FAQ

No. LADOPRIME was intentionally designed to make screen printing more approachable. In fact, LADOPRIME itself was invented by someone who had never used a traditional screen printing machine before.

Yes. The CORE KIT and the software are specifically designed for users who already own a compatible diode or CO₂ laser system.

LADOPRIME supports both diode and CO₂ laser workflows. The software generates laser-ready G-code for diode systems and SVG files for CO₂ systems. Laser control software such as LaserGRBL, K40 Whisperer, or other compatible software is used to operate the laser itself.No powerful laser is required. All example stencils shown throughout this project were engraved and cut using a 5W (optical output) diode laser running at only 20% power, meaning even entry-level diode lasers should be perfectly capable of producing excellent results. Detailed setup instructions will be included in the assembly and workflow documentation.

Yes. The removable frame system and repeatable positioning workflow were specifically designed to support repeatability and multi-color printing possibilities.

Very easily. Prepared stencil films store extremely compactly. Think: hundreds of designs stored in a binder rather than requiring large prepared screen storage.

Yes. LADOPRIME includes (downloadable) software for: design positioning microdot generation laser-ready G-code export SVG export machine calibration tools etc. The software is part of the complete workflow and will be open sourced once the Kickstarter campaign has finished. And if you want, you can download it in the Kickstarter story section already now and play around with it.

The long-term goal is for LADOPRIME to become open-source after the Kickstarter campaign.The project was designed around maker principles: accessibility, repairability, local sourcing, and openness.For now, the following licences will be used: Software:GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3)Hardware:"The hardware design files will be released after the Kickstarter fulfillment under a community-oriented license that allows personal use, modification, and sharing. The exact licensing model is still being finalized."Documentation:Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

LADOPRIME was intentionally designed as a self-assembly system that stays approachable and rewarding to build.Estimated assembly time:Printing press assembly: approximately 45 minutesLaser engraver assembly: approximately 30 minutesOnly a small, a medium Phillips screwdriver and a hammer is required.Components that could unnecessarily complicate assembly are prepared in advance. For example, spring-loaded lifting mechanisms arrive preassembled, threaded insert nuts are already installed where needed, and the sanding surface used to stabilize fabric during printing is already prepared, aligned and glued onto the printing board.The assembly process is organized through visual instructions and pictograms rather than language-dependent manuals.Parts are grouped into clearly labeled bags (A, B, C, etc.), allowing builders to simply follow the next step and pull the next required components.The goal was not simply to make assembly possible.The goal was to make it satisfying.Progress becomes visible quickly.And before you know it:you're ready to start screen printing.

LADOPRIME creates stencil openings directly through laser processing. Water (and if necessary soap) for cleaning and screen printing ink remain necessary parts of the process, but traditional stencil preparation chemistry such as photo emulsion systems, exposure preparation, and emulsion washout steps are simply not part of the LADOPRIME workflow. The reduction of unnecessary chemistry is a practical side effect of approaching stencil creation differently.

LADOPRIME focuses on an approachable, reusable, compact workflow designed to lower barriers to screen printing. Stencil creation consumable costs can remain low, and for CO₂ laser users even low-cost transparent PET films from office or stationery suppliers may be compatible. The goal is not replacing every existing method. The goal is offering makers, creators, and small studios another approach to screen printing — one built around simplicity, accessibility, compact storage, and affordability.

Yes. The CORE KIT was specifically created for makers who already own a compatible laser engraver and want to integrate LADOPRIME into an existing setup.

Black PET film was selected to support diode laser workflows, where transparent materials may not process reliably. For many CO₂ laser workflows, transparent PET materials may also be compatible.

Yes. Long-term, LADOPRIME is planned to become open-source after the Kickstarter campaign. The system was intentionally designed around accessible construction, repairability, and maker-friendly principles.

Printing is a practical skill, and experimentation is part of the process. LADOPRIME includes software calibration tools and repeatable positioning features designed to make iteration approachable and reduce frustration. As with any printing method, it's best to start on an old piece of fabric rather than your favorite shirt. Most users will quickly develop a feel for the process, and a few test prints are usually all it takes to gain confidence and achieve consistent results.

LADOPRIME focuses on screen printing workflows. Material compatibility depends on the ink system used. Textiles are the primary intended starting point, but screen printing itself offers many creative possibilities.

Because good tools become stronger when communities can understand them, improve them, repair them, and build upon them. LADOPRIME was designed with makers in mind from the beginning.

Storage efficiency and cost efficiency. Stencil films store extremely compactly. Think: hundreds of designs stored in a binder rather than requiring shelves full of prepared frames. The removable workflow also reduces the need for permanently occupied screen frames and keeps consumable costs approachable. For makers, creators, and smaller workspaces, that difference matters.

No. LADOPRIME was designed to stay approachable for beginners while remaining practical enough for makers, creators, and small studios looking for a compact and repeatable workflow.

Stencil precision depends on factors such as laser settings, dot spacing, material selection, artwork design, and machine configuration. LADOPRIME includes working presets for the included laser engraver as well as general recommendations for other compatible systems to help users get started quickly. The software also includes calibration tools for optimizing settings such as laser power, burn duration, and dot spacing. Depending on machine configuration and workflow settings, stencil detail can currently reach approximately 0.25 mm dot dimensions. Laser technology and optics continue to improve, and the laser engraver included with LADOPRIME features a smaller focus spot than the one used to create several of the example prints shown on this page. Ultimately, the best way to judge the achievable precision is by looking at the example prints and stencil close-ups shown throughout this campaign. We believe they speak for themselves.

Yes.One of the goals of LADOPRIME was to create a practical and reusable stencil workflow. As demonstrated in the example prints shown throughout this campaign, individual stencils have already been used multiple times successfully.Stencil lifetime naturally depends on factors such as artwork complexity, printing conditions, cleaning methods, and handling. However, with proper use and care, there is no inherent reason a stencil cannot be reused many times.The removable frame system and repeatable positioning workflow were specifically designed to make stencil reuse practical and convenient.

Every machine setup behaves slightly differently. Calibration tools help optimize settings such as laser power, burn duration, and dot spacing to achieve repeatable results.

That philosophy is part of why LADOPRIME is planned to become open-source after the campaign. The system was intentionally designed around maker-friendly principles, repairability, and accessible construction.

Although LADOPRIME removes only very small amounts of material during stencil preparation, laser processing can still generate odor, fine airborne particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The included filtration system uses HEPA and activated carbon filtration to help reduce particles and odors generated during normal LADOPRIME film processing. The goal is not heavy industrial extraction. The system was designed around the specific requirements of LADOPRIME stencil preparation to help create a cleaner and more comfortable workspace. And as with any laser engraving, keep the area ventilated.

Maintenance is intentionally simple. Most components can be cleaned using water and, if needed, mild soap. The system primarily consists of PLA, aluminum, and wood-based components designed for practical workshop use. As with most wooden components, prolonged soaking should be avoided, but normal cleaning is not a problem.

LADOPRIME was designed with compact storage in mind. Both the printing press and the laser engraver can be stored upright when not in use. The printing press features a flat rear surface specifically designed for upright storage, while the lightweight laser engraver can also be stored vertically without issue. Combined with the compact stencil film workflow, LADOPRIME can be stored in surprisingly little space.

LADOPRIME includes a simple alignment system for repeatable design placement. The outer frame of the laser-cut stencil film contains small alignment notches located at the center of each side. Using the included positioning pins, you can first align the stencil exactly where you want the design to appear on the fabric. The pins are then inserted through the fabric and aligned with corresponding notches on the printing board. Once the fabric is placed onto the board and the pins are aligned with the board notches, the design position is automatically referenced to the printing system.

Shipping: Shipping is included for Complete and Core Kits. Add-ons purchased together with a kit ship at no additional shipping cost. If ordered separately, shipping will be calculated during the Pledge Manager based on destination and selected items.Taxes & Duties: Any applicable VAT, import duties, or local taxes will be calculated and collected by Kickstarter during the Pledge Manager process, where required.