What causes ink leakage on the printing plate? How to deal with it?

Damaged Squeegee Blade: If part of the squeegee is damaged, it cannot evenly apply pressure, leading to areas where ink leaks through the printing plate.
Excessive Squeegee Pressure: Applying too much pressure during printing can damage the screen or force ink through unintended areas, causing leaks.
Large Gap Between Screen and Glass: If the gap between the screen and the glass substrate is too wide, it can lead to uneven ink transfer and increase the risk of ink leakage.
Deformed Screen Frame: A warped or deformed frame can cause inconsistent pressure distribution, resulting in areas where ink leaks through.
Uneven Ink Distribution: Ink that is not evenly mixed or spread can lead to irregular flow and leakage.
Overly Fine Mesh: Using a mesh that is too fine may not hold ink properly, especially under high pressure, leading to ink seepage.
Fast Printing Speed: Excessive printing speed can cause the ink to spread unevenly, increasing the chance of leaks.
Impact of Dust and Contamination: If dust or contaminants are present on the glass surface or mixed into the ink, they can damage the screen film under the pressure of the squeegee, leading to ink leakage. Additionally, insufficient exposure during screen preparation can create pinholes that contribute to leakage.

To manage minor leaks, you can apply tape or adhesive to the back of the screen as a temporary fix. However, this needs to be done swiftly; otherwise, the ink on the screen may dry and require solvent cleaning. Cleaning the screen with solvents should be avoided if possible, as it can weaken or peel the screen film.

Ink leakage is particularly common in areas where the squeegee rests between printing strokes. Therefore, it is important to pay extra attention to these areas during screen preparation to ensure they are reinforced and well-controlled. By addressing these potential causes and taking preventative measures, you can minimize ink leakage and maintain the quality of the printed product.