The carousel automatic-press configuration is the most common but it takes up a lot of space as colors get added. it was time to bring in an automatic press. After upgrading, I couldn't imagine how my shop ever succeeded without it. Printing was so much faster and more consistent. For example, manually printing a 400-shirt order would take up to half a day; with an automatic press, the same job could easily be done in an hour. Nicholas Kirby of Girard, Kansas-based Outta Line Designs recently upgraded from " The main reasons people choose a sixcolor automatic press is either due to shop-space restrictions or budget constraints. " - Matt Flaiz, T&J Printing Supply 10 Must-Have Automatic Press Features Industry veteran Richard Greaves was asked to name 10 musthave features for an automatic textile screen-printing press. Spoiler alert: No. 8 is crucial, in my opinion, for when repairs are needed. It's overlooked until the press becomes inoperable on a Friday afternoon and spare parts aren't available until the following week. In no particular order, Greaves' list includes: 1. A preregistration system for accuracy and setup-time reduction 2. Adjustable blade and floodbar pressure with down-stop for repeatable blade pressure 3. An air chiller (on a pneumatic press) to remove moisture from air lines 4. Shirt detectors 5. Automated quartz flash controls as part of the press 6. Quick-release platens 7. Air clamps for fast screen setup 8. Kit of spare parts for repairs (20% of the total cost of the press) 9. Spare set of each platen size 10. Laser alignment for loading JUNE/JULY 2021 P.29