THE EVOLUTION OF RILEY HOPKINS AMERICAN-MADE SCREEN PRINTING PRESSES
The Riley Hopkins Press has undergone 11 significant evolutions since 2005. With each improvement, the engineers behind the press have responded to printers' demands, building presses that excel in speed and performance.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
One key factor that enables consistent updates is the presence of a local manufacturing headquarters in the USA. Unlike mass-produced machines, Riley Hopkins presses are built by hand, ensuring attention to detail and quality at every step. The manufacturing team takes pride in its ability to control the quality of its products.
Feedback from real-life print shops plays a crucial role in the continuous improvement of Riley Hopkins presses. When the manufacturing team identifies pain points, they work to address and enhance the presses based on what screen printers need.
Owning a Riley Hopkins press is advantageous because it requires minimal maintenance. However, the company is committed to providing support and ensuring a hassle-free resolution if any issues arise. When you purchase a Riley Hopkins press, you become part of the Ryonet family, where your growth and success matter.
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THE RILEY HOPKINS 300
Now, let's delve into the evolution of Riley Hopkins presses, starting with the oldest model, the Riley Hopkins 300. Originally named simply "Riley Hopkins," this press featured a tubular structure designed by Riley Hopkins in his garage to fit in his Buick. The press included joystick registration, mimicking a race car's gear shift.
Later versions of this press, known as the "WIN Series," maintained the same structure and joystick registration. However, feedback from printers led to improvements. The tubular structure was replaced with laser-constructed steel legs, providing enhanced stability. The change from spring plungers to a detent wheel stop further increased stability and durability.
Despite the improvements in the WIN Series, the team continued to strive for perfection. In 2018, the Riley Hopkins 300 was introduced. This model featured a green base, black center, and white color wheel, along with a one-size-fits-all base, reducing manufacturing costs, final price, and assembly time.
At that time, there was also an alternate version called the Aero, featuring a square base. However, in favor of maintaining the best and most popular press, the Aero Press was discontinued. The standard joystick registration was replaced with XYZ micro registration, offering enhanced precision.
Chris Drury, the director of manufacturing and warehouse, further enhanced the print head by transforming it from cast aluminum to billet aluminum. This change simplified production and improved the appearance. Additional springs and a thrust washer were added for safety and enhanced locking of micros. Knobs were introduced for off-contact and tilt adjustment, eliminating the need for a wrench.
The registration gate received an upgrade with a hardened registration block, ensuring its long-lasting performance. Lastly, the Riley Hopkins 300 underwent a recent aesthetic upgrade, featuring a sleek black design that exudes precision and high performance. While the 300 is the largest press in the line, the smaller tabletop presses maintain the same level of quality.
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RILEY HOPKINS TABLETOP PRESSES
The Riley Hopkins 250 is a tabletop screen printing press that offers the benefits of a free-standing press in a more compact and affordable package. It evolved from the Riley Jr. line, aiming to provide a natural upgrade from the Silver Press. The 250 introduces tilted micros for enhanced stability, preventing accidental screen movement during production. It also features locking levers for improved registration control. Available in multiple variations, the 250 satisfies both high-production shops and novice printers.
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The Riley Hopkins 150, born out of the need for a sturdier alternative to the Silver Press, offers the same quality and construction as the 250 and 300 models. It serves as a simpler and lighter option, perfect for beginners looking to build a strong printing foundation. The launch of the Riley 150 coincided with the rise of small businesses during the pandemic, with many screen printing shops contributing to this entrepreneurial boom.
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EQUIPMENT UPGRADES
The Riley Hopkins line continuously improves its presses, and the 150 and 250 models have paved the way for numerous thriving print shops. Alongside press upgrades, Riley Hopkins has also enhanced flash units, conveyor dryers, and press carts. The press carts, specifically designed for tabletop presses, provide improved stability, increased surface area, ample screen storage, and optional pivot caster wheels.
Since its inception in 2005, Riley Hopkins has remained dedicated to improving its manual screen printing presses and related equipment. The goal is to provide printers with tools that expand their capabilities, backed by a reliable and trustworthy support team. You can ignite your printing endeavors with Riley Hopkins and achieve peak performance.
