CTS technology is ever evolving and equipment upgrades are part of the equation. But these advancements are far more than mere bells and whistles — they can actually help you increase profits by streamlining your printing processes. EXILE Technologies has added several features to the already-successful Spyder II model for its Spyder III edition and its line of computer-to-screen (CTS) machines that hit the market in December 2021.
The Spyder III CTS upgrades include building from the ground up, starting with the Spyder I and II design. The frame remained the same but the interior parts have been upgraded. All EXILE Technologies equipment is built in-house, eliminating the need to outsource parts. The most innovative upgrade to the Spyder III model is its higher resolution at 1,200 dpi — the highest in industry, according to an EXILE executive.
There has also been a complete upgrade of the drive system to a direct drive, which is a kind of magnetic drive that works with the higher resolution printhead. It differs from other models because it is not belt driven like other models, so there are no moving parts. Essentially, a magnet is responsible for pushing it back and forth.
Fixed Distance Upgrades
Another difference between the Spyder II and Spyder III models is the fixed distance. The Spyder II has a fixed distance that is adjustable but it’s a fixed distance to the screen. So, the distance between the printhead and the screen is set when it goes to print. The Spyder III uses a laser that ensures it brings the screen precisely to the right distance. It does this by reading the screen and measuring how close it is, then moving the head to adjust accordingly.
The new printhead is designed with added safety in mind. If you didn’t have the screen set correctly,the old printhead could strike the screen or the clamp and didn’t have a way of automatically adjusting itself. The Spyder III automatically adjusts itself in the out position, goes over to the laser, then adjusts to the optimum distance for printing. This is one of the upgrades to the laser range finder.
Additional Features Abound
Software upgrades include improvements such as an interlaced mode for better and smoother halftones. Then there’s the Spyder II vs. Spyder III casters. While casters on a piece of equipment may not sound like that big of a deal, it’s very important when it comes to CTS machines. The Spyder II has casters that lock down after moving into position. With the Spyder III, you wrench down the leg so it’s not on a caster wheel and is more stable and level. By doing so, it pushes the feet up so the rollers come off the ground and remains on solid legs.
These Spyder CTS machines are designed mainly for t-shirt printers but allows users to go into other areas like fine, detailed art. And the biggest benefit to decorators using this technology? The Spyder III allows you to expand your business because of the detail, precision and resolution. It’s also a money saver. By reducing registration time on press because the images are printed precisely in the same spot every time on screen and the screen is matched up already. You eliminate the possibility of human error with someone laying film on the screen.
Finally, the need for support may be an important issue for anyone buying a CTS machine. The EXILE team is very proud to offer support for all their products — rely on their knowledge and take your apparel decorating business to the next level.
