ITW Trans Tech: Infra Red (IR) Curing


	Infra Red (IR) Curing Auxiliary Equipment for Pad Printing • Accelerates Ink Curing • • Enables Immediate Part Handling • Allows Efficient & Controlled Exposure TECHNICAL DATA: INFRA RED (IR) Heat Lamp Systems Power Supply: 110v or 220v, depending on application. Output: variable, depending on application. Size & Configuration: variable, depending on application.

Auxiliary Equipment:
Infra Red Ink Curing for High-Volume Production

INFRARED (IR) is an effective means of curing pad
printing inks applied as dark images on light-color substrate materials. The infrared light waves are absorbed by the dark-colored print area only, whereas the light color of the substrate reflects the infrared light. Hence, heat is only generated in the printed surface area. This makes it an efficient way of almost instant drying of the ink without heating up the part. This is especially important for fragile parts, such as thin-walled products, sheets or low heat-resistance materials.

Advantages
Some significant advantages of IR curing are:
• Low noise level
• Cured parts can be almost immediately handled after treatment for further processes
• Reduction of possible print damage due to quick ink drying
• Low power consumption
• Minimal heating of adjacent work area
• Instant maximum cure output.

Features
A typical IR curing station consists of an infrared light tube fitted to a reflector. The reflector is mounted inside a stainless steel housing which is designed for the escape of heat generated by the lamp. Large units are, in addition, equipped with cool-off fans which help to reduce heat buildup and to extend light tube expectancy.

Controls
The controls include potentiometers for high-output curing level and low-level dim while idle. This helps to prolong the lifetime of the light tube. An adjustable timer enables accurate setting of curing time. Most of our infrared ink drying stations are custom-made to accommodate particular printing applications.

Need more information? Ask your ITW Trans Tech machine sales representative at 630.752-4000 or e-mail us!

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