[jodyl2]

I'm looking at the Atlas 620 dryer to cure discharge.
I see it has 16"x16" panels. Someone said this will cure images that are 12"x12". Is that true? If my image is 15"x15" or 16"x 16", do I need a larger dryer? thanks....

 

[nation03]

If you're curing discharge you'll probably want something bigger. The garment needs to stay in the chamber usually for around 90 seconds. So with a small belt width and heat chamber it'll be a slow go printing discharge. Look into a dryer with a 24" belt width minimum. M&R or Vastex makes really nice dryers. They'll be on the expensive side, but you won't regret it.

 

[jodyl2]

thanks for the response. so you don't like atlas? I'm also looking at their next size... and what about the size of the panels compared to the image size?

 

[n.signia]

If you can swing it, go with the M&R fusion dryer. You'll definately want something with forced air. My friend in Philly is a discharge printer and he has a HIX dryer, so that may be another brand to consider as well.

 

[jodyl2]

thanks, but does anyone know about the image size and the panel size? and any comments about atlas dryers.. positive or negative?

 

[n.signia]

I don't think panel size is relevant, more important specs might be belt width, overall length, and chamber length. The panels heat the chamber, and that's what's important in getting the ink to temp. I've seen conveyors advertising the number of panels, but not neccisarily the size of the panels. You may want to PM @unikink, he prints huge images, and uses discharge, maybe he could
Offer some insight for you on dryers.

 

[nation03]

I believe they use a workhorse dryer from pictures/videos I've seen. I love their work, really impressive stuff.

 

[n.signia]

Yeah, inspiring really, it's hard to take the time to experiment when your slammed with "typical" orders. I'm not complaining though

 

[Smalzstein]

Remember that you need active air flow in your dryer to cure discharge.

 

[m_short]

If you're going to look into discharge for production runs I would actually look at a gas dryer over electric. the discharge process is a chemical reaction that works with the steam that is given off by both the moisture in the shirt and ink. Electric aren't as discharge friendly as a gas dryer with the proper airflow.

 

[jodyl2]

thanks for your advice. A gas dryer is out of reach right now. I know it would be better but, I understand an electric dryer is doable. I'm sorry to hear that I really should go with the larger one.. it's really stretching my budget. I wish I could hear positive or negative about Atlas dryers.

 

[nation03]

Try contacting Atlas directly and see if they have some phone numbers of shops that use their dryers. Then give the shops a call, I'm sure the owners would be glad to share some knowledge of their equipment. Good luck.