I have had multiple requests this last month for screen printing on powder coating (metal with polyester based coatings as far as I have been told), and have been researching it a bit while people get their product ready for me. I will be getting my first batch of product from a company this week and wanted to start a thread to see if I could get any more info before beginning in house testing of the inks and process.
I have read some threads that mostly answer the basics (or so it seems) here:
http://www.gigposters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155536http://www.t-shirtforums.com/plastisol-ink-screen-printing/t83458.htmlhttp://www.finishing.com/72/68.shtmlMy main concern is making sure that I am offering the best solution at the best pricing of course, but also ruling out options that might offer benefits on lower run sizes and odd surfaces. I would like to know the pros and cons of all the options out there so I can respond quicker to these kinds of requests in the future and potentially get more of this kind of business down the road.
A few specific "issues" I foresee:
-rough surface leading to problems with high detail and clean edges.
-low run sizes leading to large amounts of wasted ink due to the need for a catalyst.
-multiple color registration due to the inherent variety in the shape and size of the substrate and the requirement for jigs.
I love the idea of some kind of transfer, but I was able to peel up the M&R label on my Kruzer with just my fingernail on the very first attempt, and it is new, inside, and the label has never been exposed to the elements or any kind of cleaner beyond a wet paper towel, so I need something that will have more durability. I'm not sure if the M&R label is just a standard vinyl or what, but I'm thinking vinyl is out.
I did come across this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfJeLc3ANJo ...not sure if anyone has tried these.
Thanks!