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Omnios · October 14th, 2009

I have a general question as to the number of colors and screens and there uses. What can different number of colors do for a screen printer such as 4 color, 5 color, 6 color, 7 color and 8 color or more. What can you do with all the different color options in number of color screens. What is the optimal for different types of shirts such as a 4 color might be good for white shirts but a 6 would be good for complex black shirts with a white base. Also what about gloss etc.

I am really interested in researching 5 and 7 color presses and what can be done with them as they have certain space saving benefits over 6 and 8 color as the center sections are a tighter fit. I am really interested if they offer a big advantage over 4 and 6 color in what they can they do. Such as can you do a complex black shirt print on a 5 color press etc.

What is your personal opinion on the different color number options?

What kind of work can be done with the different color number options?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different color options?

Hopefully this might also help newbies venturing out in buying equipment make a more educated choice.

Tj Ryonet Tech · October 14th, 2009

My personal opinion is get as many heads as you can afford. This allows you to do more complex prints such as simulated process jobs or very detailed spot jobs. A 4 color press is fine, but if you are printing on a dark shirt and need to under base that 4 color just became a 3 color press because one head will be used by the under base. The more colors you have available the more freedom you have with the artwork. You don't have to force a 6 color job down to 4 colors.
Also, if you have a press with several heads you can set up multiple jobs on one press allowing yourself little to no downtime between jobs during the day. Keeps things flowing better.

adivito · October 14th, 2009

Tj nailed it. Get the most you can afford. Have you ever said to yourself man that thing has too many capabilities or options?

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