Matte Polyester Film for Laser-Printed Positives
This 96-micron Abezeta matte laser polyester film is a translucent substrate designed for producing film positives with compatible laser printers and photocopiers.
Unlike a conventional transparency, it combines a slightly textured surface with good dimensional stability. This helps maintain image definition and keeps the positive stable during subsequent exposure processes.
It is a practical solution for printmaking studios, screen printers, schools and artists who need to produce their own film positives using laser printing technology without relying on traditional imagesetting systems.
Screen Printing and Photomechanical Applications
This polyester film can be used to produce positives for a wide range of photographic and photomechanical exposure processes, including screen printing, offset, photopolymer plate making, photogravure and letterpress.
For screen printing, it can be used for line artwork as well as other digitally generated positives, always taking into account the resolution and toner-density capabilities of the printer.
For more demanding processes, the final quality of the positive depends not only on the film itself but also on the printer, toner formulation, print settings, resulting optical density and exposure conditions.
Toner Density and Film Positive Opacity
Compared with traditional electronic imagesetting and certain inkjet systems specifically configured for film-positive production, laser printing will generally produce a lower maximum toner density. Nevertheless, it provides a practical and cost-effective solution for many screen printing and photomechanical applications.
When greater black opacity is required, dedicated toner densifiers, such as Densitone Spray or Kopimask Limpiafilm, can be used.
These treatments increase the printed area's ability to block light during exposure. As toner formulations and laser printing systems can behave differently, we recommend carrying out a test before establishing a production workflow.
Matte Film with Good Light Transmission
A matte or translucent appearance does not necessarily mean that a film is unsuitable for producing positives. In photomechanical applications, what matters is the relationship between light transmission through the clear areas and optical density in the printed areas.
For this reason, in addition to nominal film thickness, we are incorporating measured transmission and density data into our technical product information to provide a more useful assessment of the film for photomechanical applications.
Nominal thickness: 96 µm
DMin / minimum film density: [measurement pending]
Reference DMax with laser printing: [measurement pending]
Light transmission: [measurement pending]
Also Suitable for Hand-Drawn Film Positives
One particularly useful characteristic of this polyester is its matte, slightly textured surface. In addition to laser printing, it can be used as a substrate for producing positives by hand.
Opaque and actinic-blocking markers, India ink and other liquid drawing materials can be used alongside pencils, wax crayons, graphite and dry media to produce lines, halftone-like marks, textures and tonal effects.
This makes the film particularly interesting for fine-art screen printing, experimental printmaking, photopolymer work and hybrid graphic processes combining digital imagery with hand-drawn techniques.
Laser Film or Inkjet Film: Which Should You Choose?
The choice depends primarily on the printing technology available and the requirements of the photomechanical process.
This polyester film is intended for laser printers. Inkjet printers require films with a dedicated ink-receptive coating, such as our Inkjet Clear Polyester Film or Matte Inkjet Polyester Film.
Specialised inkjet systems can be particularly useful when high black density and greater control over film-positive production are required. Laser printing, on the other hand, provides a straightforward and accessible way to produce many types of positives using a compatible printer.
More Information About Film Positives
For further information about positive preparation, film materials, opacity and exposure, see our Complete Guide to Film Positives.
For drawing, textures and other analogue methods, you can also read our tutorial on creating film positives by hand.
Professional Film Positive Printing Service
If you require greater control over positive production or prefer to receive a finished film, Rittagraf also provides a professional inkjet film-positive printing service for screen printing, photogravure, photopolymer plate making, letterpress, offset and other photomechanical processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Film for Positives
Can I use this film with an inkjet printer?
No. This polyester film is intended for laser printing. Inkjet printers require a film with a dedicated ink-receptive coating.
Does the matte finish interfere with exposure?
Its translucent appearance does not prevent it from being used as a positive in many photomechanical processes. Results depend on the film's light transmission, the optical density of the printed image and the exposure conditions.
How can I increase toner opacity?
Dedicated laser-print toner densifiers such as Densitone Spray or Kopimask Limpiafilm can be used. We recommend testing first, as results may vary according to toner formulation.
Is it suitable for screen printing?
Yes. It can be used to produce film positives for exposing screen printing emulsions, provided that the printed image achieves sufficient opacity for the emulsion and exposure system being used.
Can I use it for photogravure or photopolymer plates?
Yes. It can be used for photogravure, photopolymer plates, letterpress and other photomechanical processes. For applications particularly sensitive to positive density and light transmission, testing is recommended and our Matte Inkjet Film may also be worth considering.
Can I create hand-drawn positives on this film?
Yes. Its matte surface accepts a variety of dry and liquid drawing media, making it a useful substrate for hand-drawn positives and experimental printmaking techniques.
