IS THE LASER-TO-SCREEN LTS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Laser-to-Screen: The Most Advanced Computer-To-Screen Imaging Technology

Computer-To-Screen (CTS) and Direct-To-Screen (DTS) are two terms to describe the same concept in screen printing. CTS/DTS printers revolutionized screen printing by simplifying workflows and significantly reducing on-press setup times. With these machines, image registration is highly accurate, boosting overall print quality. CTS/DTS technology eliminates the need for traditional film, which not only cuts costs but also enhances image quality.

Traditional CTS/DTS technologies image directly from the computer to the emulsion-coated screen by printing ink or wax onto the UV curable stencil. These systems then expose that stencil to LED UV light in a two-step process.

Laser-to-Screen (LTS) is a subset of CTS/DTS technology, eliminating 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.

Why Choose Laser-To-Screen LTS Over Traditional CTS/DTS?

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.

In the video below, LTS ROI vs CTS i-Image, Kyle with Powertex talks about what Return On Investment (ROI) factors affected their decision to upgrade from their i-Image CTS machine to the LTS 8012 Auto Exposure Unit.