I-Image Slant Model Users unite

[jvanick]

I know that at least a few of us here have the 2nd generation (slant model) I-Image units.  It would be cool to unite and share issues and solutions with each other, or at least start some kind of dialog online or offline.

Sorry to you non-I-Image users, or anybody who wants to argue the benefits or lack there of, of CTS. I'm not interested in those arguments in this thread.  I'd like this to be constructive.

I'll start with a few gripes, maybe you guys have some ideas, workarounds or solutions...

#1 gripe: every time I load an image in, I have to set my halftone parameters... is there anyway to default these to my most commonly used settings?

[mk162]

yes...i think.  I will take a look in the AM, but you can set your default parameters.

[Alex M]

This is not an option in the I-block rip.
In the rip for the newer I-image st/ste/steII it is possible.

[mk162]

i could have sworn i found it in there...guess not.

so when we unite, will our powers combine for some sort of Captain Planet type super hero?

[jvanick]

more about solutions to common issues...

ie.  Illustrator CC and the PPD file...

if you forget to outline fonts, the files error out when loading into iBlock, eventually for whatever reason they will finally open, maybe on the 2nd try, maybe on the 5th.

but if I outline fonts, they seem to open every time.

Also, are you running multiple ink channels?  We seem to be getting great results with 1 channel and the 'smaller' dot...

[mk162]

we are running 4 channels on the small dot...i thought it was on smaller, we are going to test it out later


we are corel for the most part.  occasionally I have a problem with a file not wanting to open, but it's rare, maybe 1 out of 40-50 files(with multiple seps in each file).

[Doug S]

more about solutions to common issues...

ie.  Illustrator CC and the PPD file...

if you forget to outline fonts, the files error out when loading into iBlock, eventually for whatever reason they will finally open, maybe on the 2nd try, maybe on the 5th.

but if I outline fonts, they seem to open every time.

Also, are you running multiple ink channels?  We seem to be getting great results with 1 channel and the 'smaller' dot...

As far as the ppd,  Even though I didn't want to, I had to switch back to illy CS4.  Instead of getting the error 80% of the time now I get it about 10% with an successful open into iblock usually on the 2nd try.  Creative cloud seemed to cause more issues.

As far as Ink channels, I can't find a happy medium atleast with CCI WR14 , I always end up with 1440 dpi and single channel in order to get an solid print with no lighter spots. 

I'm glad you started this topic

[mk162]

we use wr14 with 720x720 and 4 channels...the ink it mostly dry by the time the screen is imaged...maybe we will scale it back a bit and test again.

[screenprintguy]

On Chromablue or CCI HXT 1440x1440 2 channels, small dot, perfect clean image. For 720x720, when I was doing that setting with these emulsions, 4 channels medium dot, both settings bi directional. It really depends on each emulsion and how the accept the ink. I'm about to try a couple samples of Murakami that a rep from Roeder Industries wants me to try to replace the chromablue. I'll report back.

[GraphicDisorder]

Good thread!

[jvanick]

For reference,  we are on sp1400

[mimosatexas]

I don't even have one of these and this is exactly the kind of thread I like to see.  Detailed discussion with comparative feedback from a bunch of members.  Good stuff!

[screenprintguy]

This guy Chris from Roeder said they did a lot of testing with Murakami's aquasol HV BLUE. He said it has to be the HV Blue. We had tried the HVP and it was the pink 2 years ago and it didn't do well for us with this unit, but he says the HV Blue is the trick, something in that formulation. Funny since both HXT and Chromablue, obviously blue, wonder if it's the dies. Also he's bringing SP-7500 from Murakami for me to try, he says he has some water based printers using the 7500 with good results.

[dirkdiggler]

Using CCI HXT for the last few weeks, not crazy about the stencil it makes, may switch back to my tried and true Kiwo Discharge.  But they both work on the slant.  Who knows though, that slant may get horizontal soon!

[Doug S]

Anyone else noticing a squeaking when the print head travels?  I know there is another member that has this happening and made the call and then was told there was nothing that could be done about it.  Just curious?  Not that it makes it non-functional but it's very annoying.