Built for automatic press work
The Auto Press Frame is a production-oriented aluminium frame made for higher-output garment printing. It is used where screens need to register cleanly, hold tension and sit square on automatic equipment without constant fiddling between runs. For busy printers in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, that means less downtime and steadier output.
The frame is suitable for workshops printing T shirts, workwear, sportswear and bulk promotional garments. It gives you a clean, rigid base for mesh stretching, with enough strength for repeated use in hot shops and in coastal conditions where humidity can affect screen behaviour. If your team handles day shifts and late production after load-shedding has passed, consistency matters and this frame is made with that in mind.
Sizes, mesh choices and frame options
We supply Auto Press Frames in custom sizes to suit your equipment and print format. Common options include standard garment sizes for chest prints, sleeve work and larger garments, plus wider frames for bigger artwork. If you need a non-standard opening or a frame matched to a specific platen set-up, we can stretch to your measurements.
- Custom outer dimensions for automatic presses
- Mesh selection based on ink type and detail level
- Single frames or bulk orders for busy shops
- Replacement screens for worn or damaged units
Typical mesh choices for garment work range from finer meshes for detail to coarser meshes for heavier ink deposits. The right choice depends on the artwork, garment colour and the type of ink you use. For discharge, water based and plastisol work, we help match the frame and mesh so the screen behaves properly on press.
Where it fits in your workshop
This frame suits automatic printers that need repeatable tension and quick handling. It is a good choice for shops running multiple screens per order, long production shifts and repeat branding work where every print must match the last one. The frame also helps smaller studios that are moving from manual printing to more structured production.
It is commonly used in workshops that need reliable screen changeovers and fewer stoppages during long runs. If your team works in a space with limited floor room, a proper frame size makes stacking, drying and storing screens easier. It also helps when you are managing municipal supply interruptions or power cuts, because a well prepared screen is one less thing to worry about when the press comes back online.
- High-output garment printers
- Shops running automatic presses
- Workwear and promotional clothing orders
- Repeat jobs with tight colour matching
Installation, handling and setup needs
We stretch and prepare the screen to fit your frame size and production requirements. For most workshops, the frame can be installed with standard handling and normal screen storage practices. The main thing is to make sure your press, pallets and screen height all work together so the mesh clears properly and the squeegee action stays even across the print area.
No special power is needed for the frame itself, but your workshop should have the right setup for your automatic equipment and any screen drying or curing systems you use. Where gas dryers or curing units are part of the line, ventilation and safe positioning matter. We always recommend checking your floor layout, air flow and handling path before placing a bulk order. A short measure up before production can save a lot of grief later, ja.
Care, cleaning and servicing
With regular care, the Auto Press Frame can stay useful for many production cycles. Clean ink residue off after use, avoid unnecessary knocks on the corners and keep the screen stored flat or properly racked. In damp coastal areas, good drying practice is important so moisture does not affect the frame, adhesive or mesh tension.
Our workshop can help with cleaning, adhesive application, tension checks and inspections. If a screen has lost tension or the mesh has been damaged, we can restretch it or remove the old mesh and prepare the frame again. That gives you better value than replacing a whole unit when only one part has failed.
- Check mesh tension before repeat runs
- Keep frames clean and dry after washing
- Store away from direct floor moisture
- Book inspections for worn or warped screens
What to check before you order
Before ordering, send us the size you need, the type of press you use and the artwork area required. It helps to know whether you need a standard size or a custom build, how many screens you need, and whether the job is for fine detail, solid colour or mixed work. If you are printing across different branches or sending work between Cape Town and other centres, consistency in frame size makes production easier.
Please also check your mesh preference, ink type and whether you need pickup and return or collection from Bellville. For larger shops, bulk screen orders can be arranged. If you need urgent turnarounds, let us know the deadline and we will advise what can be done. The more accurate the order details, the better the finished screen will fit your line and the less time your crew spends adjusting on the day.
Made for practical production runs
The Auto Press Frame is not about showpieces, it is about keeping production moving. For garment printers who need dependable screens, local support and a frame that suits automatic equipment, this is a practical choice. From Maitland and Cape Town Supply to Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha Deliveries, we work with printers who need screens that are ready to go when the job lands.
If you are setting up a new run or replacing worn frames, our team can guide the size, mesh and finishing details so the order matches your workshop needs. ScreenFrame has been supporting South African printers since 2008, and we know that on a busy floor the small details make the biggest difference.
Key facts
| Frame material | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Use case | Automatic garment printing |
| Available sizes | Custom to order |
| Mesh options | Fine, medium and coarse depending on ink and detail |
| Service area | South Africa with major deliveries to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha |
| Workshop support | Stretching, cleaning, restretching, inspections and pickup and return |
