WTC

I have had a 541 for a year now using a heat press, and recently purchased a digital forced air dryer from Brown to speed up production.

Last night, as I was sending shirts through and stacking them on the end, I realized certain colors (orange and brown) were not curing fully, smudging shirts that touched them.

I spent the night tweaking the machine, and am now sending my shirts through for about 50 seconds at 365 degrees Fahrenheit (Brother recommends 35 seconds @ 356). I have gotten the ink to cure mostly (it doesn't smear to the touch), but it still takes a night or so to cure all the way. The dryer coils are at their lowest, and any longer / higher heat scorches the shirt.

I never had issues with the heat press, and would greatly appreciate any tips / tricks from dryer owners who have had problems with water based inks (I even managed to scorch the shirt while not curing the ink on one of my tests).

Thanks a ton,

-Confused in Michigan

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rndubow

You need to maximize your air flow within the heat chamber. I am not familiar with your dryer but we use an Adelco split belt return dryer for our 2 Kornit printers and had to go so far as change the pulleys in the dryer to increase air flow. We also slow the belt down and decrease the temperature just to the point that it isn't scorching the shirt.

 

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DAGuide

Jerry,

Rob is right. When you use a conveyor dryer, your curing time is significantly longer than when using a heat press. You are not getting the pressure part when you use a conveyor dryer... so it takes longer to evaporate the carrier fluid (i.e. water). I would also not try putting the coils (sp?) too close to the garment or it will scorch the shirt. The advantage of a forced air dryer is that the air helps cure and remove the moisture. Putting the heating coils too close to the garment will obstruct the air flow as well.

I would raise the coils and slow the belt speed down. The curing time for a dark garment print on the GT-782 printer is approximately 5 minutes at 320 F to 340 F degees. You are dealing with less ink (no white ink layer) so it might not need to be that long... but at least you can get an example to start from.

Best wishes with your testing,

Mark

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