What is the BMW of automatic presses!

[Ifrvox]

Needing to get an automatic press but don't have any trade shows coming up close by to test drive any so I'm hoping enough family on here might know the best (Best warranties, least maintenance, cost to production ratio, etc.). Any info would be appreciated.


Crivelli's Shirts CA

[Socalfmf]

M&R hands down!

[ScreenPrinter123]

It all depends on what you want your BMW to do.  There are a few good options out there...the one already mentioned being one of them.  Though I would hesitate to throw a name out without knowing what you are seeking in a press and what kind of clientele you serve.

[blue moon]

M&R hands down!

'respectfully disagree. M&R is more like a Caddy/Lincoln whereas the MHM would be more like a BMW. The engineering philosophies are much more suited to the European vs American comparison.

pierre

[pwalsh]

It all depends on what you want your BMW to do.  There are a few good options out there...the one already mentioned being one of them.  Though I would hesitate to throw a name out without knowing what you are seeking in a press and what kind of clientele you serve.

Totally agree with this answer.  The choice of the best press for your requirements should be based on your business and not a comparison to a motor vehicle.  Maybe in the end you'll discover that you need a pick-up truck

[GraphicDisorder]

Everyone I know with BWM's have a lot of expensive repairs, is that what you are looking for?

[Ifrvox]

We do everything from 20- 1000 pieces and and range from 1 color to 4 color and sim process printing so I suppose I'd really be looking for the most versatile press if I had to specify my need. My assumptions were that most autos could do all that and I was looking for what company could get the most for the money.


Crivelli's Shirts CA

[Screened Gear]

M&R hands down!

'respectfully disagree. M&R is more like a Caddy/Lincoln whereas the MHM would be more like a BMW. The engineering philosophies are much more suited to the European vs American comparison.

pierre

I have to agree with Pierre. I have a MHM. It is the only press I have ever had or worked on, so my opinion may not hold much weight. I have talked to many other press owners and asked about problems they have. I have none of those problems. My presses pallets were leveled when installed and 2.5 years later they are still flat and printing perfect. I set up jobs easy. Registration is never a issue many times I never have to even touch the micros after putting in the screens. (look up the MHM screen holders and reg system). I am a one man shop so like big high production shops every second of the day counts. Yes this press has more "things" that can go wrong. Those things are what make this press faster and easier to use. Since the press was set up I have not had any down time. When I was getting the press set up i did deal with the manufacture and parts department. Parts are cheap and with a call to the tech (free) anyone can work on these presses.

All presses can do the job. Some are just easier to use. I am happy with my press and so is every other press owner.  Look at all of them, find the one that fits you and your situation, money, time, skill.

Jon

[Screened Gear]

Since you can't see the presses in person these videos may help. Not all presses are represented but at least you can see some of them.


AUTO WARS 1 - Micro Registration
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,2830.0.html

AUTO WARS 2 - Screen Holders
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,2868.0.html

AUTO WARS 3 - Squeegees & Flood Bars
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,2914.0.html

AUTO WARS 4 - Pallets
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,3018.0.html

[Ifrvox]

Since you can't see the presses in person these videos may help. Not all presses are represented but at least you can see some of them.


AUTO WARS 1 - Micro Registration
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,2830.0.html

AUTO WARS 2 - Screen Holders
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,2868.0.html

AUTO WARS 3 - Squeegees & Flood Bars
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,2914.0.html

AUTO WARS 4 - Pallets
http://www.theshirtboard.com/index.php/topic,3018.0.html

Thanks Jon


Crivelli's Shirts CA

[alan802]

I don't really think BMW's are all that and would prefer something else but that's not really revelant to what auto is the best.  And now days I don't know that there is an answer that would cover good enough.  Like others have said, it depends on what your needs are.  If you are a shop that is needing to do 10-20 setups per day on a press and can afford to pay over 100K for a 10 to 12 color then look no further than the M&R Challenger III, or MHM S-type Xtreme with the Sroque Eco needing consideration.  If money is absolutely no object and you want to do even more setups per day then the MHM 4000 might be your best bet or perhaps the Challenger IIID that is loaded to the kilt.

Now when it comes to the auto under 100K there are a lot of great options nowadays when there used to not be many options.  If you simply chose the mid level press that has the most features then it would probably be the MHM X-Type.  The M&R Sportsman EXG, RPM Revolution, Sroque You, Printex Prism, TAS Hawk, Progressive Falcon E, Anatol Stratus would all be on the list of considerations for a 10-12 color that isn't going to break the bank.

Now there are few presses that don't fit into the entry level category and are mid level machines but the price tag is greatly influenced by the options you get on it and the M&R Sportsman EX, Printex Spectrum, Anatol Stratus and the Falcon M could very well be considered strong mid level presses but they can also be had with fewer bells and whistles to keep the price down to well under $65K for a 10 color with 2 flashes and a few sets of pallets.

Then there is the entry level press category which I'll simply list the ones that come to mind and others can debate all they'd like:  M&R Diamondback, Anatol Titan, Anatol Horizon, Anatol Volt, Workhorse/TUF Freedom, Workhorse/TUF Javelin, TAS Compact, Brown Electraprint, Lawson Trooper.

I have my favorites in each category and they are as follows:

Dreamland: MHM 4000 or Challenger IIID
High end: Challenger III or MHM S-type Xtreme
Mid level: MHM X-type
Mid level B: Sportsman EX
Entry level: Hard to pick a favorite

[BorisB]

Everyone I know with BWM's have a lot of expensive repairs, is that what you are looking for?

German ADAC (you have something similar in US, just forgot name of organisation) makes analysis of 2,5 mil breakdown reports per year.
http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/unfall-schaeden-und-panne/pannenstatistik/default.aspx

Their statistics show completely different picture.  BMWs tend to be very reliable.

I don't drive BMW, never have. But to point them out as being prone to a lot of repairs? You either know very small number of owners, or lack rational judgement.

[Frog]

Everyone I know with BWM's have a lot of expensive repairs, is that what you are looking for?

German ADAC (you have something similar in US, just forgot name of organisation) makes analysis of 2,5 mil breakdown reports per year.
http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/unfall-schaeden-und-panne/pannenstatistik/default.aspx

Their statistics show completely different picture.  BMWs tend to be very reliable.

I don't drive BMW, never have. But to point them out as being prone to a lot of repairs? You either know very small number of owners, or lack rational judgement.

...or know folks with older ones.
To many of us, the love affair notwithstanding, we soon learn that BMW stands for "bring my wallet"!

At any rate, the OP clarified his needs, and perhaps "BMW" was not the best comparison anyway.

[Nation03]

Everyone I know with BWM's have a lot of expensive repairs, is that what you are looking for?

German ADAC (you have something similar in US, just forgot name of organisation) makes analysis of 2,5 mil breakdown reports per year.
http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/unfall-schaeden-und-panne/pannenstatistik/default.aspx

Their statistics show completely different picture.  BMWs tend to be very reliable.

I don't drive BMW, never have. But to point them out as being prone to a lot of repairs? You either know very small number of owners, or lack rational judgement.

...or know folks with older ones.
To many of us, the love affair notwithstanding, we soon learn that BMW stands for "bring my wallet"!

At any rate, the OP clarified his needs, and perhaps "BMW" was not the best comparison anyway.

Or as my Father likes to say, "B-M-Trouble you."

[GraphicDisorder]

Everyone I know with BWM's have a lot of expensive repairs, is that what you are looking for?

German ADAC (you have something similar in US, just forgot name of organisation) makes analysis of 2,5 mil breakdown reports per year.
http://www.adac.de/infotestrat/unfall-schaeden-und-panne/pannenstatistik/default.aspx

Their statistics show completely different picture.  BMWs tend to be very reliable.

I don't drive BMW, never have. But to point them out as being prone to a lot of repairs? You either know very small number of owners, or lack rational judgement.

I know some BMW mechanics, I will stick with their info.   Let's not turn this into a actual BMW thread. For crying out loud.