võrgutrükis

Võrgutrükis refers to a printing process that utilizes a mesh screen stretched over a frame. Ink is pushed through the open areas of the mesh onto the substrate, creating the printed image. This technique is also commonly known as screen printing. The mesh acts as a stencil, with the unprinted areas blocked by a material. The fineness of the mesh determines the level of detail that can be achieved.

The process involves several steps. First, a screen is prepared with the desired design. This is typically done photographically by applying a light-sensitive emulsion to the mesh, exposing it to a positive or negative of the artwork, and then washing away the unexposed emulsion to create openings. The screen is then placed on the printing surface, and ink is applied to one side. A squeegee is used to pull the ink across the screen, forcing it through the open areas and onto the material below. Each color in a design requires a separate screen.

Võrgutrükis is a versatile printing method capable of printing on a wide variety of materials, including paper, textiles, plastics, metal, and glass. It is known for its durability, vibrant colors, and ability to produce thick ink layers. This makes it suitable for applications such as T-shirt printing, signage, posters, and industrial marking. The opacity of the ink is also a significant advantage, allowing for printing on dark substrates. While historically a manual process, modern võrgutrükis often incorporates automated machinery for higher production volumes.