PRESS DRYING/CURING--The ABCs of Press Drying

"Because more printers are doing multicolor work, dryers are becoming necessary for faster turnaround time and higher quality printing," points out Vice President Lance Carpenter. "Drying systems also reduce spray powder usage and setoff blocking."

Energy Sciences manufactures electron beam (EB) systems, which are similar to UV in that they use energy to cross link/cure the ink, coating or adhesive. It does so instantly without heat or light. However, EB systems are currently only available for mid- to wide-web presses. Narrow-web EB systems are still in development, reports Rick Sanders, sales and marketing manager for North America.