The Screen-printing process requires graphics film. Film may be provided by the customer or produced by Softalk on chargeable basis, from electronic files provided by the customer. The preferred electronic file formats are CorelDraw (CDR) and Photoshop (PSD) files.

• Hard copy of the color proof is required with every order.
• Films must be separated with specified ink color marked on each film piece.
• Registration marks required on each film piece at top, bottom, left, right and 1” to 1.5” from the disc outer edge.
• Minimum line width is 0.5 pt and font size is 4 pt bold.
• For knock-out/reversed out form for spot printing jobs is minimum line width is 0.75 pt and the minimum font size is 6 pt bold.
• The separations should be angled to reduce Moire, For Angle suggestions, please see below in the Moire section.
• Minimum font size reversed out of halftone print job is 7 pt. Bold
• Specify only CV inks colors from the Pantone Matching System Formula guide.
• If printing inside mirror band and clear inner hub, color may vary.
• For Film separation it is suggested to use an elliptical dot.
• Printing a half tone job without a white sold base will alter the ink color.
• Films POSITIVES, Emulsion up, with 85-100 LPI should be used.

Design Specifications

Half-tone/Line per Inch (LPI) – The amount of blank spaces that are placed in between the rows of dots used to create a halftone (Photo Image) or screened areas. LPI must be between 85-100 for silkscreen printing.

Stamper Code: Please mention the stamper code on every film for easy identification. It is very essential and can reduce chances of any confusion while printing.

Moire: A Pattern resulting from the use of inappropriate film and screen angles. Rows of dots on a film piece conflict with those in another piece. The effect is a distinctive box-like shape with hazy edges. Moire can “Grow” as the film is rotated on a center axis. Following angles can be used while films separation to reduce moire:

Yellow : 105 Degrees
Cyan : 15 Degrees
Magenta : 75 Degrees
Black : 45 Degrees

Emulsion: Emulsion is the coating on the film. Emulsion must be up on positive films.

Registration Marks: Crosses used for registering two or more colors in process printing. If improper or no registration marks are provided, films may be misaligned.

Visible Key-lines: Gridlines (outlines) or actual CD dimensions should not appear on films.

Color Considerations: Screen-printing on a disc is different from printing on paper or viewing on a computer screen and can vary slightly from the color proof provided. Further, a disc has several type of service an the printing results vary on each:
• Clear Plastic - Ink becomes transparent and tends to have a flat finish. Color of ink loses intensity
• Mettalized Data Area – When printing halftones, the reflection of the metal produces a shiny, metallic look. When printing with solid ink, color change may occur.

Printing a white base will eliminate some of the differences on the variable disc surface. A white base gives the ink a more opaque look and keeps the colors closer to what is specified. Printing a halftone without the Solid white base will alter the ink color.

Font Size – Minimum of 4pt bold.

Reversed Font Size – Size of text knocked out to silver of disc or background (reverse) should be a minimum of 6 pt bold. Fonts smaller than this have a tendency to close as the ink spreads during printing

Reversed Font Size on halftone jobs – Size of text knocked out on halftone job should be a minimum of 7pt bold.

Line Width – Minimum of 0.5 pt. This includes lines in fonts, logos and images.

Reversed Line width – Width of link knocked out to silver of disc or background should be a minimum of 0.75 pt

Film Quality – Check the film for scratches, pinholes, cuts etc as it shall affect the final print quality badly.