Drying/Curing Equipment — Avoid Half-baked Systems
Doug Misercola, president of DRI, believes the primary customer considerations are faster drying capabilities, with increased throughput that reduces unit cost and less waste. Print clarity, he adds, is also important as faster drying reduces ink flow and spreading, creating a more clear, defined dot structure while providing improved print quality.
DRI's latest offering is the RA series radiant-air electric IR dryer, available in various heated lengths from 10˝ to 150˝ long. "Our customers have been looking for solutions that will increase productivity and product quality, and we finally have a solution for them. The RA series can be adapted to many drying and heating processes."
Baldwin Technology offers solutions for both drying conventional inks and curing hybrid or UV inks. Neil Kurkjy, marketing manager, believes customers want a system that can dry sheets regardless of press speeds, leading to less waste.
Reducing startup time and enhanced effectiveness are also desired qualities for drying and curing. A drying system must help keep energy costs in check, while a curing system needs controlled temperature within the press and pressroom, providing a better environment for both man and machine.
The Baldwin GraphiSet 4 IR for ink and water-based coatings features less energy consumption due to a new drying module design, touchscreen control and automatic temperature control. Its GraphiCure 6 UV also boasts touchscreen control for easy operation and a refrigerated cooling system, which ensures a constant, low temperature throughout the day.
Bill Bonallo, president and CEO of technotrans america, believes that with customers printing on substrates ranging from 40-lb. litho label stock to static-cling vinyl and 24-pt. board, the drying and/or curing system must be designed and engineered to function in perfect harmony with the sheetfed press delivery. With press speeds exceeding 15,000 iph, sheet control—particularly on lightweight substrates—is critical and will absolutely affect press running speeds.
