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.
What is your budget? If money isn't the determining factor then the answer is obvious. I would never print manually if automation was the other option.
do you think i would be able to find mass quantity jobs starting out when its a brand new company
That's gonna depend on your marketing skills but most folks start with a manual package and upgrade when the customer base allows. Manual printing is more physical but the upfront start up costs are greatly reduced. Nowadays complete beginner packages can be purchased for as little as $1000. These aren't high end machines but they get the job done without risking 1000's of $$$. $4000-$5000 should get you what you need to start and allow for some growing in the process. You'll have to decide what your initial investment will be. I hope that helps
do you think i would be able to find mass quantity jobs starting out when its a brand new company
You're going to have to ask yourself that question. Do you know how to print?
If the answer is no, I would suggest buying a used manual press, used dryer, and used everything and learn how to print manually first and keep that cash on reserve for when you grow.
If you don't know jack about printing, an automatic isn't going to do you any good.
Recap:
Learn how to print.
Build a customer base.
Buy auto.
yes i do know how to print have been working at a small company useing a manual workhorse for 2 years, and i have taught myself how to do most thing with what i had. the people i work for have no idea what there doing to be quite honest, that is why i want to start my own business.like if they have been at it for 7 years think what i could do wanting to learn and have quality prints.
You're not ready for an auto fresh off the gate with no customers. Get a top of the line manual press- 8 color 8 station and all the other periphreal equipment and supplies and some inventory and ink and get to it.
Build some cash flow and sales and print volume and then go big.
You're not ready for an auto fresh off the gate with no customers. Get a top of the line manual press- 8 color 8 station and all the other periphreal equipment and supplies and some inventory and ink and get to it.
Build some cash flow and sales and print volume and then go big.
Agreed. Also think about buying a manual where once you upgrade to an auto, you can use a compatiable manual to do test prints on before you hit the auto.
Totally agree with previous posters. I've been printing since 1986, and moved up to an auto in 2004. Someone once told me that when you move up to an auto, you have to learn screen printing all over again, and they were correct. Except for the fact that there are ink, squeegees, and screens involved, it's a whole different printing process that has a learning curve, and requires larger quantity orders to justify the extra setup times on an auto. Get your skills mastered & business built up using your manual FIRST.
I don't have a auto press yet, I have been told that it is good to build your skills on a manual press first then you apply your kwoledge as you grow. Unless you already have large orders now it is best to learn the trade inside and out so that you are prepared for an auto press.
I learned how to print on an auto and really don't have much time spent on the manual. When I did have to print manually it was an easy transition. I've heard that it is harder to go from manual to auto, more of a learning curve, but the other way around was not difficult.
I wouldn't be concerned with which one you learn on, the real problem is having the customer base to keep an auto running and shirts going down the belt. If you got the money, might as well start on the auto if all of your other affairs are in order.
I don't think I've ever been in an AUTO shop where they don't have a manual press. What if you had an 8 color 2000 piece run set up on your auto and a guy walks in the door with a simple job he wants done tomorrow? You don't want to miss out on that "Rush Fee". Instead of tearing your 8 color job down, you print it on the manual press.
Short term, you'll want a manual press, Long term you'll want both! Also, you don't want to buy a full manual package, then turn around and buy a full Auto Package 2 years down the road. Consider buying that Auto Package now, however, take out the Auto Press and Flash, and Sub it with a Nice 8 Color Manual Press. When you're ready for the auto, you'll already a have compatible package to keep up with the auto press, and have your manual too. If Ryonet will not let you sub that press in the auto package, take the PRO2 kit and do some major dryer upgrades. You'll have close to the same thing. Also, I'd consider going with a 4880 film output system instead of the 1400. It will allow you 17" wide prints instead of 13". Good luck!
You should take a look at what Lawson Screen and Digital has to offer as well, they've got a bunch of really need packaged for starting up as well a little application to build a custom page for whatever you need. Using their custom package maker i was just able to make about the same package as that diamondback automatic one for around 10 grand cheaper than the sale price in that link you gave. hope it helps.
Automatic or manual???? 
