As Fast as a Speeding Press

Also affecting drying equipment is anilox roll technology, which has “allowed converters to lay down thicker coatings for improved opacity and better physical properties,” says Hahn. “Dryer specifications require higher power levels and improved thermal delivery systems to ensure drying at higher speeds. Too little power yields poor throughput, while too much power can reduce the desired physical properties of the coating.” Again, the need to control the dryer is critical, and Hahn adds that, “Most successful systems will include some type of heat density control to deliver the proper drying power proportional to press speed.” These controls are also allowing converters to do more with one drying system. “The emergence of more film applications requires dryers to be more accurate in temperature control to dry the ink or coating but not distort the film,” he says.