Eco Frames

Eco Frames are aluminum frames with four locking strips on each side of the screen. The mesh clicks into place using these locking strips. Click frames are not re-tensionable screens. However, click frames usually have higher mesh tension when compared to static frames, and offer printers more flexibility.

When printers order click frames, the mesh ships in a pack, and the frame ships without any mesh. This is helpful because the mesh won’t need to survive shipping. It can be applied fresh in your shop. Simply click the mesh into the locking strips and lock it in (the mesh is held in place through tension). Apply tape over the strips to protect the mesh, and let it rest for about 24 hours. 

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Eco Frames come with a higher setup cost than static frames but quickly earn their keep. A starter kit comes at around $439, including six frames and 12 mesh panels. If you were buying static frames, you could buy about 15 screens at that cost. But before you get sticker shock, let’s talk about the return on investment of click frames. 

When a click frame screen loses tension, all you’ll need to do is replace the mesh. Mesh for Eco Frames comes in a variety of mesh counts, as well as Hi-DRO (thin thread) or Hi-TEX (standard thread) options. Instead of being limited to just the screens you have on hand, and finding storage space for all of them when not in use, you now have access to every mesh count available in a convenient collapsible panel. A six-pack of mesh costs approximately $99, while six static screens will cost you about $200. 

RELATED: HOW TO INSTALL MESH ON ECO FRAMES

Using Eco Frames also reduces waste coming out of your screen printing shop. While aluminum is easy to recycle, using less is always the better option. Since you won’t have to replace the frames every time you need a new screen (unless the frame is broken), you’ll be using less and doing your part to create a more sustainable industry.