Murakami offers 2 types of S mesh. LX-S Mesh and Standard Polyester S-Mesh. Both have advantages. LX S-Mesh has very little RZ value, the mesh knuckles are very minimal requiring less squeegee pressure. Plastisol, Water Base, and Discharge Inks transfer very easily through LX Mesh. See guide below for available mesh counts.
Standard polyester S Mesh from Murakami provides print control not found in standard T mesh. (Note S, T, M, HD letters after a mesh count refers to the thread diameter. A 150/48 mesh is the same as a 150/S mesh count. See Mesh Guide for both specifications side by side to know the specific thread diameter by mesh count. S-Mesh specifications in red type.) S-Mesh uses finer, thinner threads that increases the open area in the mesh. The open area of a mesh helps ink print with less squeegee pressure while providing better ink coverage.
*Mesh manufacturers may no longer be using from alphabet designations.
LX-Mesh is different. The photo to the left shows the increased open area and improved mesh knuckles. LX Mesh is a type of ‘S’ mesh and contains a proprietary thread that allows easier passage of inks. The mesh knuckles are specially bonded to reduce squeegee friction and allow less squeegee pressure to transfer the inks.
The benefits listed below also apply to both mesh above with the exception of the thread construction.
LX has unique thread construction. See mesh guide below for available mesh counts.
Benefits:
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Less squeegee pressure needed.
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Stronger base plate opacity.
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Softer Hand plastisol prints.
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More retained details in the print.
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Stronger color for discharge with more image detail.
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Higher mesh counts can be used with similar results to lower mesh counts.
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45 and 55 line halftones can be imaged on 150LX and 180LX.
Technical Support
Stretching Smartmesh
Practical techniques to capture and stretch Smartmesh using typical stretching machines or frames to preserve the mesh and obtain optimum screen performance.
Power Of S-Mesh
S Mesh excels at printing base plates, waterbase and discharge, high solids acrylics and special effects inks. Find out how to handle these finer meshes and what print solutions S-Mesh from Murakami offers.
Using S Thread Mesh
S-Mesh from Murakami has significant advantages for easier transfer of ink due to a greater percentage of open area. This open area requires less squeegee pressure to print that conventional T mesh.
Stretching S and LX Mesh
These finer meshes require fine tuning your stretching process and handling techniques. A handy guide to understand how to stretch S and LX mesh.
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