M&R has introduced the DigiTone halftone filter to its line of direct-to-garment printers (DTG). The new filter simulates traditional halftone screen printing effects and will make it possible for screen printers to use their M&R M-Link machines for prepress testing.
By selecting the DigiTone filter setting, M-Link operators can now print a traditional amplitude modulated halftone dot, and choose the dot size and the angle (including the 22.5-degree angle found in standard screen separations) at which these dots will appear.
DTG printers, such as M&R’s M-Link and M-Link X, typically use dithering, which enables them to create smoother colour transitions than are possible with the halftone method used in 4-colour process screen printing of full-colour images. For most DTG printing, dithering will remain the preferred setting; however, by using the DigiTone filter printers will be able to produce digital prints that are said to be “extremely close to screen printed images”. This will enable the operator and customer to make alterations quickly and easily prior to striking off proofs on the screen printing press.
The DigiTone filter also open the door to the digitally decorating garments with analogue screen printing effects, such simulated processed prints.
M&R’s simulated halftone technology is available on all new M-Link and M-Link X models.
