Convection & radiation

Drying technologies

Drying systems are of crucial importance in the decor industry. Our innovative, sophisticated technologies are a way to increase energy and production efficiency while at the same time significantly reducing the overall CO2 footprint.

Convection
Ultraviolet (UV)
Infrared (IR)
Near Infrared (NIR)

Working closely with leading experts and our customers, we are always able to find optimal solutions for new systems or the energy-efficient retrofitting of existing systems. Together, we create sustainable drying strategies that not only meet individual requirements and objectives, but also make the best possible use of on-site possibilities. Depending on the context, we rely on electric or gas-powered convection drying as well as a combination of both or lay our focus on radiation drying.

Technical data

	Drying process
Materials	Paper, flexible films
Temperature	40–200 °C (depending on material)
Running blow-out speed from the nozzles	up to 80 m/sec.
Methods	Convection drying, gas-powered
	Convection drying, electric
	Convection drying with upstream radiant heat source
	Infrared radiation drying (IR)
	Near infrared radiation drying (NIR)
	Hybrid solutions in a wide variety of combinations tailored to the process
	UV radiation drying (UV), exclusively for acrylate-based application medium
	Electron beam hardening systems (E-Beam), exclusively for acrylate-based application medium

Drying technology—as unique as your products

Selecting the optimum drying method requires in-depth knowledge of the substrates and liquids that are to be dried. Paper reacts differently to heat than film, water-based inks behave differently than acrylics.

Depending on the individual requirements and the desired finish, we have various drying processes and systems available:

Conventional hot air drying
IR drying
NIR drying
Hybrid drying: combination of different systems
UV process
Electrode beam process

Every system is unique

The design of the drying system is crucial for the efficient and economical operation of your plant. In order to optimize overall productivity, we pay the utmost attention to every project. Cost-effectiveness plays a central role right from the design stage and we can draw on established processes and proven technologies.
However, for demanding requirements and special challenges, we work closely with our expert teams and customers to develop tailor-made solutions. By working in partnership, we ensure that you receive the best possible drying solution—developed precisely to your individual requirements.

Special case acrylate lacquers

Surface finishing with 100% UV acrylate coatings does not work without suitable radiation drying systems. Based on the product characteristics and production requirements, we determine the optimum configuration of the coating technology and the positioning of the systems within the coating system:

Pre-gelation
Excimer treatment
UVC curing
Electron beam treatment

Technologies for more sustainability

Energy consumption is becoming increasingly important: for both private individuals and companies, it represents a significant way of reducing costs and increasing profitability. As an energy-intensive process, drying is an effective means to tackle rising energy costs. When building and retrofitting systems, we use measuring instruments to optimize processes and keep energy consumption low.

Gas savings through intelligent exhaust air control and heat recovery

Another way to save energy in the drying process is to integrate heat exchangers into the exhaust air piping of the systems. They transfer the energy contained in the exhaust air to the cool fresh air and thus heat it up. This means that the supply air to the various heat sources is already preheated and does not have to be heated from room temperature to the required working temperature. Hence, primary energy consumption can be effectively reduced.

Green energy with electrically powered drying units

You can significantly reduce your CO2 footprint with infrared and near-infrared dryers and by retrofitting your existing systems with electric air heaters. Instead of using fossil resources such as natural gas or thermal oil, the systems are operated with electricity from renewanle sources. In this way, companies are taking a major step towards more sustainability.

We are happy to work with you! Contact us to have your specific product and process requirements analyzed in order to guarantee you maximum flexibility and process reliability.