Frames

When ordering a screen or stencil the first step is to clarify which frame specification is required. MCI uses two types of frames. The most common are lightweight cast aluminium, drilled and taped for mounting in all types of automatic or semiautomatic printers. It is machined flat and parallel to assure planarity between mesh and substrate.

The second type is extruded Aluminium, mainly used on the larger automated systems.

Frame size refers to the inside dimension since the purpose of the frame is to support an open mesh area of a specific size. MCI frames are interchangeable with competitive brands and compatible with all standard printers.

Screen frames can be recycled repeatedly, offering a significant cost advantage to customers.

We offer the facility to stock your frames at our factory, which further reduces the cost and inconvenience of returning frames one at a time.

Pattern Area

For off contact printing, the maximum recommended pattern area is generally less than 25% of the inside frame area. For example, the inside frame area of an 8×10 screen is 80in2 but the useful print pattern is only 16in2, based on a 4”x4” pattern area.

However, it is the size of the working area that will most influence the life span of a screen. Using a small pattern area and a narrow squeegee with a short stroke distance will significantly increase the number of prints you will get from each screen before the mesh elasticity begins to degrade.

We can supply any size box section frames on request.