Mastering High-End Simulated Process Printing - Impressions

step
4
step
7
step
10
In this close-up of the printed
surface, the dots appear rough
and broken. This print was done
before the minimum printing
temperature of 90°F was reached.
In this close-up of the final print,
notice the complexity of the color
change. It would be impossible
to achieve this without completely
accurate translation of the
halftone information.
Stir ink vigorously with a spatula
and then lift it out of the ink. You
should have a supported ink
strand of 1 inch to 1 1 ⁄8 inches
suspended from the bottom of
the spatula.
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5
step
8
step
11
High-end simulated process
printing involves accurate color
reproduction. Our test image has a
wide tonal range of white to solid
black, and subtle color changes.
In this microscopic halftone
close-up, you can clearly see the
integrity of the halftone and the
complete transfer of ink to the
garment surface.
Thixotropic ink will support a
vertical ink cross section when
you slowly drag a spatula
through it. If the ink walls
collapse quickly, add up to 2%
high-density clear gel to the ink.
step
6
step
12
Here is another example of the
print surface of the JERZEES ®
363MR HiDensi-T TM . Note the
regularity of the halftone dots
both in size and in arrangement.
Another closely held secret to
great printing is to ensure the ink
temperature is between 90°F
and 120°F. Preheat your pallets
to 130°F to warm the ink in the
screens before printing.
Mark Coudray is a recognized industry veteran and expert on color separation and halftone printing. He is a sought-after consultant
and industry writer with more than 350 published pieces during the last 35 years. You can read more of Mark’s work at HalftoneSecrets.
com. He can be reached via e-mail at Coudray@coudray.com where he welcomes your comments and observations.
step
9
To achieve great printed halftones,
mesh tension between 25
and 30 N/cm is essential. Tension
below 20 N/cm make it
impossible to control squeegee
pressure and ink transfer.