Pocono Mt. Screen Supply, Inc.

Fabric Selection Chart
Application Fabric Mesh Count Inch (CM)
Graphics
Poster (UV Inks) Saatilene Hitech 380 (150) 460 (180)
Poster (Solvent Based Inks) Saatilene Hitech 305 (120) 420 (180)
Large Format Poster Saatilene Super Hitech 196 (77) 380 (150)
Stickers/Self-Adhesive Saatilene Hitech 305 (120) 420 (165)
Bottles, Containers, Misc. Objects, Saatilene Hitech 230 (90) 460 (180)
Promotional Items Saatilene Hibond 230 (90) 460 (180)
  Saatilene Duo 305 (120) 460 (180)
  Saatilon 305 (120) 460 (180)
Touch Panel Printing Saatilene Hitech 255 (100) 380 (150)
(Polyester/Polycarbonate)          
Front Panel Printing Saatilene Hitech 255 (100) 380 (150)
Credit/Account Cards - Graphics Saatilene Hitech 305 (120) 380 (150)
  Saatilene Super Hitech 305 (120) 380 (150)
Decal - Graphic Saatilene Hibond 230 (90) 460 (180)
Wood Decoration Saatilene Hibond 196 (77) 330 (130)
Textile
Water-Based Inks Saatilene Hitech 86 (34) 230 (90)
Flock Printing Saatilene Hitech 41 (16) 110 (43)
Glitter Inks Saatilene Hitech 24 (9.5) 86 (29)
Puff Inks Saatilene Hitech 30 (12) 140 (55)
Plastisol Inks Saatilene Hitech 110 (43) 355 (140)
Transfer Printing Sublimatic Saatilene Hitech 305 (120) 380 (150)
Transfer Base Saatilene Hitech 110 (34) 158 (62)
Carpet Decoration Saatilene Hitech 61 (24) 74 (29)
Electronics
"Etch" Resist Primary Image Saatilene Hitech 255 (100) 305 (120)
"Plating" Primary Image Saatilene Hitech 305 (120) 355 (140)
"Etch"/"Plating" Printing Saatilene PCB-Mesh 255 (100) 355 (140)
"Solder Mask" - Solvent Saatilene Hitech 125 (49) 196 (77)
"Solder Mask" - UV Saatilene Hitech 230 (90) 380 (150)
Legend Printing Saatilene Hitech 255 (100) 355 (140)
  Saatilene PCB-Mesh 255 (100) 355 (140)
CD
Compact Discs Saatilene Hitech 355 (140) 460 (180)
  Saatilene CD-Mesh 355 (140) 460 (180)
Ceramic
Tiles First and Second Firing Saatilene Hibond 140 (55) 196 (77)
Tiles Third Firing Saatilene Hibond 230 (90) 420 (165)
  Saatilene Duo 230 (90) 420 (165)
Tiles Dry Firing Saatilene Hitech 24 (9.5) 61 (24)
Colloid Saatilene Hitech     86 (34)
Glass
Automotive Industry Saatilene Hibond 168 (62) 305 (120)
  Saatilene Duo 196 (77) 305 (120)
Domestic Appliances Saatilene Hibond 180 (71) 380 (150)
  Saatilene Duo 196 (77) 380 (150)
Building Sites Saatilene Hitech 168 (62) 255 (100)
Miscellaneous Applications
UV Varnishes Saatilene Hitech 380 (150) 460 (180)
Solvent-Based Varnishes Saatilene Hitech 158 (62) 305 (120)
Fluorescent Inks Saatilene Hitech 158 (62) 305 (120)
Very Low UV Ink Deposit Saatilene Hitech Half-Calendered 355 (140) 460 (180)
Uneven Surfaces Saatilon as application
Projection Exposure Saatilene Hibond 305 (120) 380 (150)
Fine Half-Tone Saatilene Hibond 380 (150) 460 (180)
Very Long Print Runs Saatilene Hibond 380 (150) 460 (180)
  Saatilene Duo 196 (77) 460 (180)
High Screen Output Saatilene Hibond 86 (34) 508 (200)
Printing with Abrasive Inks Saatilene Duo 196 (77) 460 (180)
on Difficult Substrates Saatilene Hibond 196 (77) 460 (180)
NOTE:
  1. Selecting a thinner mesh diameter will improve ink flow and print definition.
  2. Selecting larger thread diameter will increase fabric durability.
  3. From mesh count 230 (90) and above, select dyed fabrics for optimum stencil definition.
  4. PW (Plain Weave) fabric will reduce the incidence of moire.

Guidelines and Recommendations for Mesh Specifications

Fabric Thickness
Fabric thickness results from the combination of the number of threads, the thread diameter and the woven structure of the fabric. Major changes in fabric thickness result mostly from changes in thread diameter. Because it is not obvious that a thicker or thinner fabric will give a higher or lower ink deposit (a thicker mesh may have a lower relative open area) one less frequently considers this factor when selecting a mesh count. However the total fabric thickness is needed to calculate the theoretical ink volume of a mesh. The fabric measurement is obtained in an unstretched state.
Percentage of Open Area
Figures for the percentage of open area have been provided to use as a guide in comparing one Saati mesh to another. Please be aware that in comparing different manufacturers' published percentage of open area data, figures will vary due to several factors. The most important difference being whether the manufacturer used nominal (before weaving) or real (after weaving) data in calculating the published figures. The interpretation of the conversion of the data from metric to English can also contribute to differences. For practical application, we advise you dial our toll-free hot line and speak to one of our technical representatives.
Theoretical Ink Deposit
As a reminder, the T.I.D. specification is theoretical. It is to be used as the basis for comparison to other mesh counts' theoretical ink volumes. There are many other factors that influence ink deposit. For example, screen tension, substrate absorption, ink type, stencil thickness, squeegee variables, etc. One of our technical representatives can help you narrow down the mesh choices for testing, but actual print and measurement testing needs to be done to obtain the actual ink deposit for each individual shop. (A given mesh count may work well with one shop's variables and have a different result in another shop.)
Recommended Tension Levels
The lower end of the tensioning range can be achieved with most stretching systems, providing provisions have been made to eliminate high stress points. The higher tensions should be used by experienced screen makers utilizing state-of-the-art stretching systems and procedures. (Refer to the Rapid Tensioning vs. Stage Tensioning tech tip.)