1. What's screen printing?

Screen printing is a printing method that uses a partially masked screen to transfer ink to the object to be printed selectively. Here is how it usually works:

1. A partially masked screen is created, where the unmasked area reveals the mesh holes through which the pigment or ink can pass.
2. The object to be printed is placed under the screen and the ink is applied to it.
3. By scraping the ink evenly across the screen with a squeegee, it passes through the mesh and adheres to the object to be printed.

2. What material can I work on? 

Screen printing has the widest ink compatibility and can therefore be printed on almost any surface. Examples include cardstock, felt, burlap, logs, glass, plastic, metal, cotton, etc.

3. What kind of ink can I use for screen printing?

Metallic gloss ink, foam ink, conductive ink, luminous ink, and temperature-sensitive ink

However, it is important to note that, microscopically, ink is a mixture of very small particles and solvents. The particles of some inks (such as glitter ink) may be large. If the particles of the ink are too large to pass through the holes in the screen, it will affect the printing result or even make it impossible to print.

The inks by xTool have been tested to be compatible with the screen mesh density launched by xTool. If you want to buy some other special effects and color inks, please make sure they are compatible.

4. Can I use xTool Screen Printer with a third-party engraver?

xTool screen printers should be compatible with all brands of laser engravers on the market.

5. How well does it work with the xTool engravers?

For xTool S1 and D1 Pro:
xTool S1 and xTool D1 Pro The 11.5*16-inch screen is perfectly compatible with. There are also positioning components designed for multi-color printing for these two machines.

For xTool F1:
xTool F1 needs to work on the screen frame using an open-surface processing method, placing the machine on top of the screen for processing.

For xTool M1:
To operate M1 with a Screen Printer, additional accessories – Riser Base & Honeycomb Panel – will be needed. Specific instructions for use are listed below:

1. Place the honeycomb panel at the α position of the Riser Base;
2. Place the frame on top of the Honeycomb Panel with a wooden board on the bottom of the frame to raise the frame for the sake of laser focus;
3. Select “Open Plane” as processing mode;

Note: Due to M1's limited internal space, after correctly installing according to the above instructions, it is normal for parts of the screen printer to protrude from the Riser Base as shown in the picture below. 

For xTool P2:
xTool P2 needs to work on the screen frame with the riser base. You'll need to flip the drawer of the riser base and place the screen after the level 1a mark. Lastly, select “Open Plane” as processing mode.

Kindly Reminder: For XCS, the default “Screen print” mode is available for D1 Pro and S1. For other product models to engrave on xTool Screen Printer, please select “Open plane” as processing mode.

In the future, we will also launch smaller screen frames to adapt to more machine models.

6. Can I use the screen mesh repeatedly?

Yes. You can use the same area of the mesh for one pattern until it won't produce a good result. You can also create patterns on different areas of the mesh and use them more than just once. However, You want to change the mesh if any of these things happen:

• The screen mesh is broken.
• The screen mesh has large areas of clogging.
• The screen mesh is too wrinkled to be fully tensioned.
• Part of the photosensitive glue on the screen has fallen off.

Note: it's recommended to wash the mesh after each print for a longer lifespan.

7. How do I pick my ink?

Consider the following factors when choosing the ink:
 

• Fineness: the ink should have the fineness to pass through the screen smoothly.
• Viscosity: the ink should have the viscosity to reduce clogging and blurring of the pattern.
• Material compatibility: water-based ink is more versatile and has good adhesion to paper and fabric. Oil-based ink has better firmness for smooth surfaces such as metal and plastic. 
• Find your own cup of tea: it's recommended that you experiment with different inks and materials for the most ideal result.

8. What are the specs of the screen printer?

Weight: <5kg 
Dimensions: Approx. 420mm * 510mm * 200mm (16.5" * 20" * 7.9")
Screen size: 292mm * 406mm (11.5" * 16")
Frame size: 504mm * 388mm *25mm (19.8" * 15.2" * 1")

The maximum material thickness is 60mm. There is no thickness limitation if the screen frame is removed.

9. Can I engrave vector and bitmap images on the mesh?

Yes. However, bitmaps need to be pre-processed into halftone in Photoshop before they can be imported into XCS for processing. Otherwise, the photosensitive glue on the screen mesh may not be able to be etched through.