Screen creation is the backbone of a successful print job, setting the stage for consistent, high-quality output. Automating the screen room is a powerful way to control variables and optimize your workflow, but how do you know if you are ready, or big enough, to automate?

It’s often said that if you're ready to automate your screen printing process, then you’re ready to automate your screen-making process. By automating your screen room, you not only streamline production but also reduce human error, ensure precise coating and exposure, and free up valuable time for your team to focus on other tasks. This shift helps achieve consistency, speed, and quality—essential elements in today’s competitive market.

Automated Equipment For Your Screen Room

Screen printing demands accuracy at every step, from coating to exposure to reclaiming screens after use. When these screen making processes are automated, they align seamlessly with the speed and quality improvements you may already be getting from automated printing, ensuring every part of your operation functions are in sync. Chromaline offers a variety of automation solutions to match your needs, whether you’re looking to start small or fully integrate each stage of screen creation.

Auto Coater: Grunig G-Coat 406s

The Grunig G-Coat 406s is an auto-coater designed to bring uniformity and precision to screen coating. This machine offers programmable settings to ensure that every screen receives an even, repeatable layer of emulsion, which is critical for consistent print quality. With the G-Coat 406s, you can automate coating thickness, adjust speed, and fine-tune other variables for various screen sizes and applications. This control allows screen printers to produce high-quality, durable screens with minimal variation, significantly reducing setup time for each print run.

"What should I buy first in my screen room? Anyone who knows me already knows the answer to this question. It's one I get asked a lot. And for me, it's the same answer every time. It's the least expensive piece of equipment that gives the best results. It's an auto coater. As soon as we remove the variable of manual coating, we start to get predictable results with our screens. It all starts with good screens." - Tony Palmer, Palmprint Training

For shops that prioritize consistency and need to handle high-volume jobs, the G-Coat 406s is invaluable. Automated coating removes the variability that can occur with manual applications, enhancing repeatability and reducing waste. This results in screens that perform reliably on press, optimizing production time and reducing potential issues down the line. The G-Coat 406s is built to be a long-term asset for shops ready to increase their coating consistency and efficiency.

WATCH VIDEO: G-Coat Demo with SPSI

Auto Exposure: Laser-To-Screen LTS 8012

Laser-To-Screen (LTS) is a subset of Computer-To-Screen (CTS) or Direct-To-Screen (DTS) technology, eliminating the reliance on ink and wax. Instead, Laser-to-Screen images, or exposes, the stencil directly onto the screen with lasers in one simple step.

Chromaline’s Laser-To-Screen (LTS) 8012 system automates the exposure process, bypassing the traditional film-to-screen approach. By using laser technology to directly expose screens, the LTS 8012 provides remarkable detail, speed, and accuracy, essential for shops looking to streamline their workflows. This system allows screen printers to achieve higher resolution designs and text with minimal manual setup, making it ideal for high-demand shops where time is a critical resource.

The LTS 8012 reduces the risk of misalignment or film distortion, ensuring each screen is exposed accurately and ready for printing. This increased efficiency not only minimizes setup time but also reduces costs associated with film storage and disposal. With the LTS 8012, screen printers can maximize the quality of their prints while freeing up valuable resources, a critical advantage in a fast-paced production environment.

The LTS 8012 is our most popular laser-to-screen unit, but we also have two other sizes available. Compare the specs of all three units on our Laser-To-Screen page.

WATCH VIDEO: LTS Testimonial with Upstate Merch

Auto Screen Developer: Zentner Aquatec GE 10/15

The Zentner Aquatec GE 10/15 is a highly advanced automatic screen developer that optimizes the essential process of screen developing in screen printing. This system ensures consistent, high-quality results by automating each step, reducing the variables that can lead to errors in manual developing. With a closed, stainless steel processing chamber, shutter door, and backlit wall, the Aquatec is designed for precision, minimizing fresh water consumption and supporting environmental sustainability. The automation process not only speeds up production but also ensures reproducibility, making it a vital addition for any screen room aiming to enhance throughput and quality.

The Aquatec GE 10/15’s unique “touch-free” developing method relies on a sophisticated spray system with dual oscillating spray bars for both recycled and fresh water rinses. This dual system allows screens to be developed effectively without abrasion, with programmable settings for water pressure, washout cycles, and stroke length based on frame size. The integrated closed-loop water system saves up to 80% of fresh water by reclaiming used water through a filtration and buffer tank system. With customizable programs for different screen types and sizes, the Aquatec combines high efficiency with environmental consideration, providing shops with a reliable, eco-friendly, and precise screen development solution.

WATCH VIDEO: Aquatec GE Auto Developer Overview with Emulsion Guru

Auto Reclaim 3-Stage: Zentner CompactLine

For shops aiming to automate the screen reclaiming process, the Zentner CompactLine offers a compact, yet highly effective, three-stage solution. This system takes care of the reclaiming process by automating the removal of emulsion and ink residues, as well as the rinse cycle. With the CompactLine, screens can be reclaimed and ready for reuse with minimal operator intervention, making it ideal for shops with limited space that still want the benefits of automation.

Automating screen reclaiming with the CompactLine not only saves time but also reduces chemical usage and water waste. The closed-loop system is designed to be environmentally friendly while providing consistent results. For screen printers looking to improve reclaim efficiency without sacrificing space, the CompactLine is a practical and effective choice.

WATCH VIDEO: CompactLine Testimonial with Powertex

Auto Reclaim 5-Stage: Zentner SpeedLine

For shops requiring a faster, more comprehensive reclaim process, the Zentner SpeedLine’s five-stage system is built for high-volume use. It handles every aspect of screen reclaiming with unparalleled efficiency, including ink removal, emulsion stripping, and rinsing. The SpeedLine is ideal for large-scale operations where reclaiming screens quickly is crucial to maintaining production schedules. With the SpeedLine, operators can rely on consistent, fast, and thorough screen cleaning, minimizing downtime between print runs.

The Zentner SpeedLine’s automated process ensures that screens are cleaned to exacting standards every time, allowing for seamless integration into any high-demand production setup. This system helps large shops keep up with their production needs without sacrificing quality or efficiency, making it an indispensable addition to automated screen rooms.

WATCH VIDEO: SpeedLine Testimonial with Fresh Made Merch

Auto Parts Washer: Zentner Squeegee Cleaning System

Keeping squeegees and other essential tools clean is crucial for high-quality screen printing, and the Zentner Squeegee Cleaning System automates this process with exceptional precision. This system uses a specialized cleaning solution to thoroughly clean squeegees, flood bars, and other screen-printing tools. By automating tool cleaning, the Zentner Squeegee Cleaning System ensures that equipment is ready for reuse without manual scrubbing, saving both time and labor.

Automated cleaning also extends the lifespan of your squeegees and other tools, reducing wear and tear and ensuring they remain in optimal condition. For shops that prioritize efficiency and longevity in their equipment, the Zentner Squeegee Cleaning System is a worthwhile investment.

WATCH VIDEO: Click The Easy Button With Emulsion Guru

Auto Chemical Dispenser: Drum Dispensing Unit Program

Chromaline’s Drum Dispensing Unit (DDU) is an automated solution for dispensing chemicals used in screen making and reclaiming. The DDU ensures the accurate and consistent mixing of chemicals, which is essential for both screen creation and cleaning. By automating this process, screen printers can reduce chemical waste, achieve precise mixtures every time, and streamline their workflow. This program allows shops to efficiently manage their chemical usage and improve safety by reducing manual handling of chemicals.

WATCH VIDEO: Pump System for iSC Screen Chemicals

Free ROI Consultation: Finding the Right Equipment for Your Shop

Considering automation but unsure where to start? Chromaline offers a free Return on Investment (ROI) consultation to help you determine which equipment will best suit your needs. This consultation is designed to evaluate your current workflow, assess your volume and goals, and recommend the most effective automation options. From the initial stages of coating to the final steps of reclaiming, Chromaline’s team can guide you toward a tailored solution that optimizes efficiency and quality, ensuring your investment in automation aligns with your shop's growth and profitability.

CLICK HERE: Free ROI Consultation Tailored To Your Shop

Take Advantage of Section 179 for Big Savings on Equipment Purchases

When making large equipment purchases, such as the advanced Laser-To-Screen units offered by Chromaline, screen printing businesses can benefit from Section 179 of the IRS tax code. This provision allows you to deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year it is purchased and installed, rather than spreading the depreciation out over several years. By front-loading the deduction, Section 179 puts money back in your pocket right away, enabling you to reinvest in your business sooner.

While the size of the benefit depends on factors such as the cost of the equipment and your tax bracket, this deduction can significantly offset the initial investment in automation, helping you boost productivity and profitability. To learn more, contact Chromline for pricing on the automated equipment you want to purchase, consult your CPA, and use the Deduction Calculator at Section179.org.

Contact Chromaline Screen Print Products

With Chromaline’s range of automated equipment, screen printers have the tools to take their production to new heights. Whether you're beginning with one machine or outfitting a fully automated screen room, Chromaline’s solutions are built to increase productivity and maintain the high standards that screen printers demand. Contact Chromaline's Technical Specialists to help you find the best automated equipment for your screen printing shop.