DUO#FlexoDry® IR – High-speed IR dryer for the printing industry
A individually configurable, safe infrared dryer designed for rapid water evaporation, stable printing processes, and measurable energy savings for all applications in the printing industry.
What challenges are solved by the FlexoDry® IR dryer?
In the modern printing industry, high speeds and water-based ink systems are the norm. The DUO#FlexoDry® IR offers the flexibility needed to meet these requirements. Whether in corrugated direct printing, roll-to-roll flexographic printing, or digital printing—the system can be precisely configured to the specific space constraints and performance requirements of your facility. This eliminates drying bottlenecks and reduces energy costs through efficient air management.
Technical Operating Principle of DUO#FlexoDry® IR
- Water is evaporated by twin-tube infrared emitters (emitter length 250 mm)
- Standard: medium-wave emitters; optional: short-wave IR or combinations of medium-wave IR and short-wave IR
- Reflector integrated into the emitter
- Process air temperature 160–180 °C
- Good absorption of infrared energy at an infrared wavelength of approximately 3 μm
- Low loss of infrared power due to the absence of a glass pane
- Direct air management via the radiation source for process air and air immersion barrier
- Air source optionally integrated into the dryer or external
The DUO#FlexoDry® IR can be integrated into both sheetfed and web printing presses.
Advantages of the DUO#FlexoDry® IR
- Rapid water evaporation: Direct infrared radiation without glass filters, combined with optimal air management
- Adaptable to any installation space: Everything is possible, from standard to custom designs
- Flexible infrared wavelength: All infrared wavelengths available to suit specific applications
- Flexible machine integration: Suitable for sheet-fed and web processes
- Minimal fire hazard: Design-driven reduction of fire hazard to a minimum
- Reliable continuous operation: Optimized infrared emitter cooling protects the IR emitters and the substrate
Applications of the DUO#FlexoDry® IR
The DUO#FlexoDry® IR Standard infrared dryer is used in many corrugated board direct printing presses and can be customized in a wide variety of configurations. It is commonly found in flexographic, digital, and gravure printing systems.
As a result, the FlexoDry® IR infrared dryer is suitable for both sheetfed printing presses and continuous web printing processes and serves as an efficient solution for retrofitting existing printing presses to enhance energy efficiency and process stability.
Technical Specifications DUO#FlexoDry® IR
Parameters | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| Emitter type | Short-wave or medium-wave infrared emitters or combinations |
| Installation | Customized |
| Air management | Integrated or external |
| Machine types | Sheet and web |
| Power control | Continuously adjustable from 0–100% |
| Working widths | See table – Width-specific shutdown possible |
Performance classes (in kW) and working widths (in mm) for direct printing on corrugated board (standard version)
Performance Classes/Working Widths | PC1 | PC2 | PC3 | PC4 | PC5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1600 | 13,0 | 25,9 | 38,9 | 51,8 | 77,7 |
| 2000 | 29,6 | 29,6 | 44,4 | 59,2 | 88,8 |
| 2100 | 16,7 | 33,3 | 50,0 | 66,5 | 100,0 |
| 2400 | 18,5 | 37,0 | 55,5 | 74,0 | 111,0 |
| 2800 | 22,2 | 44,4 | 66,6 | 88,8 | 133,2 |
| 32000 | 24,1W | 48,1 | 72,2 | 96,2 | 144,3 |
Design of customised solutions
Radiators perpendicular to the direction of travel | Radiators parallel to the direction of travel |
|---|---|
| Small working widths up to approx. 1000 mm | Working widths > 1000 mm Width adjustment in 50 mm increments |
| Standard infrared emitters: 250/500/800/1000/1100 mm; custom lengths also available All infrared wavelengths available | |
Upgradeable with the DUO#Toolbox
The DUO#FlexoDry®IR infrared dryer can be optionally upgraded with the safety and performance modules from the DUO#Toolbox. These system modules enhance operational safety, improve process monitoring, and support energy-optimized production in modern flexographic and digital printing lines.
Depending on the system design, monitoring, control, and protection functions can be integrated ranging from camera-based process control to temperature-controlled power regulation. This transforms the DUO#FlexoDry® from a high-performance infrared dryer into a fully monitored and process-reliable drying solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUO#FlexoDry® IR
When is the DUO#FlexoDry® particularly useful?
Especially for compact machine layouts, high speeds, and water-based ink systems.
Is the system retrofittable?
Yes, the DUO#FlexoDry®IR is designed for integration into both new and existing machines.
How is the substrate temperature controlled?
Through optimized air management and optional measurement and control technology.