels on it.
Manual printing: It is the traditional method of writing manually using ink or paint.
Semi-automatic printing: In this method, ink is applied over a stencil or frame placed on the PCB. People have to place the stencil and pour ink manually over the PCB.
Fully automatic printing: The same process as the semi-automatic but the stencil and ink are applied automatically.
Screen printing: The most common method used in PCB printing. Screen printing is a printing technique that involves pressing ink through a mesh screen onto a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The screen is made of a fine mesh material, such as silk or polyester, stretched over a frame. The design to be printed is photo-etched onto the screen, creating a stencil of the design. Ink is then applied to the screen, and a scraper is used to push the ink through the mesh and onto the substrate.
Inject printing: This print directly applies ink on the PCB through a special printhead. Inkjet printers use microscopic nozzles to eject droplets of ink onto the substrate, which are then absorbed or dried to create the printed image. It offers several benefits over these methods, including the ability to print small, precise features and a wider range of ink colours.
Laser printing: The laser technology burns the PCB surface to create the imprint on the PCB surface. Laser screen printing offers several benefits over traditional screen printing methods, such as the ability to print fine, precise details, and a wider range of ink colours. It is also a more flexible and adaptable method, as it allows for quick changes to the printed design without the need for a new screen or printing process.
Also Read: PCB Manufacturing Process
Benefits of silk screening in PCB
- Durability: Silk screen prints are known for their durability and long-lasting nature. The ink or paint is applied in a thick layer, which means it is less prone to fading or wearing off over time.
- Vibrant colours: Silkscreen printing allows for a wide range of colours, including fluorescent and metallic inks. This allows for the creation of vibrant, eye-catching prints.
- Versatility: Silk screen printing can be used on a variety of surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, and plastic. This versatility makes it a popular choice for printing on a wide range of materials.
- Efficiency: Silk screen printing is a relatively fast and efficient process, particularly when printing large quantities of the same design.
- Cost-effective: Silk screen printing is often a more cost-effective option for printing large quantities of items, as the setup costs are lower compared to other printing methods.
Conclusion:
Silkscreen is a critical part of PCB manufacturing. No commercial can’t be made without silk screening on the top of the PCB. If you are interested in this technology and if you want to know more about the tech, our team at Mefron Technologies is always open for any PCB manufacturing-related discussions.
