Discuss the different types of equipment needed for screen printing. Topics include manual screen printing presses, automatic presses, dryers, folding machines, starter kits and high end machines.
Hey everyone. My name is Jake and I'm a fairly experienced screen printer. I've been working for a sports printing shop for almost 3 years now and my boss is looking to retire in the next year or two, so he has asked me if I'd be interested in taking over. Now, I'm only 20 years old, but I am ambitious when it comes to screen printing and I'm seriously considering his preposition. He's been in business for over 20 years, however he has always used a manual press. I do all the printing for him, plus I have a press at home that I do some side work with. Those of you that print manually know how much of a toll it takes out of you, mentally and physically. I tend to get a little loony when we have large jobs lol.
Anyway, although I have two years before I run the show, I'm looking around for the right automatic press. I'm pretty certain that I would much rather go automated to save myself the fatigue and mental strain. I've read countless threads and reviews and I have my eye on some nice, entry level presses, but my concern is space. The warehouse is fairly large, but I would much rather have a small automatic. I'm really leaning towards the Lawson automatics because they seem like a simple, easy transition from printing manually. I've also looked into the Anatol Horizon Mini, but I must say I'm a little intimidated with all the bells and whistles that press has. I know absolutely nothing about how automatic presses work, how to go about getting one installed, the operation costs, etc. I've heard some bad comments about the Lawson machines, but no one was really specific. Can anyone give me some detailed feedback on the Lawson Trooper machines? They look like a space saver and the operation looks extremely simple, but I don't want to own something that will need special attention/maintenance all the time. The press will be used primarily for sports printing and white prints.. how do you normally go about printing bright whites with an automatic?
Sorry for the long, multi-question post, but I really want to figure out which press to invest in so I know how much to save up.
I love automatic presses and have spent the better part of my screen printing career researching and comparing them in preparation for the day we would need a new one. Now that we have one, I've still continued to stay on top of all the new features and goings on within the market. I hate to say negative things about any particular products, especially presses. People have worked so hard and have put so much of their lives into their product that I wish I could say they were all great and just as good as the next press. So with that being said, it is my opinion that you can, and should, if at all possible, go with something a little more substantial and capable than the Lawson auto. Also, if you have the room, the footprint of the press should not even be in the top ten of the determining factors of your purchase. I run a press that has so many features that it will make your head spin, but I'm so glad we got it, because I use them all, and they all save me time and money. All those intimidating features are there for a reason, to make your job easier, and to produce a higher quality product. Most of the higher end presses are engineered and designed to be easy to operate, even though it might look at first glance a little overwhelming.
The first thing I would say about the trooper is the v-squeegee system is not as good as a chopper style print carriage, in my opinion. It is very capable and able to handle just about anything, but given the choice, probably 90% of printers would choose the chopper style for their automatic. Looking at a list of features it does have plenty to help you get any job done that might come along. The diameter (regular trooper) is about the same as other competing presses of similar stations. The 10 color measures over 13', same as our 10 color RPM. I've seen the press in action, it does not index as smooth or as fast as any other autos except for the Brown. It's not as quiet as the others either. I am quite sure that it is capable enough to print any job you put on it, although not the fastest, smoothest or quietest press available but better than any manual press and probably better than the brown auto. It has most basic features that most presses have these days, but you also have to look at the overall quality of every single part of the press and I believe that most autos surpass the Lawson in almost every category.
I know that sounds like a lot of negative stuff but I have no doubt that if that's the press you choose, you'll be happy. If you are determined to have a successful business and if you're a hard working, smart individual, then no single piece of equipment is going to derail you from that success. Your knowledge and work ethic and willingness to learn will have more of an impact on your business than which press you buy.
I could damn near type all night about all the different autos and what they have to offer, but I'll save that for another post.
Printing a bright white on an auto is as simple as using tight tension screens, proper off-contact, proper stencil (emulsion over mesh ratio), the right squeegee angle and lightest pressure possible to clear the screen, whatever mesh count you prefer, I prefer anything from 110-230, all depends on the artwork and what look the customer is after. The type and brand of ink isn't really that important as long as you have taken care of the other things I mentioned. I probably left some things out regarding the whites on auto but I'm tired and ready to call it a night. On an auto, you shouldn't have to ever double stroke a color to get it to clear the screen, at least on our auto with AC print heads. Maybe white ink through a 230-305 is the only exceptions for some presses.
Alan, thank you so much. That was extremely helpful. I've seen your posts in past threads that I have searched and you always have great information. Again, thank you very much, I appreciate it!
Your very welcome, I love talking autos and loved every minute of my search for the right one for our shop. I can't wait to do it again. It's kind of sad that I get excited when someone else is getting ready to buy one.
Need Press Guidance 
