Best Solution for Infrared Drying and Curing Water-based Ink Coating

With the development of science and technology,environmental protection are becoming more  important for everyone.All industries need to be used eco-friendly materials and equipments.For printing industry,inks,coatings and varnishes required to use water-based inks and water-soluble materials.

Benefits of screen printing with water based inks:

1. Water based inks feel better

2. Water based inks are (more) environmentally friendly

3. Water based inks are long-lasting

4. Water based inks allow higher detail

5. Water based inks are breathable

6. Water based inks don't sacrifice quality or color

Due to the high specific heat capacity and heat of vaporization of water,the evaporation of water solvent is much more difficult than traditional inks. In addition,the chemical components of inks and coatings themselves are mostly organic polymers,and they need rapid heating to promote polymerization.Infrared heating has more advantages than traditional hot air heating,such as high energy density,good penetration,fast speed response.So,infrared heating elements are widely used in the printing industry,but among the various infrared light sources, which one is the best?

Infrared radiators usually divided into three regions:short-wave (0.78-1.4um),medium-wave (1.4-3.0um) and long-wave (3.0-10um).As the infrared absorption of water has two strong peaks at 3.0um and 4.5um,both medium wave and long wave are suitable.However, according to the long-wave infrared characteristics:poor penetration,slow response speed and low power density,the medium wave is much more better for water-based inks drying.

However, short-wave infrared lamp also can be used in some special cases,although its wavelength does not match the absorption of water and polymer materials, as its large power density,and fast response speed,temperature will be higher than medium wave.But some inks and papers are sensitive to high temperature,short-wave lamps are not suitable.For this point,we can add gold or white-plated coating on medium wave lamp tube,the reflection efficiency will be higher

In conclusion,both medium-wave and short-wave infrared drying are available in drying water-based inks and coatings applications.In most cases, medium wave infrared heater is the best choice.