FM Halftone Separation
FM (Frequency Modulation) screening places dots randomly rather than in a regular grid, eliminating the moiré interference that affects conventional AM halftone separations. Specialist-level screening for demanding print work.
Get a QuoteAM vs FM halftone
AM (Amplitude Modulation) halftone — the standard method — uses dots arranged in a regular grid at fixed angles. FM halftone uses dots of similar size placed randomly. The random pattern eliminates moiré and can produce finer apparent detail.
Production requirements
FM screening requires consistent ink viscosity and press speed, and typically demands finer mesh than AM equivalents. We discuss your setup before recommending FM as the appropriate method.
What Is FM Halftone Separation?
In conventional AM halftone, dots are arranged in rows at specific angles. When two or more channels' angles aren't perfectly calculated, a moiré interference pattern appears across the print.
FM screening replaces the regular grid with a stochastic (random) arrangement of same-sized dots. Because there's no repeating angular pattern, there are no angles to conflict — and no moiré to manage.
The result is a smoother tonal transition, finer apparent resolution, and consistent detail reproduction across the print — particularly in fine highlight areas and complex textures.
Best For
- Ultra-fine detail artwork where AM halftone falls short
- Jobs where moiré patterns are a persistent problem
- High-fidelity photographic prints demanding maximum sharpness
- Specialist print environments with tight production control
What We Deliver
- FM (stochastic) dot-pattern channels for all inks
- No angular halftone grid — zero moiré risk
- Optimised dot size for your mesh count and ink system
- Ink density profiles adjusted for FM spread behaviour
- Ready for direct-to-screen or high-resolution film output