Physical Changes in Polyester Mesh During Tensioning

The Screen Printing Technical Foundation, recognizing the significance of mesh attributes, has completed a study to determine the physical change mesh undergoes when tensioning free mesh to working tension levels. Four major dimensions were monitored in this investigation, including mesh opening area, thread diameter, mesh count and fabric thickness. Measurements taken before, during, and after tensioning on many meshes have provided information on the reaction and interaction these four parameters demonstrate during stretching. With this type of insight into polyester fabric, the screen printer will be better equipped to make decisions concerning mesh selection for any printing application.