i-Image STE I™ Computer-to-Screen (CTS) Imaging & Exposure System

Reviews (0)

Detailed Equipment Information

i-Image STE I™ is the flagship of M&R’s i-Image Series of computer-to-screen (CTS) imaging and imaging/exposure systems. With its full-size built-in UV LED screen exposure panel, i-Image STE I offers the convenience of having CTS imaging and UV LED screen exposure in one machine. i-Image STE I doesn’t require a separate screen exposure unit—or the space one requires, and it dramatically reduces the time and effort required to prepare images for screen printing. In order to ensure proper screen placement, M&R designed the Tri-Sync™ System. The system’s PRINT button illuminates when the contact indicators determine that the screen has been locked in place. That helps ensure that every CTS-generated screen is correctly pre-registered for M&R’s Tri-Loc registration system. In fact, the Tri-Sync System prevents images from being printed if the screen frame has not been properly loaded (this feature can be turned off). And every i-Image model also includes a Tri-Sync pallet. The pallet’s contact indicator lights up when the screen is properly positioned on the press, giving users the same confidence when registering screens on the press that they have when loading screens onto an i-Image unit. M&R’s Tri-Sync System virtually eliminates operator screen-loading errors on the i-Image or registration errors on the press.

i-Image STE I systems use specially-formulated water-based UV-blocking ink and advanced high-resolution computer-to-screen inkjet printer technology to quickly generate opaque images on emulsion-coated screens. CTS images are superior to traditional film positives, delivering greater detail and smoother halftone transitions. i-Image STE I eliminates the need for costly film positives, as well as the space and labor required to store and retrieve them. Because the image information is digital, it’s easy to store and quick to retrieve.

i-Image STE I is available in two sizes and three printhead configurations. i-Image STE I 36 models process image areas up to 51 x 66 cm (20” x 26”) and accept most screen frames up to 66 x 91 cm (26" x 36"). i-Image STE I 43 models process image areas up to 51 x 86 cm (20” x 34”) and accept most screen frames in sizes up to 66 x 109 cm (26" x 43"). Both sizes are available with one, two, or three industrial printheads.

The onboard UV LED exposure systems found on M&R’s imaging/exposure models streamline workflow and increase productivity, delivering fast, superior exposures with exponentially lower energy costs. Not only do UV LEDs use far less energy, they’re only on during the exposure process. M&R’s UV LEDs run cooler, save energy costs, reduce screen exposure time, and speed up production. And, unlike expensive metal-halide bulbs that require replacement every year or two, i-Image UV LEDs can last for decades. M&R backs the screen-exposure LEDs on the i-Image STE I with a limited lifetime warranty against failure in normal use. i-Image KX, i-Image STE I and i-Image XE are covered under one or more of the following patents: 10,245,823.

Imaging and exposure is amazingly fast: one-printhead i-Image STE I systems can image and expose up to 150 screens per 8-hour shift; two-printhead models can image and expose up to 300 screens per shift; and three-printhead models can image and expose up to 400 screens per shift. In fact, three-printhead models can generate and expose full-size images in less than a minute (Note: some dual-cure and other slower-exposing emulsions may extend exposure time). And when combining an i-Image STE I with M&R’s Uni-Kote screen coating system and Eco-Rinse screen rinsing system, a single operator can coat, image, expose, and rinse up to 400 screens preregistered for Tri-Loc in one eight-hour shift. M&R’s Digital Screen Room can deliver phenomenal levels of productivity to your operation. And you can see it happen at www.mrprint.com/dsr5.

i-Image STE I is designed to fit through an 81 cm (32") doorway, and all models include computer, monitor, and proprietary software that give operators complete control of print parameters, producing high-quality screen images at production-level speed. The software provides full image scaling and positioning, has 16-exposure presets for common applications, and can be user-customized for specific art types, various mesh counts, and types of emulsion. The software also gives imaging/exposure models complete control of exposure parameters. And the high density of M&R’s UV LEDs ensures the quickest exposures and the most uniform coverage available.

M&R’s i-Image Series is the most popular and versatile line of computer-to-screen (CTS) imaging and imaging/exposure systems in the industry. The i-Image Series includes the flagship i-Image STE I CTS imaging/exposure system, the i-Image S and i-Image ST imaging-only systems, the oversize i-Image X imaging-only system, and the i-Image XE CTS imaging/exposure system. In short, there’s an i-Image system to suit virtually every requirement. M&R’s i-Image Series imaging systems and all-in-one computer-to-screen (CTS) imaging and UV LED exposure systems will revolutionize your screen room. Once you’ve experienced M&R’s i-Image Series, you won’t be satisfied with anything less.

Tri-Loc for CTS (Computer-to-Screen) Imaging Systems

M&R’s Tri-Sync System ensures that every CTS-generated screen is automatically pre-registered for M&R’s Tri-Loc registration system. And the Tri-Sync pallet makes on-press registration blazingly fast. In fact, owners report imaging and exposing screens in as little as 40 seconds—and having them washed out and registered on the press in less than 8 minutes! Users simply mount the Tri-Sync pallet to the press and move it to each printhead, pulling the screen frames into contact with the three registration points. The pallet’s contact indicator lights up when the screen is properly positioned on the press. It’s amazingly fast, easy, and accurate.

For over 30 years M&R has helped countless screen printers realize their dreams by supplying them with innovative screen and digital printing products that stand the test of time. We have the right solutions, from pre-press to product finishing, for shops of all sizes. M&R equipment is designed and built with a commitment to quality, durability, and innovation, and is backed by unrivaled 24-hour service and support. With efficient systems integration from start to finish, it’s no surprise that year after year, print after print, M&R’s hard-working equipment is the choice of professional printers around the world.

i-Image STE I™ Computer-to-Screen (CTS) Imaging & Exposure System - Product Video #1

i-Image STE I™ Computer-to-Screen (CTS) Imaging & Exposure System - Product Video #2

Tri-Sync Pallet for CTS Screen Production

Request a Quote

Downloadable Information

Product Brochure

Where to Buy

Explore our network of sales representatives

Financing

Financing Available - Learn More

Service & Support

We're proud to be providers of the finest service and support in the screen printing industry.

Learn More

CERTIFICATION

CE Certified: Built to specifications established by the European Committee for Standardization® (CE)
UL Listed: Built to specifications established by Underwriters Laboratories® (UL)

COMPUTER-TO-SCREEN IMAGING

Can be user-customized for specific art types, various mesh counts, and types of emulsion
Digital workflow simplifies the imaging process
Eliminates the need for costly film
Improves image quality
Produces exceptional screen-to-screen registration
Promotes faster on-press setup and registration
Provides complete control of print parameters
Provides full image scaling and positioning
Reduces processing steps
Virtually eliminates pinhole touchup
Workflow can be customized for specific customer needs

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Designed & disassembled to fit through a 78 cm (31") doorway
Includes computer, monitor, and M&R’s proprietary software
Self-contained design speeds production by allowing placement in light-safe screen-coating rooms
Touchscreen panel with alphanumeric display

LIGHT SOURCE FOR SCREEN EXPOSURES

Combines CTS imaging and UV LED screen exposure in one machine
Dramatically reduces exposure time
Eliminates the need for a separate screen exposure unit
Exposes emulsion with a full-size flatbed light source
Job Recall™ allows storage and recall of numerous screen exposure values
The high density of M&R’s UV LEDs ensures the quickest exposures and the most uniform coverage available
UV LEDs use far less energy than metal halide lamps and are only on during the screen exposure process

TRI-SYNC™ SYSTEM

Contact indicator ensures proper screen placement prior to imaging (the PRINT button lights up when the screen is locked in place)
Helps ensure that every CTS-generated screen is accurately pre-registered for M&R’s Tri-Loc system
Prevents images from being printed if the screen frame has not been properly loaded (this feature can be turned off)
Tri-Sync Pallet (included) uses a similar contact indicator to ensure proper screen placement on the press

WARRANTY, SERVICE AND SUPPORT

24-hour hotline is staffed 365 days a year
M&R OEM parts—including genuine M&R pallets & platens—and screen printing supplies are available online at store.mrprint.com
One-year limited warranty
The screen-exposure LEDs used in the i-Image STE I carry a limited lifetime warranty against failure in normal use

Model Specification

Compare

Electrical Requirements	208/230 V, 1 ph, 8.5 A, 50/60 Hz, 1.9 kW
Industrial Printheads	1
Maximum Image Area	51 x 66 cm (20" x 26")
Maximum Screen Frame Profile	4.1 cm (1.63")
Maximum Screen Frame Size	66 x 91 cm (26" x 36")
Overall Size (H x W x D)	125 x 142 x 254 cm (49" x 56" x 100")
Screens per Shift	150
Shipping Weight	635 kg (1400 lb)

Customer Reviews

There are no reviews for this equipment.Be the first one to write a review.

Exceptional products and outstanding support

We remain the worlds largest manufacturer of screen printing equipment because weve held to the standards M&R was founded on: Innovative Design, Quality Products, and Unmatched Customer Support. With sales associates, distributors, and technicians in over 40 countries on six continents, we have the largest network of sales and support in the industry. And our technical support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Wherever you are, whatever you need, well be there for you.

The Gauntlet III is a beast and is built to run 24/7/365.

We have had our Gauntlet III in production for nearly 3 months and have been thrilled with the machine. We have already put over 120,000 impressions on the machine and it is still going strong. We have found that the individual off-contact for each printhead helps with various printing techniques. It is also a plus to be able to adjust in 1/16” increments when needed. Our first job was a 9-color on dark apparel with a 17” print stroke and one flash. We were able to run the machine comfortably at 920 pieces per hour. The addition of the laser for print placements has saved us valuable time where we used to mark our pallets with a T-Square. The touchscreen interface is very user friendly and easy to make adjustments when needed.

Having a built-in maintenance schedule [M&R’s Maintenance Minder™] for the machine is another perk and allows management to easily assure that the presses are being properly maintained. We have not had any problems to date with the machine but are at ease knowing that all parts that we could ever need are able to be overnighted to us.

Overall, we have seen an increase in our production numbers due to the efficiencies gained with the newest technology on the market. We are able to run as fast as we can clear a screen and dry our underbase.

Simply put, the Gauntlet III is a beast and is built to run 24/7/365.

- Steve Rhodes, Owner

Impressionz Printing - USA

The Sprint 3000 Is Superb

The Sprint 3000 is superb and we are really, really happy with it. We've got the recipes dialed in for our inks now and it's running great. We have noticed improvements in the finish on our plastisols, too. They seem to be coming through much softer. Assuming it's because we are much more efficiently curing than with the electric curers!

- Michael Dixon, Production Manager

Awesome Merchandise - UNITED KINGDOM

M&R proves why they are the leader when it comes to printing equipment.

We have been using our new I-Image STE for about 2 weeks now and it works great. Installation and training was a breeze, could not have been easier. It is the biggest time saver we have ever added to our process. We are printing and exposing screens in less than 90 seconds. Not only does it eliminate film cost completely, it produces screens faster and reduces setup time at the press. On top of that we are holding greater detail than ever before.

Once again M&R proves why they are the leader when it comes to printing equipment. Great job guys!

- Phil Rideout, President

R&R Enterprises - USA

i-Image ST is the biggest improvement to prepress we’ve ever seen.

Our new i-Image ST is the biggest improvement to prepress we’ve ever seen. It’s eliminated our need for film, and unlike film, digital images are easy to store and retrieve, making blown-screen replacement a snap.

i-Image ST has improved our screen quality, increased screen-generation speed, and reduced cost. Screen production is way up because we’ve cut exposure times by 75%. And i-Image has virtually eliminated post-processing screen touch-ups. We could never produce screens of this quality—or at this speed—the conventional way. Our CTS screens are unmatched.

Multi-screen jobs come out perfectly registered, and since i-Image ST pre-registers screens for Tri-Loc, our entire prepress process, from screen prep to registration, has been cut dramatically.

Our i-Image ST will probably end up being one of the fastest returns on investment we’ve ever had.

- John & Dan Smithline

Guerilla Graffix - USA

The Diamondback R Series is our first auto press, and it is the best thing we have ever done here at Showdown Merch.

The Diamondback R Series is our first auto press, and it is the best thing we have ever done here at Showdown Merch. Matched up with the Mini Sprint 2000 and the Red Chili's, we are able to triple our workload easily. This press is the easiest press to set up and do a large order with, and take down is a breeze.

Amazing service on such a great product.

Any shops out there can feel free to give us a call at (403) 887-3388 if you need any other reviews on this product.

- Bryce Thurston

Showdown Merch - CANADA