Accelerated Drying: In the printing process, after inks are applied to the substrate (such as paper, plastic, or fabric), these infrared heat lamps play a crucial role in speeding up the drying process. The infrared radiation emitted by the lamps penetrates the ink layer. For solvent – based inks, the heat causes the solvents to evaporate more quickly. For example, in a commercial offset printing operation, the drying time of a solvent – based ink can be reduced from hours to minutes with the use of these lamps.
Enhanced Curing: For inks that require curing, such as UV – curable or some specialty inks, the lamps provide the necessary heat energy to promote the curing process. The infrared heat can activate the chemical components in the ink that lead to cross – linking and hardening. In the case of UV – curable inks, the heat can supplement the UV – curing process, especially when dealing with thick ink layers or in situations where UV exposure might be limited.
Print Quality Improvement
Uniform Heat Distribution: The design of ruby quartz and halogen infrared heating lamps allows for relatively uniform heat distribution over the printed area. This is vital for achieving a high – quality print finish. Uniform heating helps to prevent issues such as ink smudging or incomplete drying. In multi – color printing, it ensures that each ink layer cures properly and adheres well to the substrate and other ink layers.
Reduction of Defects: By speeding up the drying and curing process, the lamps reduce the likelihood of defects like ink bleeding (where colors mix due to slow – drying ink) or offsetting (transfer of ink to the back of the next sheet). The quick – drying nature of the lamp – assisted curing process results in sharper, more defined printed images and text.
Compatibility with Different Printing Processes
Offset Printing: In offset printing, these heat lamps can be used to quickly dry and cure inks on the printed substrate. After the ink is transferred from the printing plate to the paper, the lamps can be applied to speed up the curing process. This allows for faster production speeds and reduces the risk of set – off during the printing process.
Flexographic Printing: In flexographic printing, which is widely used for packaging printing on flexible substrates like plastic films and labels, the lamps are used to cure the inks. The high – temperature curing provided by the lamps ensures that the inks adhere well to the substrates and have the necessary durability for the intended use of the printed product.
Screen Printing: For screen – printed products (such as apparel, signs, and industrial components), the lamps are used to cure the inks. Screen – printed inks are usually applied in a thicker layer, and the infrared heat from the lamps can penetrate through the ink layer to ensure that the entire thickness of the ink is cured, resulting in a high – quality, long – lasting print.
