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BACK ON TRACK WITH AUTOTYPE’S CP CAPILLEX
Experimenting is a recognised method of improving and refining processes. From art studios to factory floors, experimentation is commonplace. However, exploring alternatives can also enhance your appreciation of existing practices, as Screendrukkerij Posterama bv, a Dutch printer specialising in decals for high performance motor bikes and bicycles, discovered. 'We thought we could work with emulsions,' Jan Soeten, R & D Manager at Posterama, explains, 'but we soon realised the quality wasn’t good enough.' This experiment convinced Posterama that the controlled profile stencils produced by Autotype’s Capillex films were not only worth returning to but should become the company’s principle photostencil film. 'We’ve now made Capillex films our standard again,' reveals Jan. Posterama had previously used Autotype’s Capillex films to produce decals for high-performance bikes, but had been tempted by an emulsion-based process, which claimed to produce ‘film-like printing’. Using a steel mesh to achieve a sharp print quality and a controlled ink layer, Jan says the emulsions were simply unable to match the Capillex films in terms of accuracy. 'The sharpness wasn’t good enough for our work, especially on the steel mesh where we had serious problems.' The ultra thin stencil and near dot perfection created by Autotype’s CP Capillex film was a welcome relief. 'Because it has a very good resolution and printing definition, CP Capillex is ideal for about 80% of our work, including work done on steel meshes.' The CP Capillex unique stencil system controls the two most critical stencil variables - stencil profile and flatness - to produce a thin, flat stencil that dramatically reduces ink build without sacrificing quality. This minimises the ink transfer problems of skipping and stacking that often plague high-quality process printing with UV inks and ‘high building’ solvent inks. In addition, the unique micromatted surface finish reduces static build-up during printing. The problem-free process and high-quality finish provided by CP Capillex is certainly appreciated by the Dutch manufacturer. 'Both printers and managers are very satisfied with the quality and stability of Autotype’s film,' Jan says. Employing 20 experienced craftsmen to work on three cylinder presses and two semi-automatic flatbed machines, Posterama’s typical print run rarely exceeds 2,000. Nevertheless, demand for the company’s ceramics and glass decals, dry transfers and bike art has been such that Posterama has expanded its workforce by 25% in two years. Needless to say, the company’s success has been built on the ability to adapt and rediscover problem-free printing. 'CP Capillex has given us production without problems,' Jan asserts.
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