Compared to manual presses, automatic screen printing devices can be somewhat costly. A new entry-level machine costs around $35k. Alternatively, secondhand ones range in price from $11,000 to over $30,000. But there are other expenses as well.
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Freight, setup, replacement parts, training, larger screens (to accommodate the automated press), larger exposure units (to fit the larger screens), larger flash units, airplane fitting materials, and the price of hiring an electrician for hardwiring are additional hidden expenses.
Large orders that cannot be finished by hand must be coming in for your business in order for the presses to run continuously and for setup and teardown periods to be minimal if you want to maximize your return on investment. Therefore, the more the quantity to be printed, the higher the return on investment. Furthermore, some tasks involving many layers of clothing that take longer to load and unload have a poorer return on investment for the automatic press and are better suited for the manual.
Ask Questions About Automatic Press
Number of print heads and colors required
Select a model that has enough screens and satisfies your color specifications. To determine how many print heads or colors you need, start by looking at your usual orders and the quantity of colors. Additionally, if you wish to attach dryers and flashers, think about buying machines with extra heads. The presses may reach 52/48 and typically begin at 8/6, or eight stations and six heads.
Presses: New and Used
Although purchasing a new press might be expensive, there are several advantages. Generally speaking, the equipment performs far better than a used one, and you won’t have to worry about changing the parts soon after purchase. They have warranties as well. Thus, you may get a replacement part without worrying if one breaks. Used equipment is typically less expensive, but it may need repairs and not be covered by warranty. Remember to account for that when you do your math!
Individual machine characteristics
Lastly, you should think about the machine’s characteristics and how they relate to your business. Is a touchscreen display necessary? What are the print area and pallet sizes? Do you want a system that can diagnose itself? Sensors for motion? Or would you like a non-pneumatic electric press? (Anatol VOLT is the only one that is available at the moment.) Make sure you put the demands of your company and your financial situation first.
The manual press is still necessary.
A human press is still necessary despite the advantages of an automated screen printing equipment. When processing smaller orders, manual presses may be more economical to run. It is not economical to use a big automated press for little orders, such as 50 to 100 prints.
Furthermore, certain jobs perform better on the manual. For instance, a manual press is necessary for orders that cannot be loaded and unloaded rapidly and require a clamp to keep them down, such as coats or printing on long sleeves.
Additionally, utilizing a manual press allows you to quickly modify the stroke’s length and pressure to fit zippers, seams, or umbrella frames for unconventional prints like hats and umbrellas.
To put it briefly, investing in an automatic press is a fantastic and advised approach to boost output and expand your company, but don’t discard your manual press! You will undoubtedly still require it.
The Advantages of Printing on Screen
It’s important to evaluate the various advantages of screen printing technology before using it. Among these advantages are:
Adaptability
The adaptability of screen printing is one of its key benefits. Any kind of cloth, plastic, wood, glass, or even metal may be treated with it. You can also use more than one color. With screen printing, the possibilities for design are virtually limitless.
Sturdiness
Screen printing has the ability to create a thick layer of ink, which produces a pattern that is more durable than other printing techniques. Furthermore, certain coatings and additives can make the ink resistant to chemicals, dampness, scratches, and UV rays, enabling screen-printed goods to be utilized outside and in challenging conditions without fading.
Color vibrancy of the ink
It is quite difficult to duplicate the vivid and striking colors created by screen printing using other methods. Separate layers are employed for patterns with various colors, allowing each color to maintain its true brilliance.
Economical
In the long term, screen printing is a cost-effective technique. Printing products in large quantities is comparatively quick and simple once the setup is complete. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the cost per unit decreases as you print more.
Superb efficiency and quickness
Once a screen has been made, screen printing is among the fastest and most effective printing methods. If the same design needs to be printed again, this is a great choice.
Simple Procedure
Whether done manually or automatically, the screen printing procedure is rather simple. Furthermore, replacing the necessary tools is neither difficult or expensive.
Applications for Screen Printing
Because it can add a pattern to materials of any thickness, shape, or dimension, screen printing is more adaptable than other printing methods. Screen printing has therefore been applied in a variety of contexts, such as:
Clothing designs
Medical equipment
Stickers and decals
A balloon
Labels for products
Signage
Shows
Products
Designs for textile fabrics
Sports goods