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The exact history screen printing is unknown. The Chinese developed a form of screen printing during the Song Dynasty, which was between 960 and 1279. The Japanese were also developing screen printing during this time. Originally, the screen printing process used human hair as a stencil to make regular ink-patterns. In Polynesia, banana leaves were poked with holes and used as screens or stencils. Much later, in eighteenth-century England, people discovered that silk worked well as a screen to make repeating patterns in ornate wall paper. After that, the term "silk screening" became widespread. Today, manmade fibers are used instead of silk, so it is usually referred to as "screen printing". The term "imprinting" is used to describe both engraved and screen printed items.

Screen printing remains popular because it can be used to print on so many different materials and surfaces. It can print on metal, on plastic, and on paper; it can also be used to print on round and cylindrical objects of different sizes. These attributes make screen printing a good choice for promotional pens.

Although laser engraving is also used to imprint company names and logos on pens, it does not allow for color transfer; laser-imprinted pens are usually made of painted metal. Sometimes the interaction of the laser and the material will cause a change of color while engraving (often to white or black). With screen printing, brilliant colors can be transferred to a pen to attract attention to the insignia. If a pen has color on the imprint, it has probably been screen printed rather than imprinted with a laser.

When a digital image is selected for a pen, it's transferred to the screen printing machinery and imprinted. Because the ink is forced through a fine screen, the selected image can be intricately and exactly reproduced onto the pen. A color-doming system for promotional pens refers to a process that preserves the print. It is also used on pictures to keep them clean and assure the color lasts for many years. A doming process might also refer to printing three-dimensional labels and stickers.

Although laser engraved pens are elegant, screen printing is often used for promotional pens because it's so versatile and rich with color. Always verify that your customized pens are being imprinted using the most cost-effective and attractive process for your needs.

For information on other printing methods, please click here (link attached)