Mesh Count Mesh Count Color Weave Nominal Thread Mesh Opening Open Area Fabric Theoretical Recommended & (UM) (inches) (centimeters) Diameter (UM) (%) Thickness Ink Volume Max Tensions (UM) (CM3/CM2) (n/cm) 17 24 38 54 61 61 74 74 81 86 86 110 110 125 125 140 140 158 158 180 180 196 230 230 255 280 305 305 6.5 9.5 15 21 24 24 29 29 32 34 34 43 43 49 49 55 55 62 62 71 71 77 90 90 100 110 120 120 WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE WHITE YELLOW WHITE YELLOW WHITE YELLOW WHITE YELLOW WHITE YELLOW WHITE YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW YELLOW pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw pw 385 280 200 160 120 145 120 145 70 100 100 80 80 70 70 64 64 64 64 55 55 55 40 48 40 34 34 40 1180 810 475 330 290 275 220 190 245 185 185 150 150 130 130 120 120 90 90 80 80 70 68 55 55 53 45 38 58 55 50 46 50 43 41 32 61 41 41 43 43 40 40 41 41 32 32 33 33 28 38 27 31 35 29 20 715 533 365 275 216 245 218 240 110 173 173 132 132 116 116 105 105 106 106 91 91 90 62 81 64 56 54 67 21.28 15.02 183 127 108 105 89 77 67 71 71 57 57 46 46 43 43 34 34 30 30 25 24 22 20 20 16 13 35-60 35-60 35-60 35-60 35-60 35-60 35-60 35-60 24-26 35-40 35-40 35-37 35-37 30-34 30-34 26-31 26-31 30-34 30-34 25-30 25-30 27-32 20-24 27-29 26-28 22-24 24-26 27-32 This chart is an example of mesh data supplied by a manufacturer. The column on the far right shows the recommended and maximum tension levels for that particular mesh count. These are excellent guidelines to follow when monitoring your screen tensions. Mesh data courtesy of SaatiPrint. tubular aluminum frames cost about twice as much as wooden frames, they will not require replacement. The downside here is that once the mesh is adhered to the frame, the screen tension can go in only one direction: down. Inevitability, the mesh tension will drop to the point to where it must be removed and restretched. Retensionable frames. These frames offer the greatest advantage for screenprinting quality for a wide variety of reasons, but the primary one lies in the name of the product itself. They are retensionable, which allows you to monitor impressionsmag.com the screen tension from run to run and retension the mesh when its tension drops below a given point. This drastically lengthens its life span. The other advantages include: * Greater mesh mileage * Lower off-contact distances * Lighter squeegee pressure * Faster squeegee speeds * Increased resolution * Thinner ink-film deposits * Softer hand * Thinner emulsion coatings * Lower emulsion consumption * Faster exposure times * Decreased reclaiming chemical consumption. In many cases, the selection of frames for some shops is a decision made strictly based on financial restrictions. Though it may save money on the initial investment, going the cheaper route will cost more in the long term. Putting the previously mentioned benefits of retensionable frames aside, they will pay for themselves in six months in mesh savings alone. Regardless of the frame you choose for your facility, always strive for the April/May 2015 | Impressions 63http://www.impressionsmag.com