7 best screen printing machines

screen printing machines

If you want to print shirts or other clothing, your craft lab will need a screen printing machine. It will allow you to put your own designs on anything you want, but finding the best screen printing machine can be difficult. That’s why we’re here to help you find the perfect model for your small printing business or hobby.

To find the best screen printing machine, we looked at 22 different models. In our research, we found the VEVOR screen printing machine to be the best available. It is very durable, has four screen printing plates, and allows you to produce perfect results. It may not quite meet your needs, and luckily there are six other brilliant screen printing machines on this list.

If you want the best screen printing machine, there are a few key features to consider. The number of colors, weight, stations, print area, and dimensions are all factors to consider. In our countless hours of research, we visited official websites, contacted expert sources, and checked customer feedback to give you only the best information. For ease of understanding, we’ve created a comparison chart followed by detailed product reviews. Then, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive buying guide and FAQ. Let’s get started!

The 7 best screen printing machines

Screen printing machine VEVOR 4 colors 2 stations

If you are looking for the best screen printing machine, then this might be the one. It has four colors and two stations that will be able to give you a good capacity, but it may still be a little too small for those looking for mass production.

The best manual screen printing machine should be easy to use and very durable, and this model meets both of those requirements. While offering the ability to print many shirts, this screen printing machine kit is still quite compact.

With a 1.8″ thick screen, the screen printing machine is ideal for those who have to work with difficult materials. It allows you to produce high-quality results time and time again, without having to worry about mistakes or damaged garments.

In addition to these qualities, the screen printing machine is also easy to set up. This is good for those who won’t be printing every day and may need to store it from time to time. It’s fairly compact while still being very efficient. This is a great model that you will love to use to create your own designs.

4

2

21,7 x 17,7 in. (with 20 x 24 in. frames)

32 x 7,9 x 75 in.

56 lbs

1.8″ Maximum screen thickness, perfect for different materials, includes 6 aluminum screen frames with 305 points yellow mesh

PURCHASE of a 1 color manual screen printing machine

If you only need a small amount of printing, this affordable product will be perfect for you. There is only one color and one station, which makes it ideal for simpler designs that you can reproduce quickly.

It’s a great option for your hobby, and if you have more challenging projects, you can always upgrade to a new machine while using it for simple tasks. With its ease of use, you’ll become an expert in no time.

The machine has a high level of quality, and this is related to the durable steel that won’t rust. It can be a little difficult to set up, but once you do, you’ll appreciate its portability and versatility.

You’ll be able to store it easily without having to take it apart. This machine is also very easy to adjust, which will allow you to put it in the perfect position. It has a compact size, so it doesn’t need much storage space.

1

22 x 18 in

35 x 18 x 13 in

16.5 lbs

clamping frame, adjustable paddle, and tension, high-quality stainless steel

You personal serigraphy

If you are looking for a more digital screen printing press, you will love this model. It might as well be the best screen printing machine for beginners, as you’ll be able to create your own designs quite easily.

The DIY screen printing machine includes everything you need to start and finish your printing. You will need to get some strippers yourself if you want to use the screen again in a different color.

If you’re worried that it’s a little too difficult to use, the instructional DVD will be a big help. It will give you step-by-step instructions until you become a master. You’ll soon be able to make beautiful garments in no time.

The digital controls make it easy to engrave your own images. Just set the timer and let the lightbox work its magic. When you do, the results are high quality and you’ll be very happy. It lacks capacity but is ideal for small-scale production.

1

1

15 x 19 in

32 x 21 x 11 in

31.7 lbs

includes screen, emulsion sheet, squeegee, adult t-shirt tray, adhesive tray sheet, blank ink-jet transparency, 2-ounce bottle of black ink, instructional DVD, and manual

If you are looking for a more digital screen printing press, you will love this model. It might as well be the best screen printing machine for beginners, as you’ll be able to create your own designs quite easily.

The DIY screen printing machine includes everything you need to start and finish your printing. You will need to get some strippers yourself if you want to use the screen again in a different color.

If you’re worried that it’s a little too difficult to use, the instructional DVD will be a big help. It will give you step-by-step instructions until you become a master. You’ll soon be able to make beautiful garments in no time.

The digital controls make it easy to engrave your own images. Just set the timer and let the lightbox work its magic. When you do, the results are high quality and you’ll be very happy. It lacks capacity but is ideal for small-scale production.

1

1

15 x 19 in

32 x 21 x 11 in

31.7 lbs

includes screen, emulsion sheet, squeegee, adult t-shirt tray, adhesive tray sheet, blank ink-jet transparency, 2-ounce bottle of black ink, instructional DVD, and manual

Screen printing press SHZOND 4 Color 2 Station

SECOND is another company that has managed to make a fantastic two-station four-color screen printing machine. Weighing in at just over 60 pounds, it is quite heavy compared to its rivals, which is worth considering if you need something more portable.

There is, however, an advantage to this weight. It offers you impressive stability that will allow you to make your prints with a very high level of confidence. It also offers you exceptional durability, as this is a machine that will last for years.

All this at a very reasonable price, and you get what you pay for. It’s perfect for those who are just starting out. It’s also perfect for advanced users who need a two-station model for their home.

The removable and adjustable paddle and clamp help make it very easy to use. The instructions aren’t great, which is a bit annoying, but once you get it set up, you’ll be very happy. If you have trouble with the installation process, there are videos online that can help.

4

2

21,7 x 17,7 in.

28 x 24 x 18 in.

63.5 lbs.

perfect for different materials, removable and adjustable pallet and clamp, 1.8″ maximum screen thickness

INTBUYER 6-6 color double rotary screen printing press

INTBUYING has managed to make a screen printing machine that is an absolute beast. There are six different stations with six frames for different colors that can rotate. It can produce a huge amount of garments in a short period of time.

This makes it the best screen printing machine for a small business, and it works extremely well. This means that you will be able to fill a large number of orders without keeping your customers waiting.

With this huge size, it is expected to have huge weight. At 335 pounds, it’s a serious, heavy-duty machine that will require a lot more space than its smaller cousins. You won’t be able to move it without partially deconstructing it, so keep that in mind.

That doesn’t stop it from having great stability, and the legs are adjustable, so you can make sure it’s level. The construction is very durable and it will be able to withstand frequent use. It has all the adjustability you’ll need to achieve those perfect designs.

Number of colors

6

Stations

6

16 x 20 in

84 x 84 x 66 in

335 lbs

1.2″ maximum screen thickness, micro-adjustments, metal stand included

Screen printing equipment 4 color printer

Having four colors and two stations is considered a very good balance between size and productivity. It allows you to produce a lot of shirts on a given day without the machine taking up a lot of space.

This is another screen printing machine that lacks instructions, which can be very annoying, but it’s not too difficult to set up without them. Fortunately, the package comes with tools that you might need to set it up. Once you get it set up, you’ll see that it’s well balanced with a good level of stability.

One of the most impressive parts of this T-shirt screen printing machine is the level of adjustment that you can make. This includes micro-adjustments for better accuracy.

It is constructed entirely of metal, which gives it exceptional build quality. It gives it a significant weight, so portability is not one of its strong points.

4

2

16 x 20 in

72 x 35 x 14 inches

78 pounds

rustproof construction, micro-adjustments

NS101 Commercial Screen Printing Machine

If you are looking for a single-station screen printing machine that still has a good level of stability, then this is a great option. The high-quality materials used give it that balance as well as amazing durability.

With this screen printing machine, it will be the best idea to find a table or a worktop that you can bolt it to. This way, you will be able to use it with a high level of confidence. But don’t worry, it won’t take up much space.

It is ideal for a wide range of different prints, and you are going to be able to complete a wide range of different garments. The adjustable screen clamp that comes with it will help you get the exact results that you are looking for. This is a great choice for beginners who love t-shirt printing and want to try it out.

This is yet another screen printing machine that doesn’t have the best instruction out there, but luckily, you’ll be able to use it because it’s fairly easy to set up. This is another great option for those who don’t have a huge amount of printing to do.

1

1

17,7 x 21,2 in

27.9 x 22.2 x 7.4 in

25.1 lbs

rust-resistant construction, adjustable clamp, perfect for different types of printing, space-saving design

Screen printing machine versus heat press

With these two options, there is no clear winner on which will be better as they are suitable for different things. A screen printing machine is best for simpler designs and is easier for mass production of garments.

The advantage of a heat press is that it is easier to produce more complex designs, but it can take longer to complete the project.

Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of screen printing:

Pros:

Cost-effective

Ideal for large projects

No size limitations

Softer touch

Durable finish

Cons:

More difficult to achieve complex designs

Each method has its place, but for most apparel work, a screen printing machine is going to be easier to use. You’ll still be able to make complex designs in color with these machines, but it will be time-consuming.

How do you choose the best screen printing machine?

To get the answer to this question, you first need to know what designs you plan to make and how many garments you intend to produce. Once you know this, choosing the best screen printing machine is then much easier. Next, you can focus on dimensions and weight to get a perfect choice. As you go through these segments, it’s a good idea to note how important each feature is to you.

Number of colors

It’s tempting to get as many colors as possible, but your costs go up and you may end up with colors you never use. When it comes to screen printing machines, each frame can only use one color at a time. Therefore, if you plan to use more colors, you’ll need to find a model with more frames, which will be much larger and heavier than the monochrome models. Also, the simpler models are not as time-consuming as their bigger brothers.

For a simple monochrome option, the INTBUYING 1-color manual screen printing machine would be perfect, but at the other end of the scale, we have the INTBUYING 6-6 color dual rotation screen printing press for mass production.

Number of stations

The key question to ask here is how many t-shirts you want to be able to make at a time. If you are only using one color on a clear garment, you will likely only need one station. If you want multiple colors and multiple designs, then your needs will increase.

A key point to note is that anything that requires a lower base will also require a station. If you are printing on dark clothing, this can mean a lot of waiting if you only have one station. Again, it is important to plan ahead.

If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to start small as you can always improve. The Yudu Personal Screen Printer is a great option for those who only need one station.

Print Area

You need to know how much space you plan to work with. While they are ideal for t-shirts and hoodies, these screen printing machines can also be used for sheets and towels, which may require a larger printing area.

Dimensions

Before purchasing a screen printing machine, it is essential to check if it will fit the space you have. Whether it’s a spare room, garage, or another type of space, you want to measure everything correctly so you can move around the room.

It’s also worth noting that some of these machines are quite heavy, and others will need to be held in place and bolted to a table or workspace. If you don’t have a lot of space available, the best idea is to get a more portable machine, like the Yudu Personal Screen Printer.

Weight

If you plan to place your screen printing machine in a permanent position, you will either want a stand-alone model that will stay in the middle room, or you will want a machine that you will bolt into place. In either case, the weight will not be an issue.

However, it’s not always possible to have that permanent location for your printing machine, so the weight can be significant in some cases.

There are machines here that are not yet difficult to transport. The VEVOR 4-color 2-station screen printing machine weighs 56 pounds and can be used for two folders at the same time. Having a heavier model can be quite difficult to transport when fully assembled.

Adaptability

With the best models out there, you should be able to have plenty of adjustabilities. The frame clamp, paddle, and tension should be adjustable for perfect results.

This is important because otherwise, it will be difficult to work with other types of garments. The 4-Color Printer screen printing equipment is a great example of a model where you can make micro-adjustments.

Ease of use

Some of these machines are heavy, have a lot of moving parts, but your main goal is to get great results. With these things in mind, you want the screen printing machine to be very easy to use, and all of the models we’ve reviewed here have that high level of quality to achieve that.

If you’re new to screen printing, the best idea may be to get something a little smaller, as these machines will be easier to master. It may take a while to learn the perfect formula, but you will master them quickly.

Accessories

In addition to the machine itself, it’s always a good idea to get some great accessories so you have everything you need to get started. If you’re going to make multiple designs, then you’ll need plenty of frames and mesh to create them.

You will need squeegees to complete the prints and emulsion or ink, depending on your needs. You may also need other items, such as a dryer and adhesives. It is recommended that you check the product description to see if any accessories are included.

While some people are looking for the best value, others simply want the best quality. As you can imagine with these machines, there is a great correlation between the number of colors/stations and the price.

If you are looking for a budget option, then the INTBUYING 1 color manual screen printing machine will be a great bet. At just under 100 Euros, this is a wonderful model for simple projects. If you’re looking for more capacity, the VEVOR 4-color 2-station screen printing machine, at around €300, will be perfect for your needs.

If you have your own business and need a large capacity, you will need a larger, more robust model. At around €1300, the INTBUYING Double Rotary 6-6 color screen printing press may seem expensive to some. However, with the number of garments you can produce, you’ll soon see that it’s an excellent value. If you’re not sure, feel free to go with a smaller model and then expand as your skills increase.

Our verdict

We hope you now have a good idea of which screen printing machine will work best for you. We like the VEVOR 4 color 2 stations screen printing machine because of its exceptional build quality, ease of use, and the finish it is capable of delivering.

If you’re looking for a smaller, more portable machine instead, then the INTBUYING 1-color manual screen printing machine would be a good choice.

You may also like the Yudu personal screen printer with its digital features an all-in-one design.

Whichever one you choose from this list, you can be sure that it will be of the highest quality possible. Make sure you consider all your needs and choose the best screen printing machine for you. Now all you have to do is pick one and start making great clothes!