Apparatus for stretching a mesh for screen printing

An apparatus for stretching a mesh for screen printing, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of linear actuators mounted on a corresponding base, wherein the plurality of linear actuators comprises a corresponding piston arrangement adapted to:
• move from a retracted position to an elongated position upon actuation by a working fluid to stretch the mesh during an expansion stroke and thereby increase force to mass ratio, and
• provide vibrational movement during stretching of the mesh to prevent formation of one or more wrinkles on the mesh;
• and
• one or more clamps operatively coupled to the corresponding piston arrangement, and adapted to;
• clasp the mesh by pivoting a corresponding handle that is connected to the one or more clamps, and
• stretch the mesh corresponding to movement of the corresponding piston arrangement, thereby stretching the mesh for screen printing,
• wherein the mesh is adapted to be stretched over a frame located on the base of the corresponding plurality of linear actuators, and
• wherein the base comprises a locking mechanism configured to prevent relative movement of the frame with respect to the base by locking the frame with the base.