Squeegee Blade
Tool FOR SCREEN PRINTING
Squeegee Blade: Essential Tool in Screen Printing
A squeegee blade is a core component in the screen printing process, responsible for pushing ink through the mesh screen and onto the substrate (e.g., textile, plastic, glass, metal, etc.). The blade is typically made of polyurethane rubber and mounted to a holder that moves across the screen.
Primary Use Case of Squeegee Blades
Ink Transfer
- The squeegee presses ink through the open areas of the mesh stencil onto the printing surface.
- Blade hardness and shape determine ink deposit thickness, image sharpness, and registration accuracy.
Control and Consistency
- Ensures even ink shear and flow, especially in fine-line or high-detail prints.
- Plays a key role in repeatability for high-volume or automated printing systems.
Durability and Resistance
- Squeegees must resist chemical degradation from ink solvents and cleaners.
- They should maintain edge sharpness and elastic properties through repeated use.
Our partners
Watts Urethane Products
- Known for high-quality UK-manufactured polyurethane blades.
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Offer a wide range of durometer ratings (hardness) and profiles (shapes) for various applications:
- 65 shore: Soft – for heavy ink deposit (e.g., textiles)
- 75 shore: Medium – standard for many flat substrates
- 85 shore: Hard – for fine detail or UV ink use
- Used in manual, semi-auto, and fully automatic screen printing presses.
Use cases:
- Textile printing: Softer blades for fabric stretch and ink volume
- Glass or electronics: Harder blades for precise edge definition
Trelleborg
- Offers precision-engineered blades, often for high-performance industrial screen printing.
- Utilizes advanced polyurethane technology for long-lasting, solvent-resistant blades.
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Known for:
- Triple-durometer blades (soft core with hard edges) for balance between pressure and flexibility
- Anti-static or antistick coatings in high-tech applications (e.g., solar, automotive, electronics)
Use cases:
- Industrial electronics: Circuit boards, membrane switches (fine detail, no ghosting)
- Automotive & appliance dials: Demanding, consistent high-output environments
Key Factors
Key Factors in Squeegee Blade Selection
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Shore A) | Affects ink deposit and pressure (softer = more ink, harder = precision) |
| Profile (Shape) | Square edge (general use), round (flood coat), bevel (fine lines) |
| Material Type | Polyurethane is standard for resistance to abrasion and solvents |
| Edge Quality | Sharp, clean edges are essential for fine-line or halftone work |