CtS – Computer to Screen for Screen Printing
CtS systems (Computer to Screen) expose your design directly and digitally onto the coated screen – without a separate film positive. This saves you time, material and an entire work step compared with classic exposure. Whether simple logos or highly detailed halftone designs – with a CtS system you prepare your screen digitally and precisely.
With CtS systems, the direct digital transfer of the design is what counts in order to save time and material costs compared with classic film exposure. In the CtS – Computer to Screen category, Print Equipment offers you a digital exposure system for your needs. In the CtS – Computer to Screen category you'll find the right technology for your digital screen preparation.
What defines CtS systems?
CtS systems use inkjet technology to print the design directly onto the coated screen with a UV-blocking ink. A suitable match of resolution and screen size is decisive for a precise, digitally reproducible result.
The typical process with a CtS system is clearly structured:
- The screen is first coated with a light-sensitive emulsion
- The design is printed directly from the software onto the coated screen by inkjet
- The UV-blocking ink takes over the function of the classic film positive
- After the subsequent exposure and washout, the screen is ready to print
CtS systems thus ideally complement our exposure systems and are a sensible addition to our screen printing machines.
Why CtS systems are indispensable
CtS systems play an important role in accelerating and digitalizing screen preparation. Only with a direct digital transfer can the work step of separate film creation be saved entirely.
The most important advantages include:
- No separate film positive needed: Direct printing from the software onto the coated screen
- High resolution: Up to 1,200 x 2,400 dpi for highly detailed halftone designs
- Flexible print head configuration: 1-4 print heads depending on the speed required. Your individual production volume is decisive for the choice.
- UV-blocking pigment ink: Reliable function as a digital film-substitute layer
- Ideal for recurring designs: Popular with businesses with frequently changing screen templates
This makes CtS systems indispensable both for simple logo designs and for highly detailed halftone designs.
What aspects need to be considered?
With CtS systems, the focus is on both technical key data and different print speed modes.
Technical data of the FREEStyler 2
The FREEStyler 2 CtS system is available to you with a maximum screen size of 1,050 x 660 mm and a maximum image size of 735 x 508 mm, dimensions of 1,250 x 1,020 x 420 mm and a weight of 50 kg.
Typical characteristics are:
- 1-4 print heads (thermal drop-on-demand inkjet technology) with a resolution of up to 1,200 x 2,400 dpi
- Pigment-based, water-based UV-blocking black ink with a UV density above 3.5
- Including CADLink SCREENMAKER RIP software for color separation
This way, with the FREEStyler 2, you find a technically mature system for direct digital screen exposure.
Print speed & quality modes
The FREEStyler 2 offers you three different speed modes to match print quality and production speed to your design.
The modes are especially suited for:
- Fast mode at 2.5 minutes per square foot for simple, quick designs
- Normal mode at 5 minutes per square foot as balanced standard operation
- HQ mode at 8 minutes per square foot for particularly detailed halftone designs
This way, the FREEStyler 2 can be adapted flexibly to different design requirements and production speeds.
Our CtS range at a glance
In Print Equipment's CtS – Computer to Screen category you'll find a digital system for direct screen exposure.
Typical advantages:
- Digital direct exposure: No separate film positive needed anymore
- High resolution: Up to 1,200 x 2,400 dpi for highly detailed designs
Our CtS range is thus a sensible addition if you want to take care of your digital screen preparation in the machines area.
What to look out for when buying a CtS system
If you want to buy a CtS system for screen printing, you should consider various factors in order to find the right solution for your needs.
Important criteria are:
- Maximum screen size: Look for a system that matches your screen formats
- Resolution: Plan for the required dpi value according to your design complexity
- Number of print heads: Look for the right configuration for your production volume
- Speed mode: Weigh print quality against production speed
- Software integration: Look for included RIP software for color separation
The right selection ensures that you prepare your screens digitally and precisely.
CtS systems for different applications
Depending on design complexity and production volume, the requirements for your CtS system vary considerably. While the technical data of the FREEStyler 2 form the basis for the achievable image quality, the print speed & quality mode determines how efficiently you prepare your screens in day-to-day production.
The choice of the right mode therefore depends strongly on whether you expose simple logo designs or highly detailed halftone designs. For consistently reliable operation, many textile print shops rely on a combination of fast standard mode and HQ mode for demanding designs.
Buy CtS systems at Print Equipment
If you want to buy a CtS system for your screen printing, you'll find a technically mature digital exposure system at Print Equipment. From fast standard exposure to the highly detailed halftone design, we offer you precise solutions for your screen preparation.
In the CtS – Computer to Screen category you'll find our range as well as further categories in the machines category, such as our exposure systems. This way you get all components for your screen preparation from a single source.
In addition, you benefit from personal advice, technical support and hands-on assistance when choosing the right CtS system. This lets you digitalize your screen preparation in a targeted way and work successfully in the long term.