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| Posted on 4/19/08 at 10:32 AM | |
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Ray makes several valid points, and considering that most often a entry level automatic is run by a single operator, production speeds will be limited by the person running the press based on their abilities. I can personally load & unload by myself at about 300-350 per hour...unless I have to apply spray tack. Thats a very productive speed, and one that I can do day in day out without keeling over dead. However, I must point out that when you add in an unloader, and you have a proficient loader than there is no reason why a person after some experience loading cant run about 550-650 per hour without working themselves to death. In fact I managed a shop where often times production speeds averaged 500+ per hour over a production week. If the press's productivity CANT exceed the loading capability of the pres operator than this creates a serious problem. Since in essence your paying someone to more or less "stand around" so your profit potential will be limited by that factor, and your ROI (Return On Investment) is greatly depreciated. While I admit, that many people will not run the press at those speeds most of the time, its a factor to consider and I recently installed a new press to replace an automatic based mostly on that speed criteria. Production is limited solely by the slowest "link" in your production chain.....If that "limiting factor" is your automatic press than one should seriously consider if THAT PRESS will constitute a wise investment? The person (operator), in my opinion should always be the limiting factor should productivity be your primary concern for going automatic. Lets face it, your only MAKING money when your printing...everything else COSTS money. If a team can run a press at say 650 per hour, but your press can only run at 540 per hour that constitutes a major potential loss of production in excess of 750 shirts PER DAY (based on a 7-hr work day) Even at half that amount this adds up to some major dollars by years end in LOST PROFIT POTENTIAL, not to mention your shops COGS is higher as you pay those people to wait on the press. Now note that after press production speeds the biggest limiting factor I encounter in the production chain is that people will get an automatic and try to use an underpowered or small electric dryer....and thats something else to consider in the equation. [Edited on 4/19/08 by CALIBRATED] ____________________  www.calibratedsps.com - Screen Printing Equipment - Supplies - Online Store Providing 7-Days A Week Toll Free Customer Support For Every Product Sold Printers Forums Equipment Classifieds Tutorials Employment Listings 
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