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screen printing => General Screen Printing => Topic started by: sqslabs on July 14, 2014, 11:52:00 PM

Title: Help me design my shop
Post by: sqslabs on July 14, 2014, 11:52:00 PM
I have a new press on the way, and am currently trying to figure out how to lay out my equipment in the most efficient way possible.  I currently have a 6 color Javelin, 6 color Rototex manual, and a Heatwave dryer.  I'll be adding a 12 color RPM Revolution. 

If possible I'd like both autos capable of production, as the Javelin will still be utilized as a backup press and in other specific instances.  It will be very rare that I will be running both at the same time due to the capacity of the dryer.  I was originally going to place the manual at the end of the infeed of the dryer and an auto on each side, but realized today that I won't have the space to do so.  The manual will mainly be used for fill-ins and sampling once the new press arrives, so taking a few extra steps to get to the dryer would be acceptable.

I've created a PDF of the print shop to scale (including all equipment listed) which can be edited in any vector program by dragging and dropping.  The file is of the current layout of the shop, and the new press is just thrown in there for editing purposes.  Things are a bit tight in certain areas due to the placement of the dryer, and I'd really like to have as much space as possible to move around the equipment with this new layout.  Any help would be greatly appreciated as I only have one shot at this and would like to get it done right.

If I use your layout, you will receive the t-shirt shown below on a white Gildan 5000, your choice of size.  If that doesn't get this party started, I don't know what will.

Thanks much, I'll be looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: IntegrityShirts on July 15, 2014, 08:04:34 AM
Next Level 3600 or 6210 Large or no deal.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: sqslabs on July 15, 2014, 08:40:21 AM
Next Level 3600 or 6210 Large or no deal.

Alright, I'll pull out the big bucks.  Winner will now get CHOICE OF SHIRT (up to $5.00) as well.  Fingers crossed that the forum server can handle the strain now that the ante has been upped.

Great looking layout, I had just started considering a diagonal setup yesterday but the OCD side of me was having some trouble with it so I'm glad to see it get recommended.  And the Rototex is looking great.   ;D

It looks like you figured it out, but just wanted to mention to others that the bottom of the map is where the bay doors are, and where the shirts exit the building.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: Inkworks on July 15, 2014, 11:58:42 AM
Can the belt on the Heatwave run in both directions?
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: sqslabs on July 15, 2014, 12:30:29 PM
Can the belt on the Heatwave run in both directions?

That's an interesting question.  But after checking with the manual it does not appear to be an option.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: jsheridan on July 15, 2014, 12:49:18 PM
Can the belt on the Heatwave run in both directions?

The belt motor is DC, reverse the two leads to change direction of travel
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: sqslabs on July 15, 2014, 01:10:31 PM
The belt motor is DC, reverse the two leads to change direction of travel

Good to know, thanks for the heads up!
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: Inkworks on July 15, 2014, 01:53:11 PM
So a double pole, double throw switch of suitable amperage/capacity would make the belt reversible at the flip of a switch allowing you to feed from either side, which means you can probably have all 3 presses within easy feeding reach by putting two at one end and one at the other end.

I'd put the Rototex and Revolution at one end and the Javelin at the other as you probably can't run both autos at the same time any way, and also so the catcher end has more space when running the Revolution as it's likely to get the most use and run the fastest.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: TCT on July 15, 2014, 01:55:44 PM
I didn't see in the fine print, but is the offer for the shirt include 2X sizes? Probably not, cheap bastard.....

Here is what I got. It may not be the best idea considering we seem to move things every few months!
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: 244 on July 15, 2014, 02:01:23 PM
The belt motor is DC, reverse the two leads to change direction of travel

Good to know, thanks for the heads up!
The belt will not track properly in two directions. You will have to adjust every time you reverse it. Just a FYI!
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: jvanick on July 15, 2014, 02:15:55 PM
alex's layout is much like I would propose, except that the massage table would be in a separate room with a red light outside the door ;)

on a serious note, configuring like that allows maximum efficiency for all 3 presses to feed the dryer, and looks like it maximizes staging room as well as allows you closer access to the overhead doors for outbound shipping.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: Inkworks on July 15, 2014, 02:46:13 PM
The only problem with all 3 presses at one end is that it doesn't leave much room for product and operators.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: TCT on July 15, 2014, 02:58:12 PM
The only problem with all 3 presses at one end is that it doesn't leave much room for product and operators.

Really only two presses, as he said the manual won't be used a whole bunch. And also if both presses are not running full bore at the same time with 10K orders I think it will work. It is nice to unload from the mail press(RPM) to the end of the belt, that way you have the whole thing to throw shirts on easier.

Guess what wasn't mentioned is what way do the presses rotate? Can you change/decide which way the RPM goes?
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: mimosatexas on July 15, 2014, 03:02:20 PM
I think Alex's is ideal, and you actually have plenty of room to tweak a foot or two this way or that to give that extra buffer space for product etc.  I would prioritize space around the presses in order of size, so if the manual has to get squeezed a bit to rotate the others around counter clockwise a bit for that extra space, so be it.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: larryk on July 15, 2014, 03:26:36 PM
Don't forget to allow a little room for them flash units...... if it isn't already figured in the dimensions. And you will need room for the shirt cart for loading.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: bimmridder on July 15, 2014, 04:08:38 PM
Put everything you can on wheels.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: jsheridan on July 15, 2014, 04:16:54 PM
here's my layout.

on the right starting from the top

screen room (pass through cabinet /wall setup)
washout area - reclaim
reclaim stage - squeegee and tool cleanup area
ink area
job carts follow along the open area getting screens, tools, inks before heading out to a press
shirt carts are filled and wheeled to the loading position.


on left

shipping in/out lanes
shirt inventory
shipping station
pallet -wood - tool storage
(out of sight is the chiller, compressor and tank in the lower left corner.)

also out of sight in upper left is our digital area with it's own inventory racks.

My entire design was so that each 'work area' only requires 3-5 steps to move around.
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: TCT on July 15, 2014, 05:57:29 PM
here's my layout.

on the right starting from the top

screen room (pass through cabinet /wall setup)
washout area - reclaim
reclaim stage - squeegee and tool cleanup area
ink area
job carts follow along the open area getting screens, tools, inks before heading out to a press
shirt carts are filled and wheeled to the loading position.


on left

shipping in/out lanes
shirt inventory
shipping station
pallet -wood - tool storage
(out of sight is the chiller, compressor and tank in the lower left corner.)

also out of sight in upper left is our digital area with it's own inventory racks.

My entire design was so that each 'work area' only requires 3-5 steps to move around.

An amature set up if ever I have seen one....  ;D ;)

Nice digs!
Title: Re: Help me design my shop
Post by: sqslabs on July 15, 2014, 08:04:52 PM
So a double pole, double throw switch of suitable amperage/capacity would make the belt reversible at the flip of a switch allowing you to feed from either side, which means you can probably have all 3 presses within easy feeding reach by putting two at one end and one at the other end.

I'd put the Rototex and Revolution at one end and the Javelin at the other as you probably can't run both autos at the same time any way, and also so the catcher end has more space when running the Revolution as it's likely to get the most use and run the fastest.

Very interesting setup, but I'd definitely like both autos to be able to run at the same time.  I agree that the dryer is not cut out for the capacity, but believe there will be times when it will be possible.  A dryer will be my next upgrade when its feasible.

I didn't see in the fine print, but is the offer for the shirt include 2X sizes? Probably not, cheap bastard.....

Here is what I got. It may not be the best idea considering we seem to move things every few months!

2X? Dang this contest keeps getting more expensive by the minute.  Aw alright, I'm feeling good today.  We'll split the difference.  ;)

If this setup gives me some decent space around the presses, it has the potential to be the one.  I hadn't considered running the Javelin on that side of the shop but looking at it today it made sense. 

The belt will not track properly in two directions. You will have to adjust every time you reverse it. Just a FYI!

That would not be ideal at all.  Thanks for the info!

Guess what wasn't mentioned is what way do the presses rotate? Can you change/decide which way the RPM goes?

If I remember correctly, Rick said this was an option that could be programmed into the machine at installation.  So I was planning on having that possibility amongst a few others.

Don't forget to allow a little room for them flash units...... if it isn't already figured in the dimensions. And you will need room for the shirt cart for loading.

The flash units slide in and out of the heads so they don't take up much space when installed, but I do plan on moving them around based on the job so I will definitely need some room to get them out & back in when needed.  Will make sure the space is available, thanks for the suggestion.

Put everything you can on wheels.

We just got our first real (non p.o.s.) cart and I've never seen my shirt guy so excited.  More wheels are definitely on the way.

here's my layout.
My entire design was so that each 'work area' only requires 3-5 steps to move around.

Badass setup, and great workflow.  I'll definitely be taking some pointers from it, thanks for sharing.