First of all,we need to know no matter ceramic printing(also called ceramic stoving,high temperature printing),normal silk screen printing( also called low temperature printing),both of them are belong to silk screen printing family and share the same process principle,what makes them different from each other?let’s look belowed
| Aspect | Ceramic Printing (Ceramic Stoving) | Normal Silk Screen Printing |
| Printing Process | Applied before glass tempering using ceramic inks | Applied after glass tempering using screen and specialized inks |
| Glass Thickness | Typically applicable to glass thickness > 2mm | Applicable to various glass thicknesses |
| Color options | Comparatively less color options | Various color options based on Pantone or RAL |
| Gloss | Due to ink sintered to glass,the ink layer looks comparatively less shinning from front side | Ink layer looks shinning from front side |
| Customization | Enables customization of intricate designs and patterns | Offers flexibility for design changes and unique artwork |
| Durability and Heat Resistance | Sintered ceramic ink provides excellent durability | Inks may offer good durability but may not withstand high heat |
| Ink Types and Effects | Specialized ceramic inks for heat resistance and adhesion | Various inks available for different effects and finishes |
| Application | Various applications especially for outdoor | Various applications especially for indoor |
Advantages of Ceramic Printing:
1.Durability: The sintered ceramic ink provides excellent durability and heat resistance.
2.Customization: Enables customization of intricate designs, patterns, and branding opportunities.
3.Glass Thickness: Suitable for glass thicknesses greater than 2mm.
Advantages of Normal Silk Screen Printing:
1.Flexibility: Allows for design changes and unique artwork after glass tempering.
2.Versatility: Applicable to various glass thicknesses, including thin and thick glass.
3.Large-Scale Production: Suitable for medium to large-scale glass printing projects.
4.Ink Options: Offers a wide range of ink types and effects for different visual effects.
Based on all infomation,seems ceramic printing is much better than normal silk screen printing speaking of durability,will it be top choice for all the glass application which is more than 2mm?
Although ceramic printing boasts superior durability, it's important to note that certain challenges can arise during the printing process. Any dust particles that become sintered into the glass along with the ink during tempering can result in defects. Addressing these defects through rework is often not effective and can introduce cosmetic challenges, especially when the glass is used in high-end products such as touchscreens or displays. As a result, the process environment for ceramic printing must meet extremely high standards to ensure a flawless outcome.
While ceramic printing's durability makes it an appealing choice for a range of applications, its current utilization is primarily concentrated in specific areas. Outdoor applications like lighting fixtures benefit from its robustness, as do indoor products such as household appliances that require resistance to heat and wear
Conclusion
Each printing method has its own strengths and limitations, and the choice will depend on the specific requirements of the project, desired visual effects, production scale, and other considerations. As printing technology and techniques continue to advance, both ceramic printing and normal silk screen printing offer unique advantages and can produce high-quality results on glass surfaces.
