Energy Efficient Dryer for DTG Printing
BETHLEHEM, PA — A new Lo-E Dryer cures DTG printed inks and pretreatment, and water-based screen printed inks and discharge, at high rates using 20% less energy than comparable dryers, it was announced by Mark Vasilantone, president of Vastex International.
"We engineered the Lo-E for printers who have limited amperage, and those who simply want to cut energy costs and carbon emissions," explains Vasilantone.
The dryer cures up to 45 garments/hr printed with digital white ink at 3 minutes dwell time. At 1.5 minutes dwell time it cures up to 88 CMYK DTG garments/hr, 88 garments/hr with pretreatment only, or 88 garments/hr screen-printed with water-based ink or discharge.
Modularity permits users to quickly add one or multiple heating chambers and extend the conveyor belt, multiplying capacity in direct proportion to each heating chamber added. Conveyor extensions can also be added to the front or back of the dryer to optimize loading and cooling/unloading of garments.
Drawing only 22 amps, the dryer's two 24 in. (61 cm) wide by 18 in. (46 cm) deep high-efficiency infrared heaters provide 4600 watts (4.6 kW) of power, maximizing curing capacity and in turn, minimizing energy costs per garment cured. Height-adjustable, the heaters offer dual zone temperature control with a boost zone to quickly reach cure temperatures, and carry an industry-leading 15-year warranty.
A 370 CFM (10.5 m3/min.) exhaust system evacuates moisture and air contaminates from the heating chamber, and cools the enclosure's outer skin and control panel.
The 30 in. (76 cm) wide by 88 in. (224 cm) long conveyor runs true by means of a low friction belt aligner patented by the company, with belt speed controls allowing infinitely adjustable dwell times from one to five minutes.
"Although the Lo-E Dryer is designed for curing of DTG garments, it can also cure screen-printed water-based inks and discharge," says Vasilantone, adding, "It's the most energy efficient dryer in our lineup, and maybe the world."