Bluewater D-2536S Inline Developing Machine – Automated Screen Developer to Save Time & Labor

Bluewater Labs

The Bluewater D-2536S is an automated inline screen developer that processes 25 screens per hour — eliminating the manual labor of developing exposed screens and delivering consistent, clean stencils every time. Using a two-chamber low-pressure recirculation plus high-pressure rinse process, the D-2536S removes unexposed emulsion precisely without disturbing the hardened stencil image. Optional integrated dryer means screens exit ready to tape and load directly to press.

✅ 25 Screens Per Hour / 200 Per Shift
✅ Automated Screen Development
✅ Two-Chamber Recirculation + High-Pressure Rinse
✅ 96″ Body · 16′ 6″ Min Room Required
✅ Water Recirculation — Lower Water Costs
✅ Optional Integrated Screen Dryer
✅ Full Installation & Training Included
✅ Equipment Financing Available
🔧 Custom-built to order · Ships direct from Bluewater Labs, Minnesota · Contact us for lead time · Equipment financing available

$47,400.00

Description

Bluewater D-2536S: Automate Screen Development at 25 Screens Per Hour
Screen development is one of the most inconsistent manual processes in a screen printing operation. Pressure too high damages the stencil. Pressure too low leaves unexposed emulsion. Time spent varies by operator. The D-2536S eliminates all of that — applying precisely calibrated low-pressure recirculation followed by high-pressure fresh water rinse to every screen, every time. At 25 screens per hour, your exposed screens feed directly into the developer and come out clean, consistent, and ready for use.
🎯
Precise Stencil Development
Chamber 1’s low-pressure recirculation removes only unexposed emulsion — precisely and gently — without disturbing the hardened stencil image. Chamber 2’s high-pressure rinse completes development with clean, sharp detail.
💧
Water Recirculation Design
Chamber 1 recirculates water rather than running fresh continuously — reducing water consumption and operating costs vs manual development where the hose runs the entire time.
🌡️
Optional Integrated Dryer
Add the optional dryer and screens exit the D-2536S completely surface-dry — ready for immediate inspection, taping, and press-loading. No separate drying step, no additional floor space, no waiting.
Quick Start & Auto-Stop
Simple controls with quick-start and auto-stop features make the D-2536S easy to operate. Minimal training required — operators load screens and the machine handles development.
📐
Compact Development Footprint
96″ body length (120″ with dryer) and 16′ 6″ minimum room requirement. Sized to fit into most screen rooms without displacing existing equipment.
🔗
Pair with Reclaim Series
The D-2536S pairs with Bluewater’s R-Series reclaim machines for a fully automated screen room — automated development on one end, automated reclaim on the other.

How the Bluewater Inline Developing Process Works

The Developer series handles screen development only — removing unexposed emulsion after exposure without damaging the stencil image. A precise two-chamber design ensures every screen develops cleanly and consistently.

1️⃣
Screen Loading
Operator loads exposed screens onto the infeed. Quick-start and auto-stop features make operation simple — minimal training required.
2️⃣
Chamber 1: Recirculation
Low-pressure recirculated water pre-softens and removes unexposed emulsion without damaging the exposed stencil. Recirculation minimizes water waste significantly vs manual development.
3️⃣
Chamber 2: Fresh Rinse
High-pressure fresh water completes the development, removing all remaining unexposed emulsion and ensuring fine stencil details are fully clean and sharp.
4️⃣
Optional Dryer
Optional integrated dryer allows screens to exit the machine surface-dry and ready for immediate inspection, taping, and press-loading — eliminating a separate drying step and saving floor space.

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.

D-2536S Developer Machine — Close-Up Walkthrough

See the D-2536S in detail — the two-chamber development process, water recirculation system, and how screens move through the machine from infeed to fully developed stencil.

Compare the Full Bluewater Labs Machine Lineup

MachineScreens/HrPer 8hr ShiftBody LengthMin RoomElectricalAirLink

Bluewater R-2536C

R-2536C
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 THIS MACHINE
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 Space16′ 6″ min length (body 96″)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 Air6 cfm @ 100psiExisting shop air compressor usually sufficient. Verify CFM capacity at your compressor.
Electrical208/230V, 3ph 55A (46A with dryer)3-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.

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.

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

Technical Specifications

SpecificationDetail
SKUBluewater D-2536S
Machine TypeInline Automated Screen Developer
Body Width24″ or 36″ (with recirculation tank)
Body Length96.0″ (120.0″ with optional dryer)
Body Height75.0″
Screens Per Hour25 screens/hour
Screens Per 8hr ShiftUp to 200 screens
Minimum Machine Length16′ 6″
Max Frame Size25″ × 36″
Air Requirements6 cfm @ 100 psi
Electrical — Base208/230V, 3ph, 34A FLA, 50/60Hz
Electrical — With Dryer208/230V, 3ph, 46A FLA, 50/60Hz
Rated Electrical208/230V, 3ph, 55A, 50/60Hz
Water Connection1 × 1″ NPT Standard Fitting
Drain3/4″ or 1-1/4″ NPT Utility Pump
Infeed Length Options54″ or 72″
Outfeed Length Options47″ or 94″
Optional: Dryer UpgradeAdds 24.0″, enables screens-out-dry capability
Chamber 1Water recirculation — low-pressure emulsion removal
Chamber 2High-pressure fresh water rinse — final development
ManufacturerBluewater Labs, Delano, Minnesota

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between a developer and a reclaim machine?
A developer (D series) only handles screen development — removing unexposed emulsion after exposure without affecting the exposed stencil image. A reclaim machine (R series) handles full screen cleaning after use — removing ink, emulsion, and haze to prepare screens for re-coating. If you need both functions, you need both machine types.
Does the developer damage the exposed emulsion stencil?
No — Bluewater’s two-chamber design specifically uses low-pressure water in Chamber 1 to gently remove only unexposed emulsion. The exposed, hardened stencil is not affected. The high-pressure rinse in Chamber 2 completes development without stencil damage.
What frame sizes does the developer accommodate?
All Bluewater developer machines accept frames up to 25″ × 36″ — covering essentially all standard screen printing frame sizes.
Is the optional dryer worth adding?
For most high-volume shops, yes. The integrated dryer allows screens to exit completely surface-dry and immediately ready for taping and press-loading — eliminating a separate drying step, reducing floor space requirements, and removing another manual handling step from the workflow.
Do I need 3-phase power?
Yes — the Developer series requires 208/230V, 3-phase electrical service. Verify 3-phase availability at your facility before ordering.
How much water does the developer save compared to manual development?
Bluewater’s Chamber 1 recirculation system reuses water for the pre-soak/softening step, significantly reducing water consumption vs manual development where fresh water runs continuously. The recirculation tank captures and reuses this water until it’s saturated with emulsion solids.
Can I finance this purchase?
Yes — equipment financing is available. Section 179 tax treatment may apply for the full purchase price in year one. Contact us or visit our financing page for details.
Is installation included?
Yes — Bluewater provides full technical service including installation support, machine training for your staff, and ongoing service and maintenance. Our team coordinates the entire installation process with Bluewater.
What is the difference between the D-2536S and D-2536L?
The D-2536S processes 25 screens/hour with a 96″ body and 16′ 6″ minimum room. The D-2536L processes 75 screens/hour with a 156″ body and 21′ 5″ minimum room. Choose the S for standard production volumes; choose the L for high-volume operations that develop 200+ screens per day.
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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