Apparatus for screen printing images on objects

Abstract

A screen printing apparatus includes a stencil and a doctor blade or a squeegee cooperating with the printing screen or stencil to print images on objects. A transportation arrangement is provided for transporting the objects on which the images are to be printed in a given path and direction, part of the path leading past the stencil. The transportation arrangement includes a plurality of pairs of support members which are respectively mounted on carrier elements extending laterally of the path. The carrier elements are mounted on elongated rails for movement longitudinally thereof by a distance corresponding to the spacing of the pairs of support members from one another in said direction, the carrier elements reciprocating in said direction and in an opposite direction relative to the rails. Flexible carrier components may be adjustably connected to the carrier elements, and an arrangement may be provided for flexing the flexible carrier components in direction toward and away from the printing screen or stencil. The rails are mounted for movement toward and away from each other so that the support members may engage and disengage a respective object to be printed between them. At least one intermediate support may be arranged along the path, being operative for temporarily resting an object thereon. The intermediate support may be either stationary or movable in the direction of movement of the objects or opposite thereto.