Screen printing is the most traditional printing process, although it is less common nowadays. It is primarily used for simple text printing, typically not exceeding two colors. While there are advanced screen printing machines capable of handling up to six colors, they generally exhibit lower overall resolution and clarity. The notable characteristic of screen printing is its cost-effectiveness.
Tinplate, after undergoing inner and outer coating processes, is ready for machine printing. Due to the smooth surface of tinplate, which does not absorb oil and possesses a certain hardness and thickness, the printing process typically involves offset printing. The printing principle is based on the immiscibility of oil and water, with selective adsorption of dot structures and colors. While the flatbed printing process on tinplate is similar to sheet-fed offset printing on paper, the unique characteristics of tinplate printing make it somewhat different. Here are several key aspects:
Heat transfer printing is currently the most frequently used printing method. Its distinctive feature is high-quality pattern reproduction, capable of meeting the design requirements of any customer. The process involves specialized printing firms creating films based on customer designs, which are then brought back to our factory for heat transfer using dedicated machines. The initial step involves designing and creating plates, with each plate corresponding to a color. A typical image effect will involve approximately six colors. The cost for setting up one plate is around $80. The standard minimum order quantity (MOQ) for printing factories is around 800 square meters, equivalent to approximately 2000 film sheets for 20L buckets. For quantities less than this, a startup fee of $100 is applicable.
Molds play a decisive role in determining the quality of plastic buckets. Taking a 20L mold as an example, in China, a standard mold is typically priced around $30,000 USD. The material used is usually 45# steel (considered the lowest grade, with special treatment during mold opening to increase its hardness) or P20. Molds are divided into moving and fixed parts, or front and rear parts, with each part further divided into mold frames and mold cores. Often, mold factories use better-quality material for the mold core and slightly inferior material for the mold frame, as the mold core is directly involved in product formation. The injection cycle for a 20L bucket mold is generally around 40 seconds with a standard injection molding machine. Similarly, the quality and price of P20 steel vary among manufacturers, with Baosteel being the best but also the most expensive, significantly differing from the prices of smaller factories.
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