Pocono Mt. Screen Supply, Inc.

Rapid Tensioning Versus Stage Tensioning

Question

Is it necessary to leave my screens in the stretcher for 2 hours before gluing?

Solution

In the past, it was thought that the mesh had to be tensioned in stages in order to achieve a properly stabilized screen. It has been concluded that in using the rapid tensioning (RT) method, tensioned screens will normally result in a 10% or less difference in stabilized tension loss when compared with the longer stage tensioning methods.

The RT method differs from others, in that the tension is brought up immediately to the recommended tension level, without the stabilizing pauses or stages in-between. This allows the mesh to begin stabilizing immediately, and level off to the recommended tension level in a stabilized state much sooner.

Rapid Tensioning is the most common method used to achieve a stretched screen printing frame. Rapid Tensioning results in the fabric beginning to stabilize immediately, and level off below the recommended tension level. Thus resulting in tension loss and improper tension levels. This technique is used by most screen makers. Stage Tensioning, however, is very time consuming because of the series of stretch and relaxation, which allows the fabric to stabilize without damaging the mesh characteristics. This process allows us to achieve higher tension levels with the use of low elongation fabrics.

Our own real-world studies have concluded that the Stage Tensioning procedure will produce higher tension levels with less tension loss.

The most notable benefits the RT method provide are time and labor savings, without sacrificing too much print quality, or causing negative effects to the mesh characteristics or performance.

Although the RT method can be used with most stretching equipment or retensionable frames, our experience indicates that maximum performance can be achieved conveniently when using a pneumatically operated and controlled tensioning system with individual moving clamps (such as Saati Clamps). When incorporating the RT method into your screen-making process, careful monitoring and adjustments need to be made in order to achieve the optimum performance from the mesh to suit your individual screen and printing requirements. For example, attention must be given to assuring uniform stretching of the warp and weft, while avoiding excessive corner tensions.