Airing Out the Options

Hot-air impingement dryers

According to Narang, hot-air impingement dryers are the most commonly used dryers in the converting industry. The reason is that they provide a very cost-effective and efficient way to dry water- and solvent-based inks, coatings, and adhesives.

Generally these dryers have idlers arranged in an arch for proper web tension control. The idlers may be driven for handling delicate webs, which can be specially designed to avoid stretching or deformation. Most impingement dryers also contain features to keep the rolls cool, which maintains web stability while it travels through the long, hot oven.