>Digital Transformation (DX) realized by GOCCOPRO
Wear printing is no exception to the widespread demand for DX (Digital Transformation) in various fields.
In fact, it could be said that wear print manufacturers should actively promote DX in order to respond to digitally submitted artwork from e-commerce sites and labor shortages caused by the aging of skilled operators.
That said, for businesses primarily engaged in silk-screen printing, the digital transformation of production methods presents a challenging issue. Replacing existing equipment with garment printers (DTG) that match production capacity requires significant investment.
From the consumer’s perspective, there are also considerations. There remains a demand for printing large quantities of single-color designs on polyester, a need that silk-screen printing is better suited for than DTG.
Screen making, which tends to rely on skilled workers, is made easy and stable for anyone.
Therefore, the key to Digital Transformation in silk screen printing lies in how to digitize the processes prior to squeegeeing, namely from order receipt to screen making. In particular, many businesses are likely to want to digitize the screen making process, which requires skilled techniques for multiple complicated tasks.
The GOCCOPRO Series digital screen maker from RISO can achieve this.
Its core technology, “RISODTS (RISO Dry Thermal Screen Making System),” uses thermal print heads to perforate screen masters made by laminating film and mesh, eliminating the need for chemicals or darkrooms. Simply set the aluminum frame with the screen master on the machine and press the start button, enabling screen making with the ease of a printer. Conventional emulsion screen making was highly dependent on skilled workers, as print quality was influenced not only by the operator’s expertise but also by seasonal factors such as temperature and humidity. As a result, this led to disadvantages such as high labor costs and an inability to cope with labor shortages. However, with the GOCCOPRO series, anyone can do screen making without relying on skilled workers.
Furthermore, unlike conventional emulsion printing, the original data is used directly for screen printing without film development, allowing the advantages of digital data to be fully utilized. Since it is compatible with digital submissions from e-commerce sites, it is also possible to automate the process from order receipt to screen printing.
The thermal print heads installed in the high-end models the QS2536 and the QS1836 of the GOCCOPRO Series are newly developed specifically for screen making, offering excellent solid ink coverage and high image quality with a perforation density of 1200 dpi.
When combined with a high mesh count screen master, it is possible to print extremely fine hairline details, smooth gradations, and photographic images. Even graphical designs that could not be fully utilized with emulsion screen making can be beautifully printed. The benefits of digital data that could not be fully utilized with emulsion screen making can now be realized.
Digital technology allows one person to handle everything from screen making to printing.
Even when comparing the cost per print, there are no water charges, and the significant reduction in working time leads to savings in labor and utility costs, resulting in overall cost reductions compared to emulsion printing.
It is also likely to be cheaper than outsourcing screen making. If screen making costs are low, it may be possible to make screens for each order instead of keeping them in stock for reuse. Making screens for each order would eliminate the need to search for former screens in the warehouse or waste time moving between work areas.
Furthermore, all screen printing machines from QS2536 to MiScreen a4 can receive screen-making data wirelessly via a device server. For example, by preparing the screen-making data in the office and performing the screen-making from the GOCCOPRO placed on a table near the printing table, the workflow can be minimized to the extent that one staff member can handle everything from screen-making to printing. This is a unique advantage of the GOCCOPRO series, which allows anyone to easily perform screen making with just one button.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, RISO DTS is a screen-making method that does not use emulsions or chemicals, so it consumes less resin and does not require a cleaning process, which means there is no wastewater. It can be said to be a screen making method that takes into consideration the global environment.
In this way, the GOCCOPRO series significantly advances the screen making process, which was once referred to as the “bottleneck of silk-screen printing.”
It does not merely streamline a single process but also guides the entire company toward digital transformation (DX) and provides a solution that aligns with the needs of the times, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Digital Transformation (DX) realized by GOCCOPRO
The screen printing process is greatly simplified! Stable screen printing quality without dependence on individual skills
Compared to the legacy emulsion process, the RISO DTS process greatly simplifies the manufacturing process. In addition, special skills are not required as it can be operated with a single touch, similar to a printer, enabling stable screen printing quality regardless of the operator.
Since screen making costs can be reduced, it is possible to move away from the system of storing screens after use.
Compared to emulsion printing, labor costs are reduced due to a significant reduction in working time, resulting in overall cost reductions. By lowering screen-making costs and abandoning the practice of storing screens for repeat orders, it is possible to eliminate the effort and time spent going to the storage area and searching for former screens.
Production and sales data can be sent remotely, shortening the workflow from screen making to printing.
It is possible to send manufacturing and sales data wirelessly from a PC via a USB device server.
The GOCCOPRO main unit can be installed in a separate location without any wiring work, so you can minimize your workflow by, for example, screen making on a table near the printing table.
Digital data can be used as is, enabling high-quality, beautiful prints.
High image quality due to direct output of digital data.
Furthermore, the thermal print head developed specifically for the GOCCOPRO QS2536 has a perforation density of 1,200 dpi, enabling beautiful printing of graphical designs such as hairline and smooth gradations, as well as photographs.