Impressions - March 2024 - 28

M&R's i-Image CTS imager speeds
up screen-production by eliminating
the need for film and enabling much
easier registration. Photo courtesy of
Impressions Expo
Beyond that, other features to look for include an integrated timer
(an important feature given the importance of exposure time to the creation
of quality screens, especially in larger shops with high production
capacities) and add-ons, like gas shocks to hold the vacuum unit frame
up and out of the way when inserting and removing the film and screen.
Also important to consider is the size of the exposure unit you install
in your shop, especially if you plan on using larger screens. " Screens used
on an automatic press are often larger in size, and because of this the
size of your exposure unit is also a factor to consider, " says Workhorse
Products president, Tyler Dummett (workhorseproducts.com). " With
larger screens, you also need a larger unit to ensure consistent and even
exposures across the entire screen. In addition to the size, the power of
the unit is important. You may need faster burn times because of faster
production times. "
" Size definitely matters, " Sroka says. " Consider your future needs, not
only your current needs. If you're using 20-inch-by-24-inch screens on
a manual press now, but thinking about going auto with larger screens,
make sure your exposure unit will be able to accommodate both. "
Computer- or direct-to-screen
Taking things up a level with respect to efficiency, technological sophistication
and, of course, cost, there's the option of going with a computer-to-screen
(CTS), direct-to-screen (DTS) or laser-to-screen (LTS)
system. (Note: the terms CTS and DTS are often used interchangeably,
though they'll be differentiated in this article.) The idea here is to forego
the use of films either by 1) using a computer to print a positive image
onto a coated screen (CTS), which is then exposed and processed in a
washout booth or 2) employing a computer guided laser (DTS or LTS)
to burn the negative image onto a prepared/coated screen, forgoing the
need for an exposure unit completely.
In either case, the system will employ a digitally controlled gantry to
position a laser or print head over the surface of the screen being processed.
With respect to CTS, there are two different types of systems
available: those employing ink and those employing wax. Among the
advantages of an ink-based system are the fact the systems generally cost
less and work more quickly-more printheads generally equating to faster
P.28
ImpressionsMagazine.com March 2024
The vertical orientation of the Syder II,
which employs wax to create its images,
allows it to occupy a much smaller
footprint-a plus for crowded shops. Photo
courtesy of Impressions Expo
processing times. Wax, on the other hand, dries faster and provides an
especially sharp image. Granted, you're going to get a nice sharp image
using either approach. However, if your business calls for frequent use
of fine lines or half-tones, wax may be the way to go.
Because the material being applied solidifies so quickly, it can also be
applied to screens oriented vertically, which in turn means wax-based
systems typically have smaller footprint, a boon for shops with limited
space. Examples of this approach include the Spyder II and Spyder III
systems manufactured by Exile Technologies (exiletech.com).
Ink-based CTS systems, on the other hand, require the screens to be
placed horizontally during processing. If space (and your budget) allows,
an especially convenient approach can be going with a CTS system that
integrates both the printing and exposing phases. Examples include the
M&R i-Image STE I Computer-to-Screen (CTS) Imaging-Exposure
System and large-format i-Image K and KX Computer-to-Screen (CTS)
Imaging and Imaging-Exposure Systems (mrprint.com).
Whether you go with ink or wax, expect to make big gains in terms
http://www.workhorseproducts.com http://www.exiletech.com http://www.mrprint.com http://www.ImpressionsMagazine.com
Impressions - March 2024

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