Sheetfed Drying/Curing — A Cure-All for UV Inks

Managing heat transfer to both the substrate and press components is another important variable, Bonallo stresses, as water cooling of both dryer and press components (like the delivery sheet guide plates) is generally necessary.

“With infrared and hot air, it is not just the power of the drying system relating to kW output, but how well the energy is transferred to the substrates that also needs to be considered,” he says. “Obviously, the continuous exchange of air in the drying zone is a critical factor in the drying process when a water-based coating is involved. Air flow must be balanced relative to sheet control in the delivery, which clearly can affect the ability to deliver sheets at fully rated press speeds.”