What Our Screen Reclaiming Service Covers
Our screen reclaiming service is set up for production teams that need screens back in working condition without wasting frames or mesh. We handle cylindrical screens used on bottles, cups and tubes, with cleaning that removes ink residue, stencil coating, ghosting and build-up around the mesh. If your screens are starting to block, stain or print unevenly, reclaiming is the practical fix.
The service suits short-run decorators, contract printers and manufacturers running repeat artwork. We work with fine detail screens for logos and text, as well as heavier coverage screens for block colour and wraparound work. In Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town and surrounding areas, many clients send screens for regular reclaiming after each production cycle so they can keep a steady rotation and avoid last-minute delays.
- Ink removal and stencil breakdown
- De-coating for reusable mesh preparation
- Ghost image reduction
- Frame and edge inspection
- Mesh condition checks before reuse
If a screen is damaged, stretched or worn past reuse, we will flag it clearly before you put it back into line. That saves time on press and helps stop repeat faults that eat into a shift.
Step-By-Step Reclaiming Process From Receipt To Return
We follow a consistent process so each screen is treated the same way, whether it comes from a small workshop in Aeroton or a busy production floor in Midrand. The first step is a visual inspection for pinholes, mesh wear, frame damage and hardened ink around the edges. From there we remove residual ink and coating, then clean the mesh until it is ready for the next screen preparation stage.
After washing, the screen is checked under light for stains, blocked areas and any signs that the mesh may have started to lose tension. If extra attention is needed, we carry out a second clean on problem areas. Once dry, the screen is packed for collection or return and noted for any follow-up repairs or replacement needs. It is a simple process but it makes a big difference when you are chasing consistent print quality and not wanting surprises on the floor.
- Receive and log screens by job or batch
- Inspect mesh, frame and print surface
- Strip ink and decoat the screen
- Rinse, dry and recheck under light
- Report faults and return ready for reuse
Typical Turnaround For Busy Production Schedules
Turnaround depends on how many screens are sent in, how much ink build-up is present and whether there are stubborn ghost images that need extra work. For regular jobs, we aim for fast turnaround so your team can keep production moving. Small batches can often be handled within a short lead time, while larger volumes may be booked into a cleaning cycle to match your release schedule.
For clients running bottles and cups with changing artwork, it helps to plan reclaiming on a weekly or fortnightly basis. That way screens are always cycling through cleaning while other sets are on press. If your site is dealing with load-shedding, night shifts or weekend production, we can help you time off-site service around your actual operating hours. In some cases a screen that looks clean enough still needs extra treatment because residue can affect ink transfer, specially on fine lettering.
We always recommend sending screens in batches rather than waiting until every screen is dirty at once. That keeps your line steadier and reduces panic when a new order lands unexpectedly.
Pricing Based On Screen Condition And Volume
Our pricing approach is straightforward. Costs depend on the size and condition of the screen, the amount of cleaning required and the number of units you send in. A screen with light ink residue takes less time than one with hardened coating, heavy ghosting or edge build-up, so the price reflects the work involved rather than a one-rate-fits-all method.
For production teams, batch pricing is often the best option. Sending multiple screens together can lower your unit cost and simplify collection or delivery. If you need reclaiming linked to screen making, preventive maintenance or operator support, we can quote the full job as a package so there are no surprises. That makes budgeting easier for procurement teams and smaller shops alike.
- Price influenced by screen size and condition
- Batch volumes can reduce unit cost
- Quotes available for regular service plans
- Combined service jobs can be priced together
We keep quotes practical and clear, with no hidden extras for the normal cleaning steps. If a screen needs special attention or repair work, we let you know before proceeding.
Maintenance Intervals That Keep Screens Usable Longer
Good reclaiming is only part of the story. Screens last longer when they are cleaned at the right intervals and handled properly between runs. For high-volume production, reclaiming after every job is best. For lower-volume sites, a weekly or monthly cycle may be enough as long as screens are stored flat, dry and away from dust, moisture and direct sun. Coastal humidity can be hard on mesh and stencil residue, so sites in Durban or Cape Town often need tighter routines.
We recommend regular checks on screens that handle fine detail, bold solids or solvent-heavy inks. If cleaning is delayed too long, residue hardens and becomes more difficult to remove. That can lead to poor mesh opening, ink contamination and longer press setup times. A simple maintenance habit, paired with proper reclaiming, keeps reusable screens performing better for longer.
- Reclaim after each production run where possible
- Store screens flat in a dry, dust-free area
- Inspect for pinholes and mesh wear before reuse
- Plan more frequent cleaning in humid or dusty conditions
Who Uses This Service And Where We Work
We support printers, product decorators and manufacturers who use cylindrical screens for bottles, cups and tubes. That includes businesses in Aeroton, Johannesburg South, Midrand, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, plus customers across South Africa who need screens reclaimed and sent back ready for the next print cycle. The service is useful for teams that want a predictable screen room without keeping too much idle stock.
Our base in Aeroton, Johannesburg gives us a practical point for local drop-off and collection arrangements, while nationwide installs and support mean we can assist clients beyond Gauteng as well. If your operation needs screen reclaiming linked to operator training, colour setup help or production optimisation, we can work that into your support plan. The aim is simple: keep reusable screens in service, reduce waste and avoid unnecessary downtime.
For orders or service planning, use our contact form and tell us how many screens you have, what they were used for, and whether you need a standard clean or a more detailed reclaiming job.
Key facts
| Service type | Screen reclaiming for reusable cylindrical screens |
|---|---|
| Supported items | Screens for bottles, cups and tubes |
| Base | Aeroton, Johannesburg |
| Coverage | Nationwide support and collection planning |
| Typical use | Ink removal, de-coating, ghost reduction and inspection |
| Best interval | After each run or on a scheduled weekly or monthly cycle |
