Screen printing remains the most cost-effective solution for printing apparel in high volumes. Despite advancements in other methods, printing 1,000-plus shirts per hour is unlikely with any method other than screen printing. If you’re looking to improve your production quality and output, having the right equipment in your shop is a must.
Quality Equipment Helps Retain Customers
Investing in high-quality equipment ensures consistent results and customer satisfaction. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of equipment commonly used for screen printing and how to afford them.
When considering outfitting your screen-printing business start with deciding to add a manual or automatic screen printing press:
Manual Screen Printing Presses:
Ideal for small businesses or startups. They are cost-effective and provide greater control over the printing process. Manual presses are perfect for short runs and custom jobs.
Automatic Screen Printing Presses:
If you anticipated a high production volume and complex detailed designs, Impressions Magazine recommends going with an automatic screen printing press. They offer speed, consistency, and efficiency, making them suitable for larger businesses. Automatic presses provide the highest print quality, handling complex designs and multiple colors easily.
When you transition from a manual press to an automatic press, you'll turn around more jobs in less time. You’ll also gain tighter control over your production scheduling, purchasing, staging and shipping.
Don’t Overlook Ancillary Equipment
High-quality ancillary systems are critical to achieving top-quality, long-lasting images on printed garments. Here are some essential ancillary equipment to add to your production line:
Flash Units:
Flash units partially cure the ink midway through the printing process, which is critical when applying a white base layer. When considering a flash unit vs infrared units, it’s important to note that for automatic presses, investing in a flash that can communicate with your press can offer a competitive advantage.
Conveyor Dryers:
Dryers are similar to flash units - they cure the ink after the design has been printed. Conveyor dryers include a belt-speed control to regulate the amount of heat applied to the garments, as well as temperature controls, and the ability to preset and save various belt-speed/temperature combinations.
- Gas Dryers: Preferred by larger shops due to their higher curing capacity. They are chosen for consistently running at a lower temperature.
- Electric Dryers: Preferred by smaller shops. Electric dryers run at a higher temperature and are portable.
You don’t want to cut costs! A good dryer should have reliable consistent heat and a rock-solid precision conveyor.
Screen Exposure Units/Direct-to-Screen Systems:
There are three types of screen exposure units: Computer-to-screen (CTS), direct-to-screen (DTS), or laser-to-screen (LTS) systems. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different business needs.
Washout Booths:
A screen printing business needs a washout booth for cleaning and reclaiming screens. Manual and fully automatic screen cleaning and reclaiming systems are also available.
You Can Finance Screen Printing Equipment and Accessories
Work with Beacon Funding to bundle equipment and accessories together when you finance for one low monthly payment. This allows you to get the highest quality equipment without a significant upfront investment, helping your business grow and succeed.
FINANCE SCREEN PRINTING EQUIPMENT