As reported by ScreenPrintingMag in their article “Garment Dryers in Detail,” garment screen printers typically use two types of dryers: infrared (IR) and hot air. Both utilize conveyors to transport garments through curing chambers, heating inks up to 330°F for plastisols. Despite these similarities, IR and hot-air dryers differ significantly in design, capacity, versatility, running costs, and investment levels.
Detailed insights into these drying methods reveal that IR dryers use electrically heated infrared panels mounted above a conveyor belt within a heat-insulated cover. The heat radiates directly onto the ink, curing it as the garment passes beneath. Adjustments to electric power and panel height control the drying temperature, while conveyor speed regulates drying time. IR dryers are compact, simple, and relatively inexpensive, though they may struggle with water-based inks due to insufficient airflow for proper curing.
Conversely, hot-air jet dryers employ forced hot air to cure printed garments. This air is heated by electric elements or gas burners, blown over garments by a large fan, and recirculated to maintain a consistent temperature. Hot-air dryers can handle a wider range of inks, including water-based and specialty inks, offering versatility despite their complexity and higher maintenance requirements.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of screenprintingmag.com