Patent ID: 6588335
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B41F,B41P

Abstract:
A method of screen printing liquid product onto a substrate through apertures in a printing screen, the method comprising the steps of: providing a screen printing device, the screen printing device comprising a pressurisable reservoir for containing liquid product to be screen printed, and a capillary squeegee for screen printing liquid product onto a substrate through apertures in a printing screen on translation thereover, the squeegee comprisinga capillary element for delivering liquid product from the reservoir to a printing screen, wherein the capillary element is configured to provide a flow resistance which is such as to prevent flow therefrom when not pressurised and allow flow therefrom when pressurised, and first and second sealing lips which, during screen printing, both together contact the printing screen, wherein the sealing lips are disposed, in oppositely-inclined relation, to opposed edges of the capillary element in the direction of translation and define a delivery aperture therebetween, the delivery aperture having a size suited to the substrate; lowering the squeegee onto a printing screen above a substrate; applying a pressure to the liquid product in the reservoir, thereby allowing the flow of liquid product from the capillary element of the squeegee to the surface of the printing screen; translating the squeegee at least once over the surface of the printing screen; removing the pressure from the capillary element; and raising the squeegee from the printing screen, with the capillary element of the squeegee preventing flow of liquid product from the reservoir.