Navigating the Transition to Water-Based Ink Printing

Understanding the Need for Forced Air in WB Ink Curing

Forced air is commonly recommended for curing WB inks because it assists in evaporating the water content more efficiently than heat alone. Unlike plastisol, which cures through a chemical reaction activated by heat, WB inks require the actual evaporation of water. This process can be hindered without adequate air movement, leading to longer curing times and potential quality issues.

A common misconception is that simply extending the dwell time within the dryer—essentially the time the printed material spends under heat—can substitute for the mechanisms forced air provides. However, practical experiences and expert advice suggest that while increased dwell time can mitigate some issues, it often does not suffice on a commercial scale, especially under higher production demands. For example, a longer oven can help achieve better curing without forced air but may still limit production speed significantly, typically to about 100-150 shirts per hour with a 2-meter oven.

Choosing the Right Dryer for Expanding Capabilities

When selecting a dryer for WB inks, considering both current needs and future growth is vital. Features such as a wider belt and a longer tunnel can greatly influence the efficiency of the curing process. A belt width of 24 inches or more is ideal to accommodate larger items like hoodies without the need for folding. Furthermore, dryers that support both single-phase and three-phase power supply options offer greater flexibility and can be a more sustainable investment as business needs evolve.

The Vastex line of dryers is often highlighted for their compatibility with both plastisol and WB inks, providing a robust solution within a moderate budget. These dryers are designed to handle various ink types without forced air, fitting well within a budget of around $6,000, which is considered a reasonable investment for a quality dryer in the screen printing industry.

Recommendations for Small Scale Production

For smaller operations not yet ready to invest in high-end equipment, alternative methods like using a heat gun or running items through the dryer multiple times can be temporarily employed. These methods, though less efficient, can achieve the necessary cure if production demands are minimal. However, they are not recommended for long-term use at a commercial scale.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring the quality of WB ink prints without forced air requires careful consideration of equipment capabilities and production needs. While some printers manage with extended dwell times or alternative curing methods, investing in the right dryer with forced air capability is advisable for those looking to scale their operations and maintain high-quality outputs.

For more insights into the best practices in screen printing and equipment reviews, be sure to follow our YouTube channel at BCH Technologies. Additionally, our tech blog offers extensive resources and industry updates for professionals looking to enhance their printing operations. If you're in Greensboro, North Carolina, consider visiting us locally for more personalized advice and solutions.