A recent co-operation between German screen printing machinery manufacturer Thieme, & leading international technology driven group Schott AG, has brought forth a total new concept in printing. The CTG (Computer-to-Glass) system is based on an electro-photography process & works similarly to a photocopier. The main difference is that the ceramic frit is converted into a toner to allow for electrostatic transfer. According to Thieme, the main advantages of this are high resolution, fast printing, fast prototyping, & small batches at low cost. A prototype was shown at Glastec, with a 914mm printing width. To emphasise the prospective future of this technology a printing width of 2,700mm, with a four-colour print head is planned. Thieme is developing a complete machine concept for industrial applications that builds upon this innovative process.
