i-Image STE II expands the capabilities of M&R’s i-Image STE, the all-in-one computer-to-screen (CTS) imaging and UV LED exposure system (patents pending). Both combine imaging and exposure in one machine, dramatically reducing the time and effort required to prepare images for screen printing.
On the inward pass, they use specially-formulated water-based UV-blocking ink and advanced high-resolution inkjet printer technology to quickly generate opaque images on emulsion-coated screens. On the outward pass, the built-in high-output scanning UV LED light source exposes the emulsion, producing screens that can be taken directly to washout. i-Image STE II also features a secondary UV LED light source after the inward pass that dramatically accelerates the exposure of dual-cure and other slow-exposing emulsions.
i-Image STE II can be used with either exposure method, with both exposure methods in the same imaging/exposure cycle, or without exposure. The high density of M&R’s UV LEDs ensures the quickest exposures and the most uniform coverage available.
Greater detail and smoother halftone transitions
CTS images are superior to traditional film positives, delivering greater detail and smoother halftone transitions. Since they’re digital, they eliminate the need for costly film positives, as well as the space and labor required to store and retrieve them. Models are available in two sizes with one, two, or three industrial printheads. Three-printhead models can generate and expose full-size images in less than a minute (Note: some dual-cure and other slow-exposing emulsions may extend the time required for the outward pass).
The onboard UV LED exposure systems streamline workflow and increase productivity, delivering fast, superior exposures with exponentially lower energy costs. Not only do UV LEDs use far less energy, they’re only on during the exposure process. And M&R backs its screen-exposure LEDs with a limited lifetime warranty against failure in normal use. i-Image STE II includes computer, monitor, and M&R’s proprietary software, and it’s designed to fit through an 81 cm (32″) doorway.
