Multilayer printing, available on EFI™ VUTEk® QS and GS printers, is an ideal technique for producing and enhancing the visual interest of a variety of applications, including backlit graphics and printing on non-white substrates.

One particularly effective use of multilayer printing is in “block out” applications, popular for creating graphics that can be viewed from two sides, often seen in storefront windows. Block-out graphics are printed on clear media with a layer of white in between two “right reading” graphics. The desired effect is to create a non-reversed image visible from both sides of the final installation.

EFI’s multilayer technology allows for the printing of up to three layers in the same pass. If a single layer of white in the middle of the two right-reading images is not enough to block out light, a printer operator can achieve the desired opaqueness by printing two passes and utilizing the multilayer option on both prints. This effectively offers up to six custom layers to mask light transmission. Use the following steps to set up and print multilayer block out applications.

1. If printing multiple sheets across the bed, ensure that the fence offsets are true (i.e., that the left corner of the fence is truly at zero). Load a sheet and give it a one-inch top and left margin. Print a file and measure where the image starts. If the print starts one inch from the left and top edge of the media, the offsets are correct. Next, mirror the image and load on the far right side of the fence. Run the image to validate the mirror side of the fence.

2. Once this is completed, you are ready to set up the files and begin printing. The first file should be ripped as a mirrored image and selected as the bottom layer. Also select this

as the target layer if printing a shape or layer white. The middle layer should be set to white flood (unless using a shape white file), and the top layer set to black flood (unless using a shape rich black file). The black flood layer is important, as it will give the block-out effect required to eliminate light transmission through the print.

Multilayer File 1

EFI Inkjet Solutions Printing Tips & Tricks

Using Multilayer to Create “Block Out” Graphics

Using Multilayer to Create “Block Out” Graphics (continued)

3. To set up the second print pass, you will, again, create a multilayer file. The example below uses only two layers on the second print pass since this application example only uses five layers (color/white/black/white/color). An additional white layer on the second pass can be used if desired. The bottom layer will be set to white flood. The top layer is the image, this time ripped “right reading,” and also selected as your target layer if outputting shape white as opposed to a flood.

Multilayer File 2

4. The images are now ready to print. Load the media and run the first multilayer file you created. When the print is done, load the media in the same spot and print the second multilayer file.

Note: If printing to a roll, enter the file length as your media advance parameter and step the media back the exact distance of the first pass before printing your second multilayer. If using rigid media, load it to the fence like you would any other sheet, taking care to load it just as you did for the first print.

Using the multilayer printing method will produce two right reading graphics on clear media, while blocking out light and any appearance of the image on the opposite side, so it can be viewed from both sides.