20″×24″ ECO Frame: Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″ with Four Locking Strips – Lightweight Retensionable Screen Printing Frame for Manual Press Shops

Name: 20″×24″ ECO Frame: Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″ with Four Locking Strips – Lightweight Retensionable Screen Printing Frame for Manual Press Shops
SKU: NORT Eco Frame- 2024
Availability: BackOrder

Nortech

If you run a manual screen printing press, you already know the frustration — pre-stretched screens that go slack, ship damaged, or cost $10–$20 each to re-stretch. The Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″ breaks that cycle. This compact, lightweight aluminum screen printing frame lets you swap a fresh mesh panel in under 2 minutes — no glue, no tools beyond the stretching tool, no shipping frames anywhere. One frame. Endless mesh changes. Built in the USA by Nortech Graphics.

⏱️2-Minute Mesh Changes

📦18 Panels Store in 1 Frame’s Space

🖐️Lightweight — Easy Solo Handling

🚫Zero Adhesive — Locking Strip System

♻️100% Recyclable — Frame & Panels

🇺🇸Made in the USA — Nortech Graphics

📦 The Space-Saving Stat That Changes Everything

Store 18 mesh panels in the space that one traditional frame takes up. For small shops with limited storage, this alone is a game-changer. Stock multiple mesh counts for different ink types without cluttering your workspace — then snap the right panel in when the job calls for it.

📦 What’s Included

One (1) Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″ with four pre-installed locking strips. Mesh panels sold separately — add the Saati Hi-Dro ECO Panel 6-Pack and Nortech Stretching Tool to your order to be ready to print on day one.

⚠️ Drop Ship Item: Ships directly from Nortech Graphics in Arkansas. Shipping times vary. Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or at (512) 454-0505.

🚚
Ships direct from Nortech · Free shipping on orders over $200 · Call us: (512) 454-0505

$39.99

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SKU: NORT Eco Frame- 2024 Category: Nortech Eco Frames & Eco Panels Tags: 20x24 screen printing frame, aluminum screen printing frame 20x24, give me 10 keywords3:05 PMmanual screen printing frame, no adhesive screen frame, nortech eco frame 20x24, retensionable screen frame, screen printing frame manual press, screen printing mesh panel, small shop screen printing frame, swap mesh screen printing

Description

Your Manual Press Deserves Better Screens Than It’s Getting

Most manual press operators are still buying pre-stretched screens the old way — ordering them, waiting on shipping, watching tension drop after a few jobs, then repeating the whole cycle. The Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″ was purpose-built to end that. It’s the right size for manual presses, lightweight enough to handle solo, and designed so you can change mesh counts between jobs in under 2 minutes — right at your press. No outside vendor. No lead time. No wasted aluminum.

Why the 20″×24″ Is the Manual Press Sweet Spot

🖐️ Built for One-Person Handling

The 20×24 format hits the ideal balance between maximum print area and manageable weight. You can flip it, register it, and move it through your manual press solo without a second set of hands. Lighter frames mean less fatigue on long printing days — a real advantage when you’re running everything yourself.

📐 Fits Standard Platen Setups

The 20×24 outside dimension works with the standard platen and arm configurations found on most popular manual press models. Whether you’re printing on 14×16″ or 16×18″ platens, this frame gives you comfortable clearance and consistent off-contact distance without overhanging your press arms awkwardly.

🔄 Change Mesh Counts Between Jobs

Running a white underbase at 110 mesh in the morning and then switching to 230 for a detail color in the afternoon? With traditional frames, that means owning two separate screens. With the ECO Frame, it means swapping the panel in 2 minutes on the same frame.

🎬 See How Fast the Panel Swap Works

The Storage Math That Every Small Shop Needs to See

Panels Stack in the Space of One Frame

Store every mesh count you need — from 110 to 305 — in one compact bundle next to your press.

Minutes to Swap a Panel and Move On

Change your mesh count between jobs faster than it takes to clean a squeegee.

Shipping Frames Out for Re-Stretch

Stretch on demand, in-house, on your schedule. The re-stretch vendor relationship is over.

For a small shop where floor space is limited and every dollar counts, the ability to store 18 different mesh panels in the footprint of a single traditional screen is not a minor feature — it’s a complete rethink of how you manage your screen inventory.

How the Nortech ECO Frame System Works at Your Press

Choose Your Panel for the Job

Grab the right mesh count from your panel stack — Hi-Dro for water-based or fine detail, Hi-Tex for heavy plastisol underbases. Each panel is pre-cut to size and woven into its locking strip — ready to install right out of the stack.

Seat the Panel in the Frame Channel

Press the panel’s locking strip into the channel on the frame — one side at a time. No heat. No adhesive. No mess. The plastic strip slides into the aluminum channel and holds position while you tension the opposite sides.

Tension with the Stretching Tool — Lock All Four Sides

Use the Nortech ECO Stretching Tool to apply even tension across each side and lock the strips into the channels. Nortech’s pre-softened corners prevent mesh ripping during tensioning — a design detail that matters when you’re working with thin Hi-Dro mesh at higher tension levels.

Verify Tension, Coat, and Print

Check your tension with the Nortech tension meter — consistency matters for registration, especially on multi-color manual work. Once verified, coat with your emulsion of choice, expose your image, and print. The entire swap is under 2 minutes.

ECO Frame vs. Traditional Pre-Stretched Screens

Manual press operators are typically comparing the ECO Frame against buying pre-stretched aluminum screens from a supplier. Here’s the honest head-to-head:

Factor	✅ Nortech ECO Frame	Traditional Pre-Stretched Screen
When mesh goes slack	Swap panel in 2 min, in-house	Order a new screen or ship out to re-stretch
Cost per re-stretch	Panel cost only — no labor or shipping	$8–$20+ per screen plus shipping both ways
Change mesh count	Swap panel — same frame, new count	Buy a separate screen for each mesh count
Storage footprint	18 panels in 1 frame’s space	1 frame per mesh count — stacks grow fast
Adhesive degradation risk	None — no adhesive used	Yes — solvents break down glue over time
Dip tank compatible	✔ Welded & airtight	Depends on glue quality — can delaminate
Lead time when you need a new screen	Zero — install panel now	Days to weeks depending on supplier
Recyclability	✔ 100% — frame & panels	Aluminum recyclable; adhesive complicates it

The bottom line for manual shops: The ECO Frame 20×24 pays for itself after just a few panel swaps compared to buying replacement pre-stretched screens. After that, you’re saving money on every re-use — indefinitely.

Saati Mesh Panels for the 20″×24″ ECO Frame

Two panel families fit this frame — both from Saati, the world’s leading mesh manufacturer, woven into pre-cut locking strips ready to snap into your ECO Frame. Below is the full mesh count breakdown for each.

💧 Saati Hi-Dro ECO Panel 6-Pack — 20″×24″

Plasma-treated thin-thread polyester mesh. Wider mesh openings let water-based and discharge inks flow cleanly with less squeegee pressure. Also increasingly popular for plastisol work — especially underbases where you want a softer hand and brighter color. No pre-degreasing required before coating with emulsion.

Mesh Count	Color	Thread Dia.	Mesh Opening	Open Area	Ideal For
110	⬜ White	64 µm	167 µm	~60%	Discharge whites, heavy water-based deposits
157	⬜ White	48 µm	109 µm	46%	General spot colors, water-based, plastisol
157	🟨 Yellow	48 µm	109 µm	46%	Halftones, simulated process, less undercutting
198	🟨 Yellow	40 µm	85 µm	44%	Fine detail, light ink deposits, simulated process
230	🟨 Yellow	40 µm	68 µm	38%	High-detail halftones, 4-color process
305	🟨 Yellow	31 µm	52 µm	~36%	Ultra-fine detail, photographic, index printing

Shop 20×24 Hi-Dro Panels →

🔴 Saati Hi-Tex ECO Panel — 20″×24″

Thick-thread standard mesh — the backbone of plastisol textile printing for decades. Higher thread diameter means more resistance to tearing and popping under press pressure — critical for manual printers who apply uneven squeegee force. Requires degreasing before first use. Excellent choice for high-opacity white underbases and specialty inks.

Mesh Count	Color	Thread Dia.	Ideal For
110	⬜ White	80 µm	High-opacity whites, heavy underbases, shimmer inks
110	🟨 Yellow	80 µm	Heavy deposit plastisol, metallic & glitter inks
158	⬜ White	64 µm	Standard plastisol production spot colors
158	🟨 Yellow	64 µm	Halftone-sensitive standard plastisol work
180	⬜ White	55 µm	Mid-count plastisol, light-hand softer deposits
196	🟨 Yellow	55 µm	Fine detail plastisol, halftones, tight artwork
230	🟨 Yellow	48 µm	High-detail color work, simulated process
305	🟨 Yellow	34 µm	Ultra-fine detail, 4-color process, photographic

Quick Mesh Selector — What Should a Manual Printer Stock?

110 Hi-Tex or Hi-Dro

Your underbase and white ink mesh. Keep at least one of these in rotation for every multi-color job on darks. Hi-Dro gives softer hand; Hi-Tex gives more coverage.

158–160 Hi-Tex

The standard go-to for everyday plastisol spot colors. Most shops live on this count for the bulk of their work. Stock these in white and yellow.

157 Hi-Dro Yellow

The best all-around mesh for both water-based printing and halftone plastisol. If you’re only going to stock one Hi-Dro panel — this is it.

230 Hi-Dro Yellow

Reach for this when your artwork has fine lines, tight halftone gradients, or 4-color process work. The ECO Frame system makes it easy to keep this panel in stock for premium jobs.

Two Tools Every ECO Frame Owner Needs

🔧 Nortech ECO Stretching Tool →

Required for installation. This purpose-built tool is what makes the 2-minute panel swap possible. It seats the locking strip into the frame channel and applies even tension across all four sides of the mesh.

Without it, you cannot properly tension a panel.

📊 Nortech Tension Meter →

Highly recommended for registration work. Verify tension in Newtons/cm on every panel install. For manual printers doing multi-color work, consistent verified tension is the difference between crisp registration and color drift.

Especially important after every fresh panel swap.

Everything Else Your Screen Room Needs

Pair your ECO Frame setup with the right emulsion, ink, and chemicals from River City Supply.

🟦 Emulsions

Chromaline, Murakami & Saati — SBQ, dual-cure, diazo for every mesh and ink system.

Shop now →

🎨 Screen Printing Inks

Plastisol, water-based, discharge & specialty — Inktek, TW Graphics, Matsui & more.

Shop now →

🧪 Screen Chemicals

Ink removers, emulsion removers, degreasers — fully compatible with the no-adhesive system.

Shop now →

🔪 Squeegees

All durometers and widths for manual press work.

Shop now →

🖨️ Manual Presses

Shop manual press equipment and accessories.

Shop now →

(512) 454-0505 · [email protected] · Free shipping over $200 · Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications — Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″

Made in the USA · Nortech Graphics, Arkansas · Drop Ship Item

Frame Size	20″ × 24″ (outside dimensions)
Best For	Manual screen printing presses, small custom shops, hobbyists, startups — ideal for 14×16″ and 16×18″ platen setups
Frame Material	Standard-grade recyclable aluminum — lightweight for solo handling
Construction	Fully welded and airtight — dip tank and chemical reclaim system safe
Locking Strips Included	4 plastic locking strips — one per side, pre-installed on the frame
Corner Treatment	Pre-softened corners — prevents mesh tearing at high tension
Adhesive Required	None — plastic locking strip system eliminates all adhesives
Mesh Change Time	Under 2 minutes once familiar with the process
Panel Storage Density	18 panels store in the same space as one traditional frame
Recyclability	100% — both the aluminum frame and mesh panels are fully recyclable
Compatible Panels	Saati Hi-Dro 20″×24″ ECO Panels and Saati Hi-Tex 20″×24″ ECO Panels (both 6-pack)
Required Tool	Nortech ECO Stretching Tool (sold separately — required for panel installation)
Tension Verification	Nortech Tension Meter (sold separately — recommended for multi-color registration work)
Manufacturer	Nortech Graphics — Made in the USA (Arkansas Ozarks)
Shipping	Drop ship — ships direct from Nortech. Times vary. Nortech: 800-743-6473 · River City Supply: (512) 454-0505

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

Nortech Eco Frame – Instructions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the Nortech ECO Frame 20×24 good for manual screen printing?

Absolutely — the 20×24 is the most popular ECO Frame size for manual press operators precisely because of the size. It fits standard manual press arm configurations, the lightweight aluminum is comfortable to handle solo, and you can swap a fresh mesh panel in under 2 minutes right at your press — no outside vendor, no lead time, no adhesive.

Can I store multiple mesh counts without buying multiple frames?

Yes — and this is one of the most compelling reasons to switch. 18 mesh panels store in the space that one traditional frame takes up. Stock panels for every ink type — 110 for underbases, 158 for spot color, 230 for halftones — all in one compact stack next to your press. Snap in the right panel when the job calls for it.

How does the ECO Frame compare to buying pre-stretched screens?

Pre-stretched screens cost $8–$20+ per screen plus shipping when tension drops. With the ECO Frame, you buy the frame once and swap inexpensive panels in-house in under 2 minutes — forever. No vendor relationship, no turnaround time, no minimum order. Most manual shops break even on the frame cost within the first handful of panel swaps.

What mesh count should I start with for manual screen printing?

Most manual press shops need three core counts to cover most work: 110 Hi-Tex for opaque white underbases on dark shirts, 158 Hi-Tex for standard plastisol spot colors, and 157 Hi-Dro Yellow as your halftone and water-based workhorse. The ECO Frame makes it affordable to stock all three since panels cost a fraction of pre-stretched screens. Not sure? Call us at (512) 454-0505.

Do I need the Nortech stretching tool to install panels?

Yes — it’s required. The Nortech ECO Stretching Tool is what makes the 2-minute panel swap possible. It seats the locking strip into the channel and applies even tension across the mesh. Add it to your order when purchasing the frame — you cannot properly tension a panel without it.

Will screen cleaning chemicals damage the locking strips?

No. The plastic locking strips resist all standard screen printing chemicals — ink removers, emulsion removers, and degreasers included. Unlike adhesive-bonded frames where solvents can break down the glue joint over time, the ECO Frame’s locking mechanism is fully solvent-resistant. The welded, airtight frame is also safe for dip tank use.

What is the difference between Hi-Dro and Hi-Tex for manual press work specifically?

Hi-Dro is thin-thread and plasma-treated — it delivers softer-hand prints and flows water-based and discharge inks easily with less pressure. Hi-Tex is thicker-thread and more tear-resistant — a real advantage on a manual press where squeegee pressure is less even than an automatic. For manual printers doing primarily plastisol, Hi-Tex durability under variable hand pressure makes it the more reliable everyday choice at lower mesh counts.

Can I use 20×24 panels on a 23×31 frame?

No — panels are cut specifically for their matching frame size. The 20×24 ECO Frame takes 20×24 panels only. If you also run 23×31 ECO Frames, you’ll need to order 23×31 panels for those separately. River City Supply carries both sizes in Hi-Dro and Hi-Tex families.

Where does the 20×24 ECO Frame ship from?

This is a drop ship item — it ships directly from Nortech Graphics in the Arkansas Ozarks, where Nortech manufactures all ECO Frames in the USA. Shipping times vary based on Nortech’s production queue. For order questions, contact Nortech at 800-743-6473 or reach River City Supply directly at (512) 454-0505 or [email protected].

More questions? We’re here to help you build the right setup.

Our team knows the ECO Frame system inside and out. | (512) 454-0505 | [email protected]

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20″×24″ ECO Frame: Nortech ECO Frame 20″×24″ with Four Locking Strips – Lightweight Retensionable Screen Printing Frame for Manual Press Shops

Description

Your Manual Press Deserves Better Screens Than It’s Getting