Screen Printing Machines

How to Choose the Right Screen Printing Machine

Choose screen printing equipment around the work you expect to produce, the space and utilities available in your shop, and your total setup budget. Start with your typical order size, artwork requirements, and production schedule—not simply the fastest or lowest-priced press.

Consider the complete workflow, from screen preparation and press setup to printing, curing, and finished-garment handling. Before ordering, confirm the specifications and installation requirements for your exact equipment configuration.

1. Compare Manual and Automatic Screen Printing Presses

A manual press is worth considering for a new business, short runs, sampling, or a shop that wants to expand gradually. Compare available configurations, maximum print area, registration adjustments, and operator access.

An automatic press is worth evaluating when recurring production demands make automation a practical next step. Compare the machine’s operating sequence, staffing needs, setup process, utility requirements, and how it will work with your curing equipment.

Avoid choosing solely from a daily garment target. Discuss the actual jobs behind that number, including:

• Typical order quantity.
• Number of print colors.
• Number of print locations per garment.
• Garment types and sizes.
• Frequency of artwork changes.
• Available operators.
• Required turnaround times.

Use those details to compare equipment under conditions that resemble your shop’s work.

2. Choose the Right Color and Station Configuration

Compare color capacity and station count separately. Ask how the proposed configuration accommodates your artwork, garment loading and unloading, and any flashing steps.

Before selecting a configuration, identify:

• The most demanding artwork you regularly expect to print.
• Whether the proposed workflow includes an underbase.
• How many print locations each order requires.
• Where flashing fits into the production sequence.
• Whether the equipment can accommodate your planned next stage of growth.

Request a walkthrough of a representative job on the proposed press. Confirm which positions are available for printing and which are needed for other steps in that configuration.

3. Confirm Print Area and Garment Compatibility

Make sure the press can handle the artwork dimensions and garment types you plan to offer. Do not assume every configuration includes the same print area, screen capacity, or accessories.

Review:

• Maximum print dimensions.
• Supported screen-frame sizes.
• Included pallet sizes.
• Available specialty pallets or attachments.
• Garment loading clearance.
• Compatibility with your existing screens and accessories.

If you plan to print sleeves, youth garments, oversized designs, or other specialized applications, include those requirements in your equipment request.

4. Plan the Curing Equipment Alongside the Press

Evaluate the press, flash unit, and final curing solution together rather than treating them as unrelated purchases.

Provide the equipment team with your intended inks, garment types, artwork coverage, and production goals. Ask them to recommend a curing configuration suited to that combination.

Before ordering a dryer or flash unit, confirm:

• Suitability for your intended ink applications.
• Available heating and control options.
• Belt width and overall dimensions, where applicable.
• Electrical or other utility requirements.
• Installation and ventilation requirements.
• How garments will move from the press through the curing workflow.

Follow the ink and equipment manufacturers’ instructions for curing and verification. Do not select a curing setup from a headline production figure alone.

5. Measure the Full Working Footprint

Plan for more than the machine’s published dimensions. Request a layout that accounts for operators, garment handling, maintenance access, and movement between work areas.

Include space for:

• Press operation and garment loading.
• Flash equipment.
• Dryer loading and unloading.
• Screen storage and preparation.
• Ink and supply storage.
• Washout and reclaim activities.
• Finished garments and packing.
• Access routes and required clearances.

Measure the delivery route as well. Check doorways, hallways, stairs, and any other restrictions between the unloading area and the installation location.

6. Verify Utilities Before Purchasing

Confirm the installation requirements for every machine in your proposed setup. Do not assume an existing outlet or utility connection is suitable.

Request written specifications covering applicable requirements, including:

• Voltage and electrical phase.
• Amperage and circuit requirements.
• Plug or hardwired connection details.
• Compressed-air pressure and volume.
• Gas connections.
• Exhaust or ventilation.
• Any additional installation conditions.

Have the relevant qualified contractor review the specifications before delivery. Include any necessary site preparation in your budget and installation schedule.

7. Compare a Startup Package With Individual Equipment

A startup package is a useful option to review when building a new shop or adding a coordinated production setup. Individual equipment purchases may be more appropriate when you already own compatible machines.

Compare the actual package contents—not just the package name or image.

Ask:

• Which press configuration is included?
• Which dryer, flash unit, and exposure equipment are included?
• What screens, tools, supplies, or accessories are included?
• Which items must be purchased separately?
• What installation or training arrangements are available?
• What utility preparation is required?

Request an itemized quote so you can compare packages and individual purchases on the same basis.

8. Budget for the Complete Installation

Set a total project budget rather than spending the full amount on the press alone.

Depending on your setup, allow for:

• Printing and curing equipment.
• Screen preparation and washout equipment.
• Screens, inks, squeegees, and initial supplies.
• Optional pallets and accessories.
• Freight, unloading, and placement.
• Electrical, compressed-air, or ventilation work.
• Installation and training.
• Routine maintenance and replacement items.

Ask which costs are included in the quote and which are your responsibility. If considering financing, review the proposed terms alongside the total project cost.

9. Review Training, Service, and Expansion Options

Before making a final decision, understand how your team will learn to operate and maintain the equipment.

Discuss:

• Available installation and operator training.
• Routine maintenance requirements.
• Technical-support procedures.
• Replacement-parts availability.
• Warranty terms and exclusions.
• Optional accessories.
• Configuration changes or expansion options, where offered.

Confirm any promised features, services, or upgrade paths in the written quote for the exact model you are purchasing.

Before You Request a Quote: Equipment Buying Checklist

Have the following information ready so Lawson Workhorse Group can help you compare suitable options:

• Business stage: Starting a new shop, replacing equipment, or expanding production.
• Typical orders: Garment quantities, print locations, and turnaround requirements.
• Artwork requirements: Expected color counts and maximum print dimensions.
• Garment types: The products and size ranges you plan to print.
• Ink applications: The ink systems you intend to use.
• Current equipment: Existing presses, dryers, flashes, screens, and accessories.
• Available space: Room dimensions, ceiling height, and delivery-access restrictions.
• Utilities: Available electrical service and any existing compressed-air, gas, or exhaust connections.
• Staffing: The number of people available for production.
• Budget: Your total equipment and installation budget.
• Timeline: Your preferred delivery and production-start dates.

Get Help Choosing Your Screen Printing Equipment

Contact Lawson Workhorse Group with your production requirements, available shop space, utilities, and budget. Include your current equipment list and a representative job so the team can help you compare presses, curing equipment, and startup packages.

Request a written quote identifying the exact configuration, included equipment, utility requirements, and available installation or training services before placing your order.

Request Screen Printing Equipment Guidance

Q: How do I choose between a manual and automatic screen printing press?
A: Choose a manual press for startups, short runs, lower budgets, and shops that want to grow gradually. Choose an automatic press when you need higher output, consistent multi-color registration, and repeatable production. If you expect regular volume or multi-color work, an automatic is usually the better long-term investment.

Q: What size screen printing press do I need?
A: It depends on your garment types, maximum print size, available floor space, and production goals. A 4-color press is common for growing shops, while 6- and 8-color configurations support more complex designs and higher-volume production. Our team can help match the station count and print area to your workflow.

Q: What equipment do I need besides a screen printing press?
A: Most shops also need exposure equipment, a washout booth, screens, emulsion, squeegees, inks, a flash cure unit, and a conveyor dryer or curing solution. A complete startup package can simplify purchasing by including the core equipment needed to begin printing.

Q: Do screen printing presses require special electrical service?
A: Electrical requirements vary by machine. Manual presses often have simpler power needs, while automatic presses, conveyor dryers, and larger flash units may require dedicated circuits or higher amperage. Confirm the electrical requirements before ordering so your shop is ready for installation.

Q: How much space does a screen printing setup need?
A: Space requirements depend on the press size, dryer length, flash unit placement, and workflow around the equipment. Manual presses can fit smaller shops, while automatic presses and conveyor dryers need more clearance for operation, maintenance, and garment movement.

Q: Do you offer financing for screen printing equipment?
A: Yes. LWG offers financing options for qualifying equipment purchases. Visit our financing page or contact our sales team to discuss monthly payment options for presses, dryers, and complete startup packages.

Q: Do you provide installation, training, and service?
A: Yes. LWG provides installation, training, and service support from its St. Louis headquarters and Atlanta office, with additional support coverage in Phoenix, Orlando, and Des Moines.

Q: Can I talk to someone before buying a press?
A: Yes. Many screen printing machines are configured to your production needs, so our team can help you compare manual and automatic options, startup packages, dryers, and flash cure units before you order.