Potential Problems in Printing – Description of Problems and Proposed Solutions

Problem Solution
1. Too thin. 1. Add thinner.
2. Ink build-up on pad. 2. Use faster thinner.
Problem Solution
1. Etching too deep. 1. Produce new cliche with shallower etching depth.
2. Wrong screen ruling. 2. Produce new cliche with fine half-tone screen.
Problem Solution
1. Wrong pad shape. 1. Use more tapered pad form.
2. Surface too rough. 2. Replace pad.
Problem Solution
1. Surface becomes charged with static electricity. 1. Install ionizing unit on printing press.
Problem Solution
1. Humidity too low. 1. Raise humidity to approx. 60 % – 80 %.
2. Cycle time too fast. 2. Reduce printing speed.
3. Intermittent operation of machine. 3. Regulate to constant cycle times.

Improvement can be achieved by grounding press. Splotches or spiderwebs most often occur with materials such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, or acrylics.