Stochastic is a word that means “connecting something together using random variables”. A stochastic process is when dots are randomly placed on a page when printing instead of using the traditional halftone dots. Halftone dots are aligned in a neat orderly fashion. This makes them visible to the viewer which takes away from the quality of the printed material. When using stochastic process you receive a better and a clearer image. By placing the dots randomly they are less noticeable to the viewer because they do not produce a moir? pattern.

Both FM screening and the stochastic process are almost identical, with the main difference being FM screening is not actually as random as you might think. The fact is if you place the dots in a completely random order, then it can cause the image to look grainy or have other imperfections. Therefore, stochastic process only makes the dots appear to be in random order when really it uses advanced algorithms to place the dots in the best position for the greatest quality.

The stochastic process is much different from the conventional method or AM screening. AM stands for Amplitude Modulation and Amplitude means size. Therefore, conventional screening imitates the original image by breaking it up into dots that are of different sizes. The darker areas have larger size dots than what is used for the lighter areas. Conventional screening does offer a better print for one or two color printing and greater latitude when it comes to the thickness of color on the press.

Stochastic process uses dots that are very small and of equal size and changes the amount of dots used or alters the frequency of the dots. In other words, more dots are used in the darker areas and fewer are used in the lighter areas. Thus, the stochastic process can create images that look more like a photograph than the images created by conventional screening. With the stochastic process you can receive crisp easy to view fine lines, an increase in tonal value and you can see better details.