Motif smeared (smudged)
Ink
Problem
1. Too thin.
2. Too slow.
Solution
1. Use new ink.
2. Use faster thinner.
Cliche
Problem
1. Etching too deep.
2. Wrong screen ruling.
3. Wrong cliche type.
Solution
1. Produce new cliche with shallower etching depth.
2. Test new cliche with different fineness of halftone screen.
3. Use different cliche type.
Pad
Problem
1. Too soft.
2. Too little volume.
3. Prints over edges.
4. Stroke force on cliche and substrate not equal.
Solution
1. Use harder pad.
2. Use larger pad.
3. Correct head stroke.
4. Correct head stroke.
Substrate
Problem
1. Very irregular surface.
2. Surface not sufficiently precleaned.
3. Material not smudge free.
Solution
1. Use pad assembly or special pad.
2. Pre-clean surface.
3. Switch to different material.
Other
Problem
1. Jig not fastened tightly enough.
2. Jig unstable.
3. Jig not precisely made, object has too much play.
4. Cliche not doctored cleanly.
Solution
1. Tighten fixture.
2./3. Produce new jig.
4. Sharpen or change doctor blade.
This deficiency often occurs when thinner is added during printing run, where ink and thinner are not properly
mixed.
