PRESS DRYING/CURING--The ABCs of Press Drying

Accel Graphic Systems offers the Tempest hot-air dryer, which uses PTC thermistors instead of IR elements to accelerate the drying process. Heat is generated when an electrical current is applied to the thermistor. Thermistors are self-regulating semiconductors that use a phenomenon called autostabilization to maintain a constant temperature without the need of a thermostat. This approach to drying eliminates the risk of fire because the thermistors approach, but never reach, the temperature where they could ignite paper. This is combined with warm air to accelerate the drying process. It is as effective as IR for drying inks (excluding UV) and water-based coatings, and is much safer, according to Accel. It does not dry UV inks or coatings.