How to Adjust Feathering in PrintExp (HOSON)

1. Overview

Feathering adjusts the overlap and transition between adjacent print passes. It mainly reduces horizontal pass banding. It also makes large solid-color areas and gradients look smoother.

Applies To: LINKO DTF printers with HOSON boards and PrintExp control software. This document uses the English software interface.

Higher feathering usually produces smoother transitions, but it also reduces print speed. A higher value is not always better. Balance print quality, speed, and printhead condition.

Important: Feathering can improve print transitions. It cannot correct a printhead problem.

2. Quick Feathering Selection

For most standard DTF print jobs, start with “Normal (60)”. Increase feathering only if horizontal pass banding remains visible or the image needs smoother transitions.

Current Situation	Recommended Setting	Notes
Most standard images	Normal (60)	Recommended starting point. Balances print quality and speed.
More reduction of horizontal pass banding is needed	Custom	Start near Normal. Increase the value gradually. Reprint after each adjustment.
Solid-color areas, light-color areas, portraits, skin tones, or clear gradients	Super Eclosion	Use when stronger transition between passes is needed.
Printhead condition has declined and image compensation is needed	Custom (80-100)	Use only for image optimization. If the nozzle test is abnormal, correct printhead problems first.

2.1 Printhead Usage Time Is Only a Secondary Reference

Printhead usage time does not directly represent nozzle condition. Use the values below only as a practical reference. Make the final choice based on the actual print result and printhead condition.

Printhead Usage Time	Reference Feathering Setting
New printhead (0-3 months)	Normal (60) / Custom (50-75)
Printhead in use (3-6 months)	Normal (60) / Custom (75-100)
Aging printhead (over 6 months)	Custom (80-100)

New printhead: The nozzles are stable, and printed edges are naturally clean. Excessive feathering is not needed.
Printhead in use: Small differences may begin to appear between nozzles. Moderate feathering can help mask these differences.
Aging printhead: Jetting consistency decreases. Higher feathering can improve image continuity to some extent.

3. Adjust the Feathering Value

Keep one current print sample before changing the setting. After the adjustment, print the same file with the same print mode. This makes the before-and-after result easy to compare.

3.1 Open PrintExp

Double-click the “PE” icon on the desktop to open PrintExp.

3.2 Open “Setting”

Click “Setting” at the top of the PrintExp main window. The main parameter settings window opens.

3.3 Set and Save the Feathering Value

Select the required feathering mode under“Eclosion Setting”.

If you select “Normal”, the value is 60.
If you select “Custom”, enter the required value (0-100) in the value field on the right.
Click “Save” to save and apply the setting.

4. Confirm the Result

Print one test image with the same file and print mode used before the adjustment.

Check whether horizontal pass banding is reduced.
Check whether image details and edges remain normal.

If the result is still not satisfactory, return to Section 3.3. Increase the feathering by one level, or adjust the Custom value. Print another test. If the nozzle test is abnormal, correct the printhead first. Do not keep increasing feathering to compensate.

5. Feathering Option Reference

Option	Type	Image Effect	Typical Use	Speed Impact
Off (0)	Feathering offNot recommended	Horizontal pass banding is more visible.	Generally not recommended for DTF printing.	Fastest
Light (30)	Light featheringNot recommended	Light transition between passes.	Use only when a lower feathering level is specifically required.	Fast
Normal (60)	Standard featheringDefault	Balanced print quality and sharpness.	Most standard images.	Medium
Depth (100)	Deep feathering	Stronger transition between passes.	Images that need smoother transitions.	Slow
Custom (0-100)	Custom	Adjustable by value.	Manual fine adjustment.	Depends on value
Super Eclosion	Strong feathering mode	Stronger transition effect.	Solid-color areas, light-color areas, portraits, skin tones, or clear gradients.	Slower

6. Feathering and Print Speed Reference (A-602)

The values below are reference data for the A-602. Actual print speed can vary with print mode, file content, and machine condition.

Pass	30Light	50Custom	60Normal	100Depth	SuperEclosion
6 Pass	7.25 m²/h	6.74 m²/h	4.49 m²/h	2.63 m²/h	2.62 m²/h
8 Pass	6.02 m²/h	4.50 m²/h	3.92 m²/h	1.82 m²/h	2.11 m²/h

Conclusion: Under the same conditions, stronger feathering usually reduces print speed.

7. Complete the Adjustment

The feathering adjustment is complete when horizontal pass banding is reduced and image details remain normal.

LINKO Technical Support
Email: support@dtflinko.com
Website: www.dtflinko.com