feb17_images_digital

KB SCREEN PRINTING PRESSES

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 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 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.

48 images FEBRUARY 2017

www.images-magazine.com