Buying an automatic screen printing press is a big decision. You likely put a lot of work into choosing the right press for your shop. Now that the decision is made, however, the work really begins. You have to prepare your shop so that installation of the press goes smoothly and your press is ready for optimal operation. Here are the steps you need to consider when preparing for the installation of your automatic screen printing press.

Find the right space

Before your press is delivered – before your press is ordered – you need to verify that you have the right spot for it in your shop. Generally, automatic screen printing presses take open space that is at least 9-10 feet in diameter, without any barriers like support columns. In addition to space for the press, you also will need space to work around the press. It’s recommended that you should have at least 2 feet of space, or as much as possible, on all sides of the machine so you can maneuver around it easily during press runs and maintenance. If you have additional equipment going in to support or work with your screen printing press, like an air compressor or a conveyor dryer, you also will need to be sure that you have adequate space for the additional equipment and that you have a space that is convenient to your shop’s layout.

For more on laying out your shop, read Tips for Planning the Perfect Shop Layout

Have your screen printing shop wired

Most shops require some rewiring to accommodate the electrical needs of an automatic screen printing press and the additional equipment that often accompanies them. You should consult with a professional electrician to make sure your shop is properly wired and has the proper electrical hookups for all of your equipment. Make sure you have the specs for your equipment, in terms of amperage and voltage so your electrician can plan accordingly. Ahead of time, you also will want to make sure you have enough wire, air hoses and any other connections your press setup will require. Note that you will have to schedule your electrician to return to your shop after the press has been installed to finish wiring the machine.

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Check your doorways

You might have enough floor space in your shop to fit your new equipment, but what about your doorways? You don’t want to have your press arrive only to realize that it won’t fit through your available door space. A standard Anatol automatic requires between 50 and 70 inches of clearance through a doorway, depending on the configuration of the press. Anatol also offers automatic presses with optional disassembled bases to fit through doorways as narrow as 28 inches, so if your shop is a tight fit, we should be able to accommodate you!

Anatol auto presses are available with optional disassembled
bases to fit through entryways as narrow as 26 inches

Prepare to off-load your equipment

When your machine is delivered to your shop, the delivery truck will back up to the designated doorway, then it’s your responsibility to get all of the press components off of the truck and into your shop. It’s recommended that you have both a forklift and a hand-operated pallet lift waiting to help move the equipment. Note that even in smaller shops or printing spaces, the forklift is necessary because it will be needed to lift the press off of the pallets.

Have a print job at the ready

To make sure that your press has been properly set up and leveled, and to train you and your employees on operating your press, your service technician will run you through a simple screen printing press run. Have a simple, two-color job ready print when you have your press installed.

Press installation and training should take approximately 2 ½ to 3 ½ days depending on the equipment you order. To make sure that timeline flows smoothly, you need to be fully prepared for the installation of your automatic screen printing press. Make sure you consider all of the steps of delivery and installation, from checking your space and electric requirements through completing your first trial press run, to be sure that you are ready for the delivery of your new automatic press. Being clear on both your requirements and the installer’s requirements will help streamline your installation process and get you printing on your new press as quickly as possible.