azoton

I'm getting ready to try my hand at an image with a gradient - just one color. My basic understanding is print @ 22.5 and 45lpi. I also understand that I'll experience "dot" gain of 30-40% when I print but what shape should the dot be? My RIP software gives me these options - is there a standard or does it "depend" :

Round
Diamond
Line
Elipse
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An additional question is, is there a formula for determining mesh size for the printing. This image will be 8"x4" - black plastisol on white T - for testing purposes I was going to burn it on a 230 screen but at this point it's just a guessing game for mesh size - I don't like guessing

The image will be similar to this but I still need to lighten gradient to account for dot gain. Thanks in advance!

 

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n.signia

I have not experimented with gradients, but am preparing, and in my research I have heard many prefer eliptical dots.

but I am sure as this art is mastered there is a prefered dot shape for different types of designs

I am interested to read this thread as the experts chime in.

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MotoskinGraphix

Divide your mesh count by 3.5 to get lines per inch. I think elipse for dot shape.

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azoton

Quote: Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix Divide your mesh count by 3.5 to get lines per inch. I think elipse for dot shape.

Is this the minimal mesh count? So with this math a 156 would work if my frequency was 45? but if I wanted to use the 230 then it should be 65? Do you have any links to info that would clarify the "why" behind it or if you have time and the inclination would you mind clarifying. I'm the kind of person that likes to understand processes.

Thanks!

 

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MotoskinGraphix

Here is the link where I got the info. I saved it in my favorites for reference. I believe he mentions the why sort of but is based on four color printing. I am looking for another link I thought I had saved.

The Secret to Full Color Screen Printing Screen Printing Information and Tutorials

Sorry...I cant find the other link explaining dot gain and dot shape. I wonder where that link went because it was quite informative.

All I can fin are postcript links and ghostscript ghostview how to do's.

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David
www.motoskingraphix.com
"WHIRLPOOLS WHIRL and DRAGNETS DRAG"

 

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ffokazak

I would say for that image, to use a modest halftone. By that I mean around 45 lpi. With a 230 mesh as well.,

You know what, I have no idea what colour of print, shirt, or even if there is an undrbase, so Those numbers dont really matter.

If its black ink onto white shirts, you can go with a higher LPI.

Good luck!

 

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azoton

ImageIt: Thanks for the reply. I'm burning some screens this weekend to begin trying to find a working solution for the image I want to do.

A friend of mine is a graphic artist and is always emailing me examples of work he's doing and pestering me to figure out how to print some of his simpler "fun" pieces.

I've been trying to gather as much info as possible so I feel like I'm tackling halftones from a somewhat informed position - looks like I'll be doing a LOT of test printing

Thanks again for your input.

 

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