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images
FEBRUARY 2017
www.images-magazine.comKB
SCREEN PRINTING PRESSES
What are the potential
drawbacks of the hybrid system?
OL:
There are no real drawbacks. You just need to keep
in mind that you are combining two different technol-
ogies so there will be some integration work required–
mechanically, electronically and also in terms of the ink
chemistry. There will be a learning curve and a ramp up
period.
GB:
Potential drawbacks are few, but could include that
the limited colour gamut of the CMYK colour model
compared to spot colours can make some PMS colours
difficult to reproduce digitally, and the slightly higher
cost of digital inks over conventional plastisol.
CM:
The only drawbacks with hybrid printing are you do
need some screen printing knowledge – as the process
is mainly used by existing screen printers this is not nor-
mally an issue.
JP:
Until now, production speeds have been slow for the
investment required, however our iQ Digital is the first to
offer production speeds in line with those of a traditional
automatic screen printing press. Quite simply, without a
high production speed, the return on investment is more
difficult.
JW:
A potential drawback is speed on larger runs,
however the quality achieved by this hybrid process is
difficult or impossible to match with a standalone screen
print system.
ME:
For screen printers entering the world of DTG the
crossover from spot colours to CMYK digital printing
presents plenty of pre-press challenges. Good colour
management knowledge becomes much more impor-
tant as this has to be applied digitally on a DTG print,
whereas screen printers can always adjust colours on
the press. Ensuring good registration between the two
technologies is also a key factor.
What are the main challenges of
bringing together a screen printing
press and DTG system in a print shop
environment?
GB:
The main challenges of merging the two technologies
could be a higher level of preventative maintenance over what
is traditionally performed in an analogue print shop, and the
adverse effects of the shop environment and atmospheric con-
ditions. General housekeeping should be maintained at a higher
level than in traditional print shops.
CM:
You need some extra floor space for both pieces of
equipment, however the R-Jet/FreeStyler system is a direct-to-
screen maker available with a built-in LED exposure unit. This
reduces the system’s footprint and increases productivity.
NV:
There are some challenges when coming up with a project
like this because it uses two different technologies. It’s still very
rare to have operators versed in both technologies. Usually the
operator needs training in one of the fields, whether it be digital
or screen printing. In the jobs that use both technologies, the
printer must ensure a perfect fit between the prints made by
each machine.
OL:
Direct-to-garment systems are usually engineered for
robustness and reliable operation. However they contain a lot of
high-tech components so they are usually more ‘delicate’ than
screen printing equipment. It makes sense to consider environ-
mental conditions such as temperature and humidity and also
to carry out proper maintenance.
JP:
Carousels present major limitations because of their phys-
ical design, whereas the oval layout allows for better segrega-
tion of the different processes, allowing the digital process to
be kept well away from the screening process. For example,
lint, glue and heat from flash cures/dryers are very unfriendly
towards digital print heads.
Due to its modularity, the oval format also facilitates the op-
tion to add more stations at any point in the future for greater
flexibility without the need to replace the entire machine.
What markets do you think the hybrid is suited to?
JW:
This system undoubtedly gives the user an advantage. The print quality achievable is fantastic and this will
enable the user to target customers who require small to medium size runs with a higher quality finish.
ME:
Really the two ends of the spectrum: retail, high end fashion garments where the combined technologies can
produce bespoke designs that can be sold with a higher price tag and also short/medium print runs on to black or
dark coloured garments where a screen printed white underbase makes a big difference to quality and cost.
OL:
The Paradigm is perfect for promotional and retail markets, for custom decorators and contract printers.
CM:
Hybrid printing sits well in most markets, but it definitely shines in retail and the many different print-on-
demand scenarios.
NV:
The Hybrid is best suited to any printer that wants to step up the quality of their work.
JP:
Mass customisation: these machines open up an exciting possibility to create garments with unique personali-
sation on a high-production level.