Knowledge is the key to success in ceramic decal printing

Harsh Gandhi, one of the partners of Faridabad-based Marigold Creations, feels that unless and until proper knowledge is acquired and put into practice, a big ticket investment in advanced screen printing is fruitless. So, he made it a point to attend DMI’s workshop on advanced screen printing in February 2012, following his company’s investment in Grafica’s 30” x 40” Camshell and complete screen making set up. Back home he tried to put into practice many of the useful tips to produce high quality ceramic and glass transfers.

DMI’s slogan – Learn More / Earn More – is quite befitting, says Harsh Gandhi, while explaining how the knowledge gained during the workshop in Vasai has enabled his company to make best use of advanced screen printing technology. "We have come a long way, but every day is a learning process. The more I print, the more I explore new possibilities in screen / image printing."

Marigold Creations was founded by Satish Kumar Gandhi along with Harsh’s paternal uncle I P Gandhi, who is still a partner (both are the backbone of the company). Marigold Creations, established in 2008 as a separate entity, merged in 2012 with the parent company Gandhi Sales Corporation (established in 1997 in New Delhi). The company has technology, expertise and infrastructure to execute bulk orders. They have an in-house set up for designing, printing and decoration, furnace, storage, warehouses - all housed in their new 800 square/yard facility at Ballabgarh in Haryana.

Harsh Gandhi says, The company supplies transfers to glass industries in Ferozabad. We also offer transfers to the tile industries in Sonepat, Panipat, Ambala, Punjab, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida, Delhi markets. We provide bone-china crockery sets (tableware and diner sets) to armed forces duly decorated. These are meant for Officers’ Messes.

In terms of direct supply to corporate clients, the company provides glass, mugs, bone-china crockery, glassware (gift), 12 piece tumbler sets, lemon sets, with floral designs. These are usually for branding purposes.

Third party decoration includes corporate groups which assign orders to Marigold for decorating crockery and glass which are sourced by them. The Marigold team then prints ceramic decals and transfers on to crockery sets on a job work basis. The print job for the liquor and beverage industry is once again a third party job work. Harsh Gandhi says, "We make transfers to decorate beer glasses directly sourced by clients. These are meant for brand promotion."

Important tips that Gandhi and his team gleaned from the DMI workshop is: We have replicated DMI’s institute’s clean, dust-free and calm environment in our screen making set up and printing unit by providing air-condition, yellow light, and ‘no window’ room.
Then Marigold avoids purchase of cheap materials. The company sources only quality materials to maintain quality standards. Now, the team follows the techniques of halftone printing, profile making, pre-press standards, screen-making, correct method of emulsion coating, and screen drying system. Above all, the firm has stopped old habits of manual screen printing and follow only advanced techniques.

The big tip Harsh Gandhi gained from Bhargav Mistry was about off-contact, peel-off and screen angles and moiré guard. This Gandhi says, is very crucial in ceramic decal printing.

The difference in the Faridabad factory, Gandhi says is, "We used to face lot of issues related to dot gain/dot loss, moiré, and screen exposing. I got practical solutions to resolve these issues." When probed in what specific way, he said, "Bubble and pinholes were rampant; these have now been solved. Also, we are able to print halftone printing with better results. And finally, there is drastic improvement in quality and productivity, leading to customer satisfaction and repeat orders."