When starting a screen printing business, you’ll soon face this question: What is the cost of a screen printing machine? The answer is unclear. Several factors affect the price charged. They include if the machine is manual or automatic, its A4 capacity, and the size of the clothes/PET bottles it prints. This article analyzes these aspects if you want to buy equipment to print on garments or bottles. It will help you choose the app based on your preferences and budget.
Different Classes of Screen-printing Machines
The types of screen-printing machines include manual screen-printing machines.
The manual screen printing machines are perfect for beginners, startups, and home users. These machines are hand-operated. They give you control over every print. But, they require time and more human effort. They are cheaper than an automatic transmission vehicle because they have fewer parts.
Price Range:
Entry-Level Machines: $200 – $1,000
These portable machines are perfect for entry-level ET. They are for those who wish to print on garments like T-shirts and hoodies. They are usually attached to a single station and have one color.
Mid-Range Machines: $1,000 – $4,000
Available in many stations and colors. These are ideal for small businesses with high throughput needs.
High-End Machines: $4,000 – $10,000
Professional types are sturdy and have added features, like micro registration, which is valuable for firms that produce high volumes of quality prints.
Critical Considerations for Manual Machines:
Print Volume: Recommended for use in small to medium-sized print lots.
Labor Requirements: Since this mechanism is hand-operated, it will require more time and effort to produce large batches.
Space: The small size is convenient for use in small workshops.
They have developed automatic screen printing machines for printing on wooden and plastic toys.
Screen printing machines are also available automatically for high-production ventures. These machines can do the job faster than hand printing. They can make several hundred prints an hour with little operator input.
Price Range:
Entry-Level Automatic Machines: $10,000 – $25,000
These machines usually print 6-8 colors and up to 10 stations. They are for businesses that are moving from manual to automatic liquid printing.
Mid-Range Machines: $25,000 – $75,000
Such machines may have extra stations and a shorter print turnaround. They may also have automatic controls, like micro-registration.
High-End Automatic Machines: $75,000 – $250,000+
High-end automatic machines are for high-volume jobs. They can print designs nonstop and can print up to 18 colors. They have many stations and can print up to 18 colors at a time.
Critical Considerations for Automatic Machines:
Efficiency: It also reduces the workforce and time needed for a print.
Output Volume: These are for high production settings. They process thousands of prints a day.
Space & Power Requirements: They need a lot of floor space and a power supply, which may require modifications.
Garment printing with Screen Printing Machines vs. Bottle Printing
Clothing Printing Machines
The most common use of display specialty is on clothing, including T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. Many garment-printing machines have both manual and automatic versions. Their prices vary depending on the options involved and the throughput rate of the machines.
Price Range:
Manual Garment Printing Machines: $200 – $10,000
Automatic Garment Printing Machines: $10,000 – $250,000+
Bottle and Cylindrical Printing Machines
Bottle and cylindrical printing machines print on cylindrical products, like bottles and cups. These are more specialized. Many have attachments, and some have features for cylindrical forms.
Price Range:
Manual Machines for Cylindrical Printing: $1,000 – $5,000
These machines are cheaper than the advanced ones. They often packaged small businesses and specialty items, but they were slow to operate.
Semi-Automatic Machines: $10,000 – $50,000
These machines are more automated. They can handle larger workloads, which is ideal for medium enterprises.
Fully Automatic Machines: $50,000 – $200,000+
Cylindrical printers can print many items at high speed. This is useful for packaging and canned beverage production.
Critical Considerations for Cylindrical Printing Machines:
Specialization: Of these machines, these are best for printing on curved objects, like bottles or cans.
Production Volume: The automatic machines are handy. They handle a large number of orders.
Costs of Used Screen Printing Machines
New machinery is expensive, however. So, entrepreneurs should consider buying used machinery for their businesses. However, there is a downside to buying used machinery. It is old and may be damaged. Its technology might be outdated, and it likely won’t have a warranty.
Manual Second-Hand Machines:
Used machines can be purchased at $500 to $3000 depending on the condition and brand and the extra features they include.
When just starting screen printing, it is possible to purchase a used manual press for cheap, and if it has yet to be worn down significantly, it will be beneficial.
Automatic Second-Hand Machines:
Depending on age, condition, and machine brand, costs may vary from $8,000 to $100,000.
Closeouts on automatic machines are cheaper than manual ones. There are also many good used machines, as good as any new one.
Where to Buy Second-Hand Equipment:
Online Marketplaces: You can find used screen printing equipment on Craigslist, eBay, or print forums.
Equipment Dealers: Most dealers supply second-hand, recolored screen printing machines. Though new machines are available, second-hand ones are more reliable and have a warranty.
Critical Considerations for Second-Hand Equipment:
Condition and Maintenance History: One can always check the machine’s state. Also, one can ask about its service history.
Upgradability: Some older equipment may need more features of new models. Ensure it meets requirements or can be upgraded.
Warranty and Support: There is also an assurance of warranty when buying from a dealer.
Brand-New Screen Printing Machines
Buying new equipment has several advantages: new tech, a guarantee, and often better support. However, it is considerably more expensive than purchasing such skids from second owners.
Manual New Machines: $1,000 – $10,000
These machines will suit the startup or small business, especially those wanting complete control of their prints.
Automatic New Machines: $20,000 – $250,000+
It is an automatic machine of top quality and performance. It is for businessperson with high production needs.
Advantages of Brand-New Equipment:
Warranty: Many new machines come with a manufacturer’s warranty. It protects you against mechanical problems.
Latest Technology: For example, new machines have the best tech. They promise higher productivity and print quality.
Technical Support: Choosing “buying new” over “buying used” usually grants access to customer support. This can be essential for solving problems with the machinery.
Conclusion
A screen printing machine costs $200 to over $250,000. The price depends on the type, from manual to fully automatic. Your choice will affect the price. It depends on whether you want a manual or automatic machine. And what you’ll use it for is garment or cylindrical printing. Also, are you buying a new or used machine? Semi-automatic machines suit small factories. Automated machines excel in high-volume production.
Choose a machine based on your manufacturing needs. Consider your volume, shop floor size, budget, and whether you want new or used machinery.