While automatic textile presses promise higher production rates, it’s vital to consider the hidden costs involved.

• Leasing vs Owning: Leasing means you’ll have a fixed monthly payment to handle. If you own the press, though, you can be more flexible with pricing or handle operational costs more efficiently.
• Staffing: Running an automatic press isn’t a one-person job. From preparing screens and mixing inks to handling administrative tasks, you need a well-coordinated team to keep operations smooth.
• Space Requirements: Automatic presses are big, and they produce high volumes of printed goods. Your workspace needs to accommodate both the machine and its output.
• Workflow: To keep the press humming along, you need people doing a variety of tasks, like loading and unloading shirts, preparing screens for the next job, and managing shipping and billing.
• Maintenance: Keeping the press in top shape is key to efficient operation. And remember, better quality screens make for a more effective press.
• Physical Size: An automatic press can churn out thousands of pieces per shift. You’ll need enough room to handle this kind of output.
• Continuous Operation: To make any profit, these presses need to run almost non-stop, covering staffing costs before the profits even start to roll in.
• Equipment & Management: Your automatic press will need supporting equipment like air compressors and storage tanks. Coordinating traffic flow is also a part of the job.
• Screen Quality: Good quality screens are vital. Any problem with the screens can lead to costly downtime.
• Energy, Repairs & Training: Remember to factor in energy costs, the inevitable repairs, and employee training.
• Waste Management: Dealing with waste material or faulty prints is part of the cost of doing business.
• Tech Upgrades & Insurance: Over time, you’ll need to upgrade your technology and insure your equipment.

Before diving into automation, it’s crucial to fully understand all these potential costs. Automation can be a game-changer in the textile industry, but only if you’re aware of what it truly entails.