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WHATITISPRINTING · November 3rd, 2009

Hello fellow printers, have a question about the best temperature to dry plastisol ink on a cotton t shirt? Using triangle ink manually printing and using air gun to dry. trying to avoid garment burn and have no capacity to get a flash dryer. Let me know of any helpful suggestions.

Rexx · November 3rd, 2009

320 is the standard but check with the ink maker to see i have seen some be just 300. Also pick up a temperature gun to make sure you are getting to that heat.

RichardGreaves · November 3rd, 2009

Triangle Ink states on their Tech Data Sheet for Tri-Flex MULTI-PURPOSE & Sta-True plastisols:

315° F TO 330°F depending on ink deposit, fabric type, ink color and dryer efficiency.

Failure to properly cure is the primary reason for ink adhesion failure. Thick ink deposits do require more energy (longer dwell time) to cure, similarly a 100% cotton fabric because of its high moisture content will reduce curing efficiency compared to a 50/50 cotton polyester mix.

Dark colors absorb heat and cure faster than light colors. Colors, which reflect heat – metallics, glitters and shimmers, also require more energy to properly cure.

Finally the use of a Forced Air Dryer is far more efficient for thorough cure than the use of a Radiant Heat Unit.

Tri Flex Series: Multi-Purpose Plastisol Ink Products

WHATITISPRINTING · November 4th, 2009

thanks for the helpful link to triangle. Headed back to the shop to test the water. Plan to test lite and dark garment to see difference. Thanks

WHATITISPRINTING · November 4th, 2009

right on thanks for the tip.

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What is the recocomended temp for heat gun when drying plastisol ink on a 100% cotton shirt?