Stochastic FM Screening

Stochastic screening, also known as FM screening,
uses dots of the same size but randomly placed (frequency modulation) instead of conventional AM (amplitude modulation) screening. Because dots are the same size and randomly placed, the moiré effect that is generated by traditional half-tones is eliminated. The best quality of all results from combined screening, in which the mid-tones are generated by stochastic screening, but the extreme light and dark tones use AM screening.

Another benefit of stochastic screening is the ability to obtain a wider gamut of colors using additional inks such as orange or green (hexachrome). Due to the high resolution of the screen, using computer to plate imaging gives optimal results.

Almost all inkjet printers use stochastic screening (commonly referred to as error diffusion).