Infrarottrockner für die Druckindustrie

Fast and energy-efficient IR drying enables high production speeds, stable printing processes and compact machine layouts in sheet and web printing lines.

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Infrared dryers are the technological solution to the growing demands of high-speed flexographic printing. Whilst conventional methods often reach their limits, targeted infrared radiation enables the immediate evaporation of water-based and solvent-based ink systems.
IR technology offers decisive advantages, particularly in modern printing lines where the limited space between the printing units does not allow for long drying sections: direct energy transfer into the ink layer massively reduces drying time without subjecting the substrate (such as corrugated board or paper) to unnecessary thermal stress.
With precisely designed infrared systems, you can eliminate process-related bottlenecks such as:

• Speed losses: Maximum production speed despite high ink coverage.
• Quality losses: Prevention of marks and uneven drying in the stack or on the roll.
• Energy losses: Precise drying only where it is needed (zone control).

This makes infrared drying the first choice for performance-oriented post-print and packaging applications that allow no compromises on quality and throughput.

The operating principle of our infrared dryers is based on the precisely matched wavelength of the IR emitters to the absorption spectrum of water-based paints. Unlike convection drying (hot air), the energy is transported deep into the paint layer. This leads to the rapid evaporation of the water content from the inside out. Sensor-based pyrometers continuously monitor the web temperature to prevent the substrate from overheating whilst ensuring maximum drying performance. Duo-Technik Engineering customises the infrared emitters and infrared output to meet the specific requirements of each application. Our strength lies in our experience with a wide variety of infrared radiation sources.

Limitations of Infrared Drying

Despite its high performance, infrared drying is not the optimal solution for every application. In cases of very high moisture loads or special substrates, additional convective support may be advisable. The use of hot-air or hybrid systems can also offer advantages when dealing with extremely wide workpieces or particularly sensitive materials. An application-specific design of the drying process is therefore crucial for achieving the best possible result.

• Zone control (format adaptation): Shutdown of individual lamp segments for narrower print formats to achieve significant energy savings.
• Instant On/Off: minimal warm-up times and immediate operational readiness compared to thermal storage systems.
• Compact modular design: easy installation in existing printing units (retrofit) where there is no space for bulky hot-air dryer modules.
• Precise viscosity stability: minimal thermal stress on the inking unit thanks to directional radiation.

Infrared drying is not a general standard, but a targeted solution for:

• High-speed post-printing: Where the press speed exceeds 10,000 sheets per hour.
• Full-surface varnish application: Where rapid curing of the varnish layer is crucial for achieving the desired gloss level.
• Multi-colour printing with short in-line sections: Optimisation of trapping between printing units in the tightest of spaces.