Pigment Inc is set to unveil new imaging technology that is designed to “eliminate virtually all of the steps in the screen-making process”.
D2M Rapid Screen is designed to bypass any darkroom requirements, film positives, computer-to-screen (CTS) equipment and emulsion coating, reducing waste water and drying time.
It is due to debut at Fespa Global Print Expo tomorrow on the Pigment Inc stand B40 in Hall B1, including demonstrations. The exhibition runs at Munich Messe from 23 to 26 May.
The new technology features a unique injectable emulsion that images direct to the screen. It can be installed next to a screen print carousel for any operator to make screens in three steps.
Firstly, artwork is generated as a negative – typically in eps, tiff or jpeg formats. The operator then places the screen onto the D2M Rapid Screen printer and the injectable emulsion is applied as a negative over the entire screen. In most cases, this reduces the need for masking.
Most full-sized screens are imaged in less than three minutes. The screen is then ready to go straight to the press and start production.
The D2M is designed to work with all common screen mesh sizes and all brands of water-based, negative and plastisol inks.
With resolutions of up to 3600dpi, it is described as “pixel sharp and tough yet flexible”. It will withstand up to 2,000 or more impressions before the edges start to lose any definition.
All common frame sizes up to 640mm by 910mm (25 inches by 36 inches) are supported. Screens are held in place at three image registration points for imaging accuracy across screens including popular brands such as M&R, Roq and MHM.
