What is the difference between printing and screen printing?

1, Comparison of Technical Principles
Printing: Printing is a broad concept that encompasses various technical methods that utilize elements such as plates, inks, and substrates to transfer graphic and textual information to the surface of the substrate through certain pressure or adsorption forces. According to different printing materials, printing can be divided into various types such as relief printing, gravure printing, offset printing (such as offset printing), and stencil printing (such as screen printing). Each printing method has its unique technical principles and application scenarios.
Screen printing: As a type of stencil printing, the technical principle of screen printing is to use the mesh holes on the screen printing plate to leak ink from the mesh holes in the graphic and text parts and attach it to the surface of the substrate through the pressure of the ink scraper. Screen printing plates are usually composed of a frame, a screen, and a photosensitive adhesive layer. Through the plate making process, graphic and textual information is converted into a mesh shape to achieve printing.
2, Comparison of Technical Features
Printing:
Diversity: There are various types of printing technologies, each with its specific scope of application and advantages, which can meet the printing needs of different industries and products.
High precision: With the development of technology, modern printing equipment has been able to achieve micrometer level printing accuracy, ensuring accurate transmission of graphic and textual information.
Mass production: Printing technology is suitable for mass production, which can significantly improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
Screen printing:
Wide adaptability: Screen printing can be applied to almost all types of substrate materials, including paper, plastic, metal, fabric, etc., demonstrating strong material adaptability.
Colorful: Screen printing can present vivid and layered printing effects, especially suitable for printing multi-color patterns and gradient effects.
Personalized customization: Screen printing plate making is relatively flexible, suitable for personalized customization needs of small batches and multiple varieties.
3, Comparison of application fields
Printing:
The application fields of printing technology are extremely extensive, covering almost all areas that require the reproduction and dissemination of graphic and textual information. In the publishing industry, printing technology is used for the publication of books, newspapers, magazines, etc; In the packaging industry, printing technology is used for packaging products such as food, beverages, cosmetics, etc; In the advertising industry, printing technology is used to create outdoor billboards, promotional posters, etc. In addition, printing technology plays an important role in multiple industries such as electronics, textiles, and building materials.
Screen printing:
Screen printing has been deeply applied in multiple fields due to its unique process and wide adaptability. In the packaging industry, screen printing is used to create exquisite packaging for high-end products; In the electronics industry, screen printing is used for labeling products such as circuit boards and electronic components; In the textile industry, screen printing is used to produce printed fabrics with various patterns and text; In the advertising industry, screen printing also plays an important role, such as producing large outdoor billboards, store signs, etc. In addition, screen printing is widely used in fields such as art reproduction and personalized gift making.