Viscosity control in the screen printing of ceramic transfers

This paper describes an experimental investigation into process parameter effects and viscosity variation on colour control in the printing of ceramic transfers. This has been achieved through the completion of controlled experiments and monitoring of a commercial production run. The findings indicate that process parameter adjustments have only a small impact on print quality, the most dominant term being ink viscosity variation through solvent evaporation. Through determination of the dependence of colour change on viscosity change, coupled with the dependence of viscosity on solvent addition, it has been possible to establish a strategy for solvent addition, This was found to be most sensitive at low solvent addition levels and this identifies the need for close viscosity control to ensure consistent colour quality. The methodology that has been established in this work is also applicable to other ink systems where significant carrier loss is experienced during a printing run.