SCREEN PRINTING & APPAREL PREPRESS
Screen Printing Mesh Tension & Off-Contact Calculator
Calculate polyester screen mesh tension ratings (N/cm), mesh elongation %, calibrated off-contact gap distance, squeegee deflection angle, and minimum resolvable vector line weights for crisp, high-definition apparel printing.
1. Mesh & Screen Specifications
Measured using Newman or mechanical tension meter. Standard = 20-30 N/cm.
Standard 20" x 24" wood/aluminum frame = 508 x 610 mm.
2. Squeegee & Ink System
Off-Contact & Snap-Off Dynamics
Calibrated Off-Contact Gap
2.8 mm
~0.110 inches (1/8")
Snap-Off Peeling Velocity
Instant
No stencil smearing
Mesh Elongation (Strain)
3.8%
Linear stretch under tension
Tension Grade Rating
Optimal
25 N/cm is production grade
Vector Prepress Resolution Thresholds
Min Vector Stroke Weight
0.35 pt
~0.12 mm line thickness
Max Recommended Halftone LPI
45 LPI
4.5x mesh count rule
Prepress Stencil Directives
OFF_CONTACT: Set platen gap to 2.8 mm with calibrated shims
SQUEEGEE_ANGLE: Hold blade @ 75° with moderate downward pressure
FILM_DMIN_STROKE: Vector lines must be $ge 0.35$ pt (100% solid black)
SQUEEGEE_ANGLE: Hold blade @ 75° with moderate downward pressure
FILM_DMIN_STROKE: Vector lines must be $ge 0.35$ pt (100% solid black)