Best Exposure Unit for Screen Printing
Choosing the right exposure unit for your screen printing business can be a challenging task. This guide reviews some top options to help you make an informed decision, considering your needs, budget, and space.
1. WPS Exposure Lamp
Price: $150
Rating: 3.5/5
Description
- Very cost-effective
- Uses halogen bulbs (1000W)
- Ideal for hobbyists and small-scale printers
- Manual timing required
- Slow exposure time (10-20 minutes)
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective | Very slow exposure time |
| Can expose large screens | Requires a lot of space |
| Powerful and cheap to replace bulbs | Needs manual timing |
Verdict
The WPS Exposure Lamp is great for beginners and hobbyists. It’s affordable but not ideal for high production environments due to its slow speed and manual process.
2. WPS Mini Exposure Unit
Price: $500
Rating: 4/5
Description
- Uses Actinic tubes
- Integrated timer with multiple programs
- Tight vacuum ensures quality stencils
- Suitable for small print shops, schools, and colleges
- Exposure times: 140-300 seconds
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use | Not as sharp as single light source units |
| High-quality stencils | Requires regular bulb replacement |
| Relatively small footprint | Potential light undercutting |
Verdict
The WPS Mini Exposure Unit is reliable for small to medium production. It offers a good balance of price and performance, making it ideal for small print shops and educational institutions.
3. WPS LED Mini Exposure Unit
Price: $800
Rating: 4.5/5
Description
- Uses UV LED technology
- Integrated timer with multiple programs
- Low power consumption
- Long-lasting LEDs
- Exposure times: 30-300 seconds
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very fast exposure time | Higher initial purchase price |
| Produces high-quality stencils | Light emitted from multiple angles |
| Energy efficient | New technology, still developing |
Verdict
The WPS LED Mini Exposure Unit is excellent for high production environments. It’s worth the investment for long-term use due to its speed, efficiency, and low power consumption.
4. WPS Heavy Duty Exposure Unit
Price: $1500
Rating: 4.5/5
Description
- Uses Metal Halide bulb
- Fast and accurate stencils
- Advanced features available (e.g., integrators, rapid start-up)
- High energy consumption
- Exposure times vary based on power options
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Very fast | Expensive bulbs |
| Accurate stencils | Generates heat |
| Advanced features for consistency | High energy consumption |
Verdict
The WPS Heavy Duty Exposure Unit is best for heavy-duty and industrial use. It’s not suitable for small-scale operations due to cost and space requirements but excels in high production environments.
Which is the Best Option?
The best exposure unit for your screen printing business depends on your specific needs. For hobbyists and beginners, the WPS Exposure Lamp is a budget-friendly choice. Small to medium businesses might find the WPS Mini or LED Mini Exposure Units ideal for their balance of cost and performance. For large-scale operations, the WPS Heavy Duty Exposure Unit offers unparalleled speed and accuracy, although it comes with higher costs and space requirements. Evaluate your production needs, space, and budget to select the right exposure unit for your business.
