Direct-to-film printing is usually referred to as the film output or the film positive printing and is very important in screen printing. Some of the methods used to produce images for printing are through printing on transparent films and then using the films to make screens for printing on different surfaces. As mentioned earlier, direct-to-film printing has many advantages ranging from efficiency and precision to cost control but can be associated with some drawbacks as well. As most of you know, Direct-to-film printing is a preferred method for printing because of its durability and cost-effective approach, however, it comes with its own set of hurdles which is why we will be talking more about them in this blog.
1. Inkjet Printer Compatibility
It is quite tasking to look for an inkjet printer that is suitable to be used on the chosen film material in direct-to-film printing. It is not necessary to use the inkjet printer for printing on the transparency films as this could lead to poor quality prints or smudging of ink.
Solution: A high-quality inkjet printer intended for printing films must be researched and purchased. For the best quality, choose printers with pigment-based inks and one that features a film printing mode.
2. Ink Adhesion and Drying Time
Several difficulties can occur with ink adhesion to the film surface, but it depends on the specific formulation of the ink or the presence of any film coating. Ink texture can also be a problem, as taking longer time to dry the ink causes smudging or smearing when handling the material due to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.
Solution: Print with inks compatible with direct-to-film printing technology and adjust the printer settings to the appropriate ink density and the corresponding drying time. For humid conditions in the printing environment, try using a dehumidifier or a fan and allow ample time for the printed films to dry before handling.
3. Print Resolution and Detail
It is crucial to achieve high print density and fine details on the print when using the spray technique because the film-positive image quality is critical for high-quality screen printing or when using halftone screens. Still, attaining high-resolution prints with fine lines and details might turn into a problem, particularly with the lowest quality printers or when using artwork designs.
Solution: One should use printers with better quality and a high level of resolution. This is especially important in high-quality printing, where the reproduction should be relatively clear and very detailed, at least 1440 dpi or higher. To achieve optimum print quality, one should adjust the printer settings, including droplet size and print head alignment. It is recommended to leverage specialized RIP solutions for image processing and increasing control over the outcome.
4. Film Durability and Longevity
Direct-to-film prints are likely damaged when exposed to light, contaminated, or even touched since they are printed directly onto the material. Overexposure, surface abrasion, and ink wear out can alter the quality and precision of film positives, affecting screen prints negatively.
Solution: Print films should be touched carefully to avoid smearing or damaging the ink layer. Store films in a proper sleeve or container made from material that does not transmit light, dust, or moisture. Some tips are to use UV inks for the prints and apply film coating to increase the product’s durability and life span.
Key Takeaways
There are numerous benefits of direct-to-film printing in the process of screen printing but it also poses certain difficulties. By observing problems like compatibility of inkjet printers with a particular brand of screen printing inks, adhesion of ink on the film, resolution of the printer, curling of the film, and durability of the film, one can effectively bypass these problems and get the best results of direct to film printing. By closely observing the equipment and material used, as well as the workflow procedures, screen printers can greatly reduce mistakes to be able to produce accurate film positives for a successful screen printing process.