Abstract: A support system and method for supporting a printing screen unit in a screen printing machine. The support system includes a support assembly comprising a support unit for supporting a printing screen unit comprising a printing screen including printing apertures through which printing medium is printed onto a workpiece; and a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the printing screen in a screen printing operation, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the printing screen to a first tension in a printing phase in printing printing medium onto a workpiece and a second tension, which is lower than the first tension, in a separation phase in separating the printing screen unit and the workpiece. Other aspects also are disclosed.

Abstract: A support system and method for supporting a printing screen unit in a screen printing machine. The support system includes a support assembly comprising a support unit for supporting a printing screen unit comprising a printing screen including printing apertures through which printing medium is printed onto a workpiece; and a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the printing screen in a screen printing operation, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the printing screen to a first tension in a printing phase in printing printing medium onto a workpiece and a second tension, which is lower than the first tension, in a separation phase in separating the printing screen unit and the workpiece. Other aspects also are disclosed.

Abstract: A support system for and method of supporting a printing screen unit in a screen printing machine. In one aspect the support system includes a support assembly comprising: a support unit far supporting a printing screen unit (3) comprising a printing screen (5) including printing apertures (6) through which printing medium is printed onto a workpiece; and a tensioning mechanism (18) for tensioning the printing screen in a screen printing operation, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the printing screen to a first tension in a printing phase in printing printing medium onto a workpiece and a second tension, which is lower than the first tension, in a separation phase in separating the printing screen unit and the workpiece.

Abstract: A frame unit for tensioning a printing screen, the frame unit comprising a frame including at least one frame member, the at least one frame member comprising: a supporting frame element; at least one engagement element for engaging a fitted printing screen to tension the same, wherein the at least one engagement element comprises a body which is pivotally coupled to the supporting frame element such that the at least one engagement element is pivotable in one, tensioning sense to tension a fitted printing screen and the other, opposite sense to adopt a configuration in which a printing screen can be fitted to or removed from the frame unit, a first, engagement arm extending from the body for engaging a fitted printing screen, and a second, biasing arm extending from the body to which a biasing force is applied to bias the at least one engagement element to pivot in the tensioning sense; and at least one biasing element operative to apply a biasing force to the biasing arm of the at least one engagement eleme