Bluewater R-2536C Inline Reclaim Machine – Automated Screen Reclaiming to Reduce Labor & Increase Throughput

Bluewater Labs

Bluewater R-2536C Inline Reclaim Machine – Automated Screen Reclaiming to Reduce Labor & Increase Throughput

The Bluewater R-2536C is the entry point into fully automated screen reclaiming — a compact inline machine that reclaims 13 screens per hour, completely hands-free. Built for screen printing shops ready to eliminate the labor, inconsistency, and physical demands of manual reclaiming without requiring a large dedicated floor space. Load screens in, walk away, come back to clean screens.

✅ 13 Screens Per Hour / 104 Per Shift
✅ Fully Automated — Zero Manual Labor
✅ Handles Plastisol, Water-Based & Solvent Inks
✅ Compact: 71″ Body Length · 12′ 3″ Min Room
✅ 24″ or 36″ Body Width Options
✅ High-Pressure Rinse + Chemical Chamber + Air Knife
✅ Full Installation & Training Included
✅ Equipment Financing Available
🔧 Custom-built to order · Ships direct from Bluewater Labs, Minnesota · Contact us for lead time · Financing as low as $1,395/mo

$69,000.00

SKU: Bluewater R-2536C Category: Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Description

Bluewater R-2536C: The Compact Reclaim Machine That Changes Everything
The R-2536C is the first step off the washout booth — and into fully automated screen reclaiming. If your shop is running frequent job changes, struggling to keep up with manual reclaim labor, or just tired of the inconsistent results that come from hand washing, the R-2536C delivers a complete automation upgrade in the most compact footprint of any machine in the Bluewater lineup. At 13 screens per hour and 104 screens per 8-hour shift, it handles the reclaim needs of most mid-volume commercial shops.
🤖
Fully Automated Reclaim
Load screens onto the infeed, press start. The R-2536C handles high-pressure rinse, chemical application, flood rinse, and air knife drying with zero operator intervention.
📐
Most Compact Bluewater Model
71″ body length with a minimum room requirement of just 12′ 3″ makes the R-2536C the most space-efficient automated reclaim solution in the Bluewater lineup.
🎯
Consistent Every Screen
Automated chemical application and calibrated pressure mean every screen gets the same precise treatment — eliminating the variability of tired or rushed manual reclaim technicians.
🧪
All Ink Systems
Handles plastisol, water-based, and solvent inks. The chemical recirculation chamber applies reclaim chemistry at controlled pressure and coverage to remove all common ink types.
💧
Lowest Chemical Consumption
Bluewater’s recirculation design minimizes chemical waste — using precisely what’s needed per screen, not the guesswork of manual application. Claimed lowest in the industry.
🛠️
Full Service & Support
Every machine includes installation support, staff training, and ongoing technical service from Bluewater’s team — plus River City Supply’s coordination from order to install.

How the Bluewater Inline Reclaim Process Works

Unlike any other automated reclaim system on the market, Bluewater’s inline design moves screens through a precise, multi-stage cleaning process — start to finish, fully hands-free.

1️⃣
Screen Loading
Operator loads screens onto the infeed conveyor. From this point forward, zero manual intervention is required. Optional infeed soak tank pre-softens emulsion and ink before entering the machine.
2️⃣
High-Pressure Rinse
High-pressure water jets blast the screen surface, breaking down ink deposits and loosening emulsion. Pressure is calibrated to be effective without damaging mesh tension.
3️⃣
Chemical Chamber
Reclaim chemicals are precisely applied via the recirculation chamber, ensuring consistent coverage and maximizing chemical effectiveness while minimizing consumption — Bluewater claims the lowest chemical usage in the industry.
4️⃣
Flood Rinse
A thorough flood rinse removes all chemical residue, ink fragments, and emulsion debris. Screens exit clean, free of haze, and ready for immediate re-coating.
5️⃣
Air Knife Drying
High-velocity air knives remove surface water, leaving screens surface-dry and ready for the outfeed. Optional outfeed inspection booth provides a final quality check station.

What Does Manual Screen Reclaim Actually Cost You?

Most shops dramatically underestimate the true cost of manual reclaiming when they account for all the labor involved — not just the time at the washout booth.

⏱️ Time Per Screen
Manual reclaim typically takes 5–8 minutes per screen when you include chemical soak time, pressure washing, inspection, and drying. At 200 screens per shift, that’s 16–26 hours of labor — for one job.
💸 Annual Labor Cost
A dedicated reclaim employee at $20/hr working 250 days per year costs $40,000+ annually — not including overtime, workers’ comp, turnover, or quality rework from inconsistent cleaning.
🔄 Inconsistency Cost
Poorly reclaimed screens — haze, ghost images, pinholes — cause reprints, wasted emulsion, and delayed production. Automated systems apply the same precise process to every single screen.
🏥 Safety Risk
Manual pressure washing exposes employees to chemical splash, high-pressure injury risk, and repetitive motion strain. Automated inline systems keep operators away from the hazardous part of the process.
The ROI math: A shop reclaiming 100 screens per day at $20/hour labor, with one dedicated reclaim employee, spends roughly $40,000+ per year on reclaim labor alone — before overtime and turnover costs. The R-2536S at $96,275 financed over 5 years runs approximately $1,930/month. That’s $23,160/year — a potential savings of $16,000+ annually while also improving quality and freeing staff for higher-value work.

See the Bluewater System in Action

Watch Bluewater’s automated reclaim process from start to finish — and see exactly why shops that install one never go back to manual reclaiming.

Compare the Full Bluewater Labs Machine Lineup

MachineScreens/HrPer 8hr ShiftBody LengthMin RoomElectricalAirLink

Bluewater R-2536C

R-2536C THIS MACHINE
Reclaim Series

 

13/hr104/shift71″12′ 3″3ph 24A8 cfmView →

Bluewater R-2536S

R-2536S
Reclaim Series

 

25/hr200/shift120″18′ 6″3ph 60A8 cfmView →

Bluewater R-2536L

R-2536L
Reclaim Series

 

75/hr600/shift240″28′ 10″3ph 115A10 cfmView →

Bluewater D-2536S

D-2536S
Developer Series

 

25/hr200/shift96″16′ 6″3ph 55A6 cfmView →

Bluewater D-2536L

D-2536L
Developer Series

 

75/hr600/shift156″21′ 5″3ph 55A6 cfmView →
🔄 Reclaim Series (R)
Full screen cleaning — removes ink, emulsion, and haze. Uses chemical application + high-pressure wash + air knife drying. Replaces manual washout entirely.
📐 Developer Series (D)
Screen development only — removes unexposed emulsion after exposure without damaging the stencil. Uses low-pressure recirculation + high-pressure fresh rinse. Optional dryer.

Installation Requirements Checklist

Before purchasing, confirm your facility can meet these requirements. Bluewater provides full installation support, training, and ongoing technical service with every machine.

RequirementSpecificationNotes
Floor Space12′ 3″ min length (body 71″)Add infeed/outfeed lengths to total room requirement. Allow 3–4 ft on each side for operation.
Body Width24″ or 36″ body width36″ width includes recirculation tank. Choose based on your frame dimensions and workflow.
Compressed Air8 cfm @ 100psiExisting shop air compressor usually sufficient. Verify CFM capacity at your compressor.
Electrical208/230V, 3ph 24A or 1ph 44A3-phase power required. Verify available amperage at your panel before ordering.
Water Supply1″ NPT supplyStandard cold water supply line. Pressure should be adequate for municipal supply.
Drain3/4″ or 1-1/4″ NPT utility pumpUtility pump drain allows flexibility in placement. Wastewater filtration is strongly recommended.
Max Frame Size25″ × 36″Accommodates virtually all standard manual and automatic screen printing frame sizes.
Machine Height75.0″ (6′ 3″)Standard commercial ceiling height is sufficient. Verify loading dock access for delivery.
⚠️ Installation Included: Bluewater provides each customer with full technical service including installation support, machine training for your staff, and ongoing service & maintenance support. When you order through River City Supply, our team coordinates the entire process with Bluewater to ensure a smooth installation.

About Bluewater Labs

Bluewater Labs is a Minnesota-based equipment manufacturer that created the first all-in-one automated screen reclaim solution in the screen printing industry. Unlike equipment companies that try to automate general industrial processes, Bluewater was built by screen cleaning experts who understand every nuance of the reclaim workflow — and engineered their machines specifically for screen printers.

Bluewater’s machines deliver superior results with the lowest chemical consumption in the industry. Their engineering philosophy: take the tried-and-true method of manual reclaiming and apply automation to it — rather than reinventing a process that already works. The result is an automated system that consistently outperforms both manual reclaim and competing automation platforms.

Bluewater’s deep partnership with Easiway Systems means their chemical application systems are engineered to work optimally with Easiway’s eco-conscious reclaim chemistry — the same chemistry we stock and recommend across our full screen reclaim lineup.

First
all-in-one automated reclaim solution in the industry
Lowest
chemical consumption of any automated reclaim machine
Full
installation, training & ongoing technical support with every machine
🏆
Why Buy from River City Supply?
Authorized dealer since 2008 · Same or better pricing than buying direct
💰 Same or Better Pricing
We match or beat manufacturer direct pricing on every product we carry. You get the same equipment at the same price — plus 17+ years of screen printing supply expertise you won’t get buying direct.
🛡️ An Extra Layer of Support
When you buy through us, you have two support channels: the manufacturer AND our team. If you hit a problem with installation, operation, or service — call us first. We coordinate with the manufacturer on your behalf and don’t stop until it’s resolved.
⚡ Faster Responses
Chat live with our team right now. No hold queues, no ticket systems, no waiting days for an email back. Real people, real answers, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT — with the fastest response channel right below.
📦 17+ Years, 17,000+ Customers
River City Supply has been outfitting screen printing shops since 2008. We’ve sold and supported this exact equipment to shops across the country — we know the questions, we know the install process, and we know what works.

 

Chat With Us Now — Fastest Response

Live chat · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT · Or call (512) 454-0505
Ready to Automate Your Screen Room?
These are significant capital investments — our team is here to help you evaluate ROI, plan installation, and match the right machine to your shop’s volume and budget. River City Supply has been outfitting screen printing shops since 2008 and we know this equipment. Equipment financing is available.

 

Chat With Us Now — Fastest Response

Live chat available Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT

Technical Specifications

SpecificationDetail
SKUBluewater R-2536C
Machine TypeInline Automated Screen Reclaim
Body Width24″ or 36″ (with recirculation tank)
Body Length71.0″
Body Height75.0″
Screens Per Hour13 screens/hour
Screens Per 8hr ShiftUp to 104 screens
Minimum Machine Length12′ 3″
Max Frame Size25″ × 36″
Air Requirements8 cfm @ 100 psi
Electrical — 3-Phase208/230V, 3ph, 24A, 50/60Hz
Electrical — 1-Phase208/230V, 1ph, 44A, 50/60Hz
Water Connection1 × 1″ NPT Standard Fitting
Drain3/4″ or 1-1/4″ NPT Utility Pump
Process StagesHigh-pressure rinse → Chemical recirculation → Flood rinse → Air knife drying
Ink CompatibilityPlastisol, water-based, solvent
FinancingAs low as $1,395/month through our financing partner
ManufacturerBluewater Labs, Delano, Minnesota

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the R-2536C best suited for?
The R-2536C is ideal for screen printing shops reclaiming 50–100+ screens per day who want to automate reclaim without needing a large footprint. Its 71″ body length and 12′ 3″ minimum room requirement make it the most accessible Bluewater reclaim machine for shops with limited screen room space.
How does the compact (C) differ from the standard (S)?
The R-2536C has a shorter body (71″ vs 120″) and lower throughput (13 vs 25 screens/hour). The C is a single-pass compact design vs the S’s more extended cleaning process. For shops needing 25+ screens/hour, the R-2536S is the right step up.
Does the R-2536C come with infeed/outfeed options?
The R-2536C is a compact design with a fixed footprint. The R-2536S and R-2536L offer configurable infeed lengths (54″ or 72″) and outfeed lengths (47″ or 94″), plus optional soak tank and outfeed booth upgrades.
Does this machine require a dedicated operator?
No — that’s the entire point. Once screens are loaded onto the infeed conveyor, the reclaim process runs fully automated. Your staff can be doing other productive work — press operation, QC, shipping — while the machine cleans screens. For high-volume shops, one person can manage loading while handling other tasks simultaneously.
What ink types does the Bluewater reclaim system handle?
Bluewater reclaim machines handle all common screen printing ink systems: plastisol inks, water-based inks, and solvent inks. The chemical recirculation chamber is the key — it applies reclaim chemistry precisely and consistently to every screen.
What frame sizes does the machine accommodate?
All Bluewater reclaim machines accept frames up to 25″ × 36″ — covering virtually every standard manual and automatic screen printing frame size in commercial use.
Do I need 3-phase power?
Yes — all Bluewater reclaim machines require 3-phase electrical service. Verify your facility has 3-phase available before ordering. If you only have single-phase, the R-2536C also has a 1-phase option (44A). Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Is installation included?
Bluewater provides full technical service including installation support, staff training, and ongoing service and maintenance. When you order through River City Supply, our team coordinates directly with Bluewater on your installation.
Can I finance this purchase?
Yes — equipment financing is available through our financing partner. For a machine like this, Section 179 tax advantages may also apply, allowing you to deduct the full purchase price in year one. Visit our financing page or contact us for current rates.
What chemicals should I use with the Bluewater reclaim system?
Bluewater machines are engineered to work optimally with Easiway screen cleaning chemicals — the same chemistry we stock across our full screen printing supplies line. Bluewater claims the lowest chemical consumption of any automated reclaim system in the industry.
How does the ROI math work out for a shop my size?
The ROI calculation depends on your screen volume, labor costs, and current reclaim staffing. As a general framework: a shop spending $40,000+ annually on reclaim labor that installs an R-2536S at ~$23,000/year financed has a strong payback case within 2-3 years — plus quality improvements and freed staff time. Contact us and we’ll work through the numbers for your specific operation.
Questions? Our team knows this equipment.
For a $60K–$168K investment, you deserve real answers from people who understand screen room automation.

 

Chat With Us Now — Fastest Response

Live chat available Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT
📞 (512) 454-0505  ·
✉️ [email protected]
·  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT

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