In screen printing, what is the function of the squeegee?

In screen printing, the primary function of the squeegee is to fill the mesh apertures with ink. The squeegee is a tool that applies pressure to the screen, pushing the ink through the open areas of the stencil and onto the substrate (such as fabric or paper) below. This process is essential for achieving a clear and uniform print, as it helps to ensure that the ink fully penetrates the mesh to create the desired image.

While creating the stencil is an important step in screen printing, it is not the role of the squeegee. Similarly, incising an image into the screen is part of the preparation process and does not involve the squeegee. Additionally, transferring the image to a rubber roller is not relevant to screen printing, as the squeegee directly transfers the ink onto the material instead. Thus, the correct understanding of the squeegee's function is central to effective screen printing techniques.