In the context of screen printing, a positive refers to the transparent or translucent film that contains the printed design or artwork in opaque ink. It is called a positive because it represents the areas where ink will pass through onto the printing substrate.
The positive film is typically created by printing the artwork or design onto a transparent or translucent film using an inkjet or laser printer. The printed positive is then used in conjunction with the screen and emulsion or capillary film to transfer the design onto the substrate during the screen printing process.
The positive acts as a template or guide, indicating where the ink will be deposited onto the substrate. It is essential for achieving accurate registration, sharp details, and consistent results in screen printing. The positive is carefully aligned and secured to the screen, allowing the ink to pass through the open areas and create the desired image or pattern.
Overall, a positive in screen printing refers to the transparent or translucent film containing the printed design that allows ink to pass through specific areas of the screen and onto the printing substrate. It plays a crucial role in the screen printing process, enabling precise and controlled ink application to achieve the desired print outcome.