Screen Printing FAQ
Check out some of our most frequently asked questions about screen printing. If you have a question that you don’t see below, contact one of our representatives today.
- J - Year the product was manufactured: J=2015, K=2016, L=2017, M=2018, N=2019, etc.
- 274 - Julian Date (day of the year) that the product was produced (274 represents October 1)
- 01 - Internal Code Only
Dual Exposure Calculator Part 1: Step Test
Dual Exposure Calculator Part 2: Exposure Calculator
- United States and Canada distributor list: click here
- International distributor list: click here
Computer-To-screen (CTS) and Direct-To-Screen (DTS) are two terms to describe the same concept in screen printing. Laser-to-Screen (LTS) is a subset of CTS/DTS technology that eliminates the reliance on ink and wax. Instead, Laser-to-Screen images, or exposes, the stencil directly onto the screen with lasers in one simple step.
Laser-To-Screen (LTS) technology represents a significant leap forward from traditional Computer-To-Screen (CTS) and Direct-To-Screen (DTS) methods by streamlining and refining the imaging process. Traditional CTS/DTS systems rely on ink or wax to create an image on an emulsion-coated screen, which then requires a second step to expose the stencil to UV light. In contrast, LTS technology uses precise laser imaging to expose the stencil directly, completely eliminating the need for ink, wax, or additional exposure steps.
This single-step process not only speeds up production but also minimizes maintenance by removing common issues related to printheads, ink, and wax clogging. With LTS, print quality is consistently sharp and accurate, resulting in faster setup times and lower operational costs, making it the most efficient and cost-effective choice for high-volume and high-quality screen printing environments.
Laser-To-Screen LTS FAQ
Check out some of our most frequently asked questions about our Laser-To-Screen LTS auto exposure units.
Laser-To-Screen (LTS) is an advanced screen imaging technology that directly exposes the stencil onto the screen using lasers, eliminating the need for ink or wax. This process streamlines screen preparation by combining imaging and exposure into a single step, enhancing efficiency and precision.
Traditional CTS and DTS systems typically involve applying ink or wax to an emulsion-coated screen followed by a separate UV exposure. In contrast, LTS technology uses lasers to directly image and expose the stencil in one seamless process, reducing steps and potential errors. Learn more in our blog post, CTS vs DTS vs LTS: Imaging Units for Screen Printing.
LTS technology offers several advantages, including:
- No Consumables: Eliminates the need for ink, wax, or film positives, reducing material costs.
- High Resolution: Capable of reproducing intricate designs with high precision.
- Efficiency: Combines imaging and exposure into one step, speeding up screen preparation.
- Low Maintenance: Reduces issues related to printhead maintenance found in traditional systems.
Chromaline offers three models of LTS auto exposure units to accommodate various screen sizes. Head to our Laser-To-Screen page to see all the specs.
- LTS 6012: Images one screen up to 41.3” x 63” or two screens up to 23” x 31”.
- LTS 8012: Images one screen up to 45” x 66” or two screens up to 25” x 36”.
- LTS 1015: Images one screen up to 59” x 75”.
Implementing LTS technology can lead to significant cost savings by eliminating consumable expenses (such as ink, wax, and film), reducing labor through streamlined processes, and decreasing exposure times. These efficiencies contribute to a faster ROI for screen printing businesses. Learn more on our blog post, Maximize ROI with Laser-To-Screen (LTS) Technology for Screen Printing.
Chromaline offers a free, personalized ROI analysis to help you assess the potential benefits of LTS technology for your specific operations. This consultation considers factors like the number of screens processed and current exposure methods to provide tailored insights.
ACCU Products FAQ
Check out some of our most frequently asked questions about our line of Accu products, including: AccuArt, AccuJet, AccuBlack and AccuInk.
There are several advantages using ink jet printers.
- Cost. Ink jet printers are inexpensive compared to thermal and laser printers.
- Size ink jet printers can come in sizes that will fit on a desk or are stand alone and handle 60 inch wide material.
- Ink jet printers when using a RIP deliver excellent positives with very dense blacks.
- Professional ink jet printers utilize large ink cartridges which mean less down time when making positives.
- Ink jet printers can be placed anywhere in the shop. However, please keep it away from high humidity areas such as the washout area in the screen making room. Ideal place is in the art room.
- Check to see that digital artwork is of adequate resolution. Line art should be at a resolution of 1200 dpi. Color or grayscale art should be at a minimum of 300 dpi.
- Check to see that you are printing at a proper resolution. Positives should be printed at a minimum of 720 dpi. 1440 dpi is recommended.
- Be sure to choose a film media from your printer properties menu. This tells the printer what type of media is going through the printer.
- Are you using a RIP? The RIP typically will improve print quality, resulting in smoother line edges and clean halftone dots if you’re doing separations. The AccuArt films can handle halftones up to 65 lpi.
- Make sure that you printed on the coated side of the film.
- Did you use the proper print settings? For best results, print at a resolution of 1440 dpi and use a print setting for film media. You may need to experiment to find the best media setting for your printer.
- If you’re doing positives/negatives, print with black ink only versus color. If you’re in color mode, sometimes the printer will mix the colors to make black opposed to getting a pure black ink print.
- Make sure that you’re using dye-based inks. The dye-based inks penetrate into the film, yielding better density. Pigment based inks will remain on the surface which will typically yield less density.