HELP-Gradients not printing

jarmenta · May 10th, 2011, 07:48 PM

NEED HELP PLEASE! Still a little new to the artwork for Screenprinting area....but I am having a problem with gradient objects NOT printing when printing separations.

Here are the variables:
1. Using Adobe Illustrator CS2 to create vector art.
2. On Mac OS version 10
3. Using FAST RIP on an older Mac OS Ver 9 (used as a printer network server only) to rip to a network printer - Epson 3000.
4. No problems printing like this for years now - but if the simple gradient fill is used on even a simple square shape - everything else prints besides the object with the gradient.

Am I missing something?

adman1986 · May 10th, 2011, 08:29 PM

is the gradient a spot color? Printing from from 0% to 100%?

adman1986 · May 10th, 2011, 08:30 PM

Can you post a screen shot of the image? As well as the print info page of your RIP?

tompainesbones · May 11th, 2011, 08:25 AM

Try checking the 'compatible gradient printing' in Preferences.
I think Adman1986 suspects that you are trying to print a gradient from white to a spot colour - white is 0% black and is therefore a process colour, your seps will appear on the CMY&K plates. You need to go from 0% Pantone to 100% Pantone.

jarmenta · May 12th, 2011, 10:39 AM

OK - I've done some experimenting with Tompaines suggestions - I can now print out a simple square with a gradient. But any more complex shape (Such as a shield I am doing) the Fastrip wants to lock up and not print the file. Any suggestions? Do I have to use masks to accomplish this or can I just fill any shape with a gradient fill?

tompainesbones · May 12th, 2011, 07:10 PM

It could be that your FastRIP is too old? Have you got the option to priint in Postscript2 rather than Postscript3 - under Graphics in the Print Dialogue box.