Free Shipping in the Con. US Learn More

Manual Film Alignment vs. PRU vs. LTS: Which Wins in Auto Screen Setup Speed?

Manual Film Alignment vs. PRU vs. LTS: Which Wins in Auto Screen Setup Speed?  | Screenprinting.com

Robb Cummings |



If you’re still manually aligning screens in your shop, it’s time to ask: what’s that really costing you in setup time and precision?

In this video, the ROQ US service team breaks down a side-by-side comparison of three screen registration methods:

  • Manual film alignment using a T-square
  • Positive Registration Unit (PRU) with a Special Registration Pallet
  • Laser-to-Screen (LTS) system

1. Manual Alignment: The Old-School Way

A person registering a screen on a ROQ Auto

Mike demonstrates the classic method: center lines, T-squares, careful measurements, and a lot of micro adjustments. It works, but it’s time-consuming and prone to human error. Even seasoned vets have to double-check and tweak constantly, which eats into production time.

2. Positive Registration Unit (PRU): A Major Step Up

A person using a PRU System to register a screen

Using the PRU and a special registration pallet, you can speed up the process significantly. Mike gets much closer to perfect registration right off the bat, only needing a few micro tweaks after exposure. This cuts setup time dramatically and ensures consistent alignment between screens.

RELATED: HOW THE SPYDER II IS TRANSFORMING SCREEN PRINTING BUSINESSES

3. LTS (Laser-to-Screen): Ultimate Speed and Accuracy

An LTS System Creating a screen

The LTS system is the clear winner for speed and repeatability. With three points of contact for precision and automation that eliminates manual ripping and placement, the LTS minimizes variables and gets you from design to press fast. The trade-off? It’s a bigger investment up front.

Bottom line: You can get the job done with any method. But if you're looking to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and free up more time for printing, the PRU or LTS are your best bets.

Ready to Level Up Your Shop?

If you're ready to boost productivity and precision, our team at Ryonet is here to help. Give us a call at 1-800-314-6390 or check out our lineup of ROQ Automatic Presses.