Starting a Screen Printing Business with Low Capital – Which Machine Should You Choose?

Screen printing remains one of the most appealing options for small startups in Vietnam—especially for those looking to start a business printing T-shirts, fabric bags, decals, or even bottles and plastic cups.

The biggest advantage of the screen printing industry is that it requires relatively low startup capital, the machines are simple to use, ink is affordable, and there’s a wide market for output.
However, to start smart, beginners need to choose the right type of Screen Printer that fits their budget and actual needs—avoiding unnecessary costs or poor investment.

This guide will help you understand:

• What screen printing is and why it’s suitable for low-budget startups

• The most common products printed using screen printing

• Types of Screen Printers currently available

• How to choose between A4, A3, A2 flat Screen Printers or cylindrical/multi-function models

• Tips to save capital when starting out

1. Screen Printing – A Low-Cost, Easy-Start Business

Screen printing is a method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil (silkscreen) stretched over a frame. With a basic manual press and a prepared screen, the operator can easily print onto various materials.

Advantages for low-budget startups:

• Simple mechanical structure → much cheaper than digital or offset printing

• Easy to learn – can be trained in a few days

• Low ink cost and widely available materials

• Doesn’t require large premises

• Suitable for small to medium runs with diverse orders

Many people get started with just 10–20 million VND (for an A4 or A3 Screen Printer) and still operate their own small workshop effectively.

2. High-Demand Products for Screen Printing

• Custom T-shirts for groups, businesses, and schools

• Non-woven and canvas fabric bags

• Decals, labels, and stickers

• Paper packaging – gift boxes and shopping bags

• Plastic or glass bottles for cosmetics, food, beverages

• Plastic and paper cups with café or tea shop logos

This demand is huge—nearly every brand wants its logo and information printed on products.

3. Common Types of Screen Printers

When working with a limited budget, it’s crucial to understand your options to avoid buying the wrong machine. The main types of Screen Printers include:

Flat Screen Printers

• Designed for flat surfaces like T-shirts, paper, plastic sheets, wood, and glass

• Standard print sizes: A4, A3, A2

• Ideal for T-shirt shops, label printing, and packaging businesses

Cylindrical Screen Printers

• Used for curved/round surfaces like bottles, plastic cups, and paper tubes

• Equipped with rotating holders to grip and rotate objects during printing

• Suitable for cosmetics bottle printing, coffee cup branding, etc.

Multi-Function Screen Printers

• Combine both flat bed and cylindrical print capabilities

• Save money for small shops that want to handle varied orders

4. Choosing the Right Flat Screen Printer: A4, A3, or A2?

✅ A4 Screen Printer

• Lowest price, from 7–10 million VND

• Print size: ~21×29 cm

• Ideal for decals, labels, small gift boxes

• Compact, easy to operate solo

• Perfect for first-time entrepreneurs with minimal capital

✅ A3 Screen Printer

• Priced around 10–15 million VND depending on manufacturer

• Print size: ~30×42 cm

• Suitable for standard-sized T-shirts, non-woven bags, small posters

• More flexible than A4, allows for more varied orders

• Recommended for those with moderate budgets looking to offer more services

✅ A2 Screen Printer

• Costs around 15–25 million VND

• Print size: ~42×59 cm

• Can handle large orders, oversize shirts, large posters, and packaging

• Great for those planning to scale up in the future

• Ideal for those with slightly higher capital aiming for long-term savings

Advice:
If your budget is very limited → choose A4
If you have a moderate budget → A3 is a safe and practical choice

5. When Should You Choose a Cylindrical Screen Printer?

Price range: ~15–30 million VND (depending on design)

Ideal for:

• Workshops that specialize in cosmetic, perfume, or food bottle printing

• Plastic or paper cups for cafés and milk tea shops

• Paper tube and tin can packaging

Before buying just one machine, ask yourself:
Are my main products flat or cylindrical?

Many people invest in a flat printer only to discover they can’t print on bottles—wasting their money. Similarly, if you focus on T-shirts but buy a cylindrical printer—you won’t be able to use it effectively.

6. Multi-Function Screen Printers – For Medium Budgets and Diverse Orders

• Combines flatbed table + cylindrical holder

• Price range: ~20–35 million VND

• Ideal for small shops with limited capital that want to print both shirts/bags and bottles/cups

• Saves the cost of buying two separate machines

• Often built by Vietnamese mechanics based on custom requirements

If you plan to serve multiple customer types → strongly consider starting with a multi-function model to avoid turning down orders.

7. Tips to Save Capital When Starting Out

• Choose the print size that matches your actual product needs – don’t overspend on oversized machines

• Buy locally made machines – often cost ½ to ⅓ of imported ones, yet still high quality

• Pick suppliers with warranty and spare parts available

• Learn the trade properly – avoid wasting ink and screens through trial and error

• Use home space to save on rental costs

8. TACHI – The Right Partner for Low-Budget Startups

TACHI Mechanical proudly manufactures and supplies:

• Flat Screen Printers in A4, A3, A2 sizes

• Cylindrical Screen Printers

• Multi-Function Screen Printers

✅ Locally made with durable steel frames
✅ Easy-to-learn, beginner-friendly designs
✅ Custom manufacturing available
✅ Full hands-on training to help you start printing confidently from day one
✅ Local warranty, maintenance, and spare parts – no risk of “abandoned machines”

We’ve supported hundreds of low-capital entrepreneurs, from families and small workshops to distribution agents.

9. Conclusion

Starting a screen printing business with low capital is absolutely possible—as long as you choose the right machine.

Don’t buy based on guesswork—analyze your needs:
Are you printing flat or cylindrical products? What size – A4, A3, or A2?

The right Screen Printer will help you save money, take on the right orders, and build a sustainable business.

📞 Contact TACHI today for expert advice and choose the best Screen Printer for your budget!

TA CHI MECHANICAL MANUFACTURING TRADING COMPANY LIMITED