How do I pick the right screen printing press?Updated 2 hours ago

If you search online, you'll find a ton of different brands and types of screen printing machines. How in the world do you select the right one? When buying your first press, you should consider the following five factors:

1. Space: What are your space limitations? Most manual shops start off in spare bedrooms, basements, garages, where space is limited. Take in account what your space looks like, including other equipment that will be in there. 
2. Budget: Your budget has a big impact on what will be the best press for your shop. If you're just starting out, you'll also have to get other supplies and equipment like a flash dryer, squeegees, inks, screens, etc. Find something that fits your budget so you can start your business and you can always upgrade later on. (We just released the Riley Hopkins 250+ with this in mind.)
3. Versatility: What do you want to print on? Is it only t-shirts? Do you also want to print on sleeves, neck labels, koozies? You'll want a press with different platen capabilities. Do you plan to print oversized designs? You'll need a press that can handle larger screens. Planning to print multicolor jobs? You'll need a press with multiple printheads, and consider finding one with micros (if it fits your budget). Reflect on what you plan to do when you screen print to help you decide what you need out of your press.
4. Consistency and Durability: Your screen printing press is one of the most important investments you'll make, so it's worth choosing one that's built to last. Not all presses are created equal, and taking the time to research different brands can pay off for years to come. A well-built press will provide better registration, smoother operation, and greater reliability as your shop grows. When you're ready to upgrade to a larger press, your original press can still serve an important purpose for one-color jobs, specialty projects, or smaller production runs. While it may be tempting to choose the least expensive option, investing in a quality press from the start can save you time, reduce frustration, and help you produce more consistent, professional results for years to come.
5. Portability: This factor may not apply to you, but it's still important to consider. Do you plan on live printing? If so, you'll want a press that's easy to bring to events. 

If you'd like to dive deeper into what to look for when choosing a Manual screen printing press, check out our blog. It covers the key factors to consider so you can confidently choose the press that's the best fit for your shop, your budget, and your long-term goals.

Interested in an Automatic Press?

If you're considering an automatic press, our Sales Team is here to help! We'll take the time to learn about your shop, production goals, and budget to recommend the solution that's the best fit for your business.

Give us a call at 800-314-6390, and one of our equipment specialists will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right automatic press for your needs.