Date: 2018-12-06
In high-performance printing environments—especially those working with specialty substrates or demanding quick turnaround times—effective drying is essential to maintain quality and keep production moving smoothly. One powerful tool used to achieve this is the infrared (IR) dryer, a system designed to rapidly evaporate solvents or water from inks and coatings by applying controlled infrared heat.
What Is an IR Dryer?
An IR dryer uses infrared radiation to apply targeted heat to the printed substrate. This energy penetrates the surface layer of the ink or coating, accelerating the drying process without the need for direct contact or excessive air movement. The result is a fast, efficient method for drying inks—especially those that are solvent- or water-based.
Unlike UV curing, which initiates a chemical reaction in UV-reactive inks, IR drying relies on thermal energy to physically remove moisture or solvent from the print surface. This makes it particularly effective for conventional inks or coatings applied in flexographic, offset, or hybrid printing processes.
How It Works
Infrared dryers emit heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, typically in the short or medium wavelength range. These waves are absorbed by the ink or coating layer, causing rapid molecular excitation and evaporation of the volatile components. Since IR energy is absorbed primarily by the ink rather than the substrate, it allows for targeted drying with minimal risk of damaging delicate materials.
In more advanced configurations, the IR dryer may be paired with hot air or exhaust systems to remove vaporized solvents and maintain a clean, consistent drying environment.
Benefits of Using an IR Dryer
1. Accelerated Drying Time
One of the primary advantages of IR drying is speed. By applying direct radiant heat, the ink layer dries faster, reducing the time between printing and the next production step—be it rewinding, overprinting, laminating, or die cutting. This helps boost overall production throughput.
2. Compact and Efficient Design
IR dryers are typically compact and can be installed inline with minimal space requirements. They can be integrated between color stations, in delivery sections, or just after coating units, offering great flexibility without disrupting the press layout.
3. Improved Print Quality
Quick and even drying reduces the chance of smudging, blocking, or set-off during further processing. It also ensures better adhesion of subsequent ink layers in multi-pass or layered printing jobs, supporting sharper detail and richer color fidelity.
4. Versatile Substrate Compatibility
IR dryers are well-suited for a wide variety of substrates, including paper, cardboard, and certain synthetics. Their non-contact drying method is especially beneficial for heat-sensitive materials that may deform or discolor under excessive mechanical heat.
5. Energy Efficiency
Modern IR systems are engineered to deliver precise heat where it’s needed most—on the ink, not the substrate. With adjustable output and zoning capabilities, they reduce energy waste and prevent overheating, making them a more sustainable choice in many production environments.
Applications and Use Cases
IR drying is widely used in:
Label and packaging production, where coatings and varnishes require rapid setting
Pharmaceutical and cosmetic printing, where drying times must be minimized
Security printing, which involves specialized inks that need controlled drying
Combination print systems, where IR drying is used alongside UV or hot air modules for hybrid curing approaches
Its flexibility and effectiveness make it an ideal solution for fast-paced, high-quality print runs.
Conclusion
An IR dryer may seem like a simple addition to a printing line, but its impact is significant. It enables faster production, improved print quality, and expanded substrate compatibility—all while maintaining precise control over the drying process. For print environments where every second and every detail count, infrared drying is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity.
Author: Ahmet Karakus
Tags: Bogenoffset; Digitaldruck; Papierbeutelmaschine; Papierverarbeitung; Rollenoffset; Vollpappe Verarbeitung; Vorstufengeräte; Weiterverarbeitung; Wellpappe Verarbeitung; Zubehör; 1 Farben; 2 Farben; 4 Farben; 5 Farben; 6 Farben; 7 Farben; 8 Farben; 3 Farben; 10 Farben; Verschiedene; Flach&Seitenfaltenbeutel; Klotzbodenbeutel; Kreuzbodenbeutel; Zweinahtbeutel; Druckwerke; Verschiedene; Prägemaschine; Stanztiegel; Stanzzylinder; Querschneider; Rollenschneider; Verschiedene; Zeitungdruck; Akzidenzdruck; Endlosdruck; Etikettendruck; Flexodruck; Tiefdruck; Verschiedene; Etikettenstanzen; Faltschachtelklebe; Autoplatine; Stanztiegel; Fenstereinklebe; Schachtelueberzieh; Verschiedene; CTP-Anlage; Filmbelichter; Plattentwicklungsmaschine; Filmentwickler; Kopiermaschine; Plattenkopierer; Verschiedene; Schneidemachine; Falzmachine; Klebebinder; Sammelhefter; Dreischneider; Zusammentrag; Fadenheft; Buchdeckmaschine; Buchfertigungsstrassen; Verschiedene; Drahtheftmaschinen; Einsteckmaschinen; Kreuzleger; Casemaker; Druckslotter; Hefter & Kleber; Laminiermaschine; Autoplatine; Stanztiegel; Verschiedene; Diverse Geräte; Walzen; Nummerierer werke; Sheet Offset; Digital Print; Paper Bag Making; Paper Converting; Web Offset; Solid Board Converting; Prepress Equipment; Converting; Corrugated Board Conv.; Accessory; 1 Color; 2 Colors; 4 Colors; 5 Colors; 6 Colors; 7 Colors; 8 Colors; 3 Colors; 10 Colors; Miscellaneous; Flat & Satchel; Block Bottom; Cross Bottom; Twin Seam; Print Units; Miscellaneous; Foil Stamping; Handplaten; Punching cylinders; Sheeter; Slitter Rewinder; Miscellaneous; Newspaper; Commercial; Business Form; Label machine; Flexo machine; Gravure; Miscellaneous; Label Punching; Folder Gluer; Autoplaten; Handplaten; Window Patcher; Box Coverer; Miscellaneous; CTP; Film Exposure; Plate developer; Film developer; Copy Box; Plate Copy; Miscellaneous; Guillotine; Folding Machine; Perfect Binding; Saddle Stitching; Three Knife Trimmer; Gathering; Sewing; Block Processing; Book production lines; Miscellaneous; Stitching Machine; Inserting Machines; Cross Feeder; Casemaker; Print Slotter; Gluer & Slitcher; Laminator; Autoplaten; Handplaten; Miscellaneous; Other Device; Roller; Numbering device; Baski Ofset; Dijital Baski; Kagit Torba Makinesi; Kagit Isleme; Rulo Ofset; Kati Karton Isleme; Ön Hazirlik Cihazlari; Ileri Isleme; Dalgali Karton Isleme; Aksesuar; 1 Renk; 2 Renk; 4 Renk; 5 Renk; 6 Renk; 7 Renk; 8 Renk; 3 Renk; 10 Renk; Çesitli; Düz ve Çanta Tipi; Kare Taban Çanta; Çapraz Taban Çanta; Ikili Dikisli Çanta; Baski Ünitesi; Çesitli; Yaldiz Baski; Elle Basma Makinesi; Döner Silindiri; Kesici; Rulo Kesici; Çesitli; Gazete Baskisi; Ticari Baski; Sürekli Form Baski; Etiket Baskisi; Flexo Baski Makinesi; Derinlik Baskisi; Çesitli; Etiket Düzlemesi; Kutu Yapistirma; Otomatik Platen; Elle Basma; Pencere Kapama; Kutu Kapatma; Çesitli; CTP; Film Pozlama; Plaka Gelistirici; Film Gelistirici; Kopya Makinesi; Plaka Kopyalama; Çesitli; Kesme Makinesi; Katlama Makinesi; Mükemmel Ciltleme; Zimbalama; Üçlü Kesici; Toplama; Dikisli Ciltleme; Blok Isleme; Kitap Üretim Hatlari; Çesitli; Dikis Makinesi; Yerlestirme Makinesi; Çapraz Besleyici; Kitap Kapatma Makinesi; Baski Slotteri; Yapitirici & Zimba; Laminatör; Otomatik Platen; Elle Basma; Çesitli; Diser Cihazlar; Rulo; Numaralandirci Cihaz; Impression feuille à feuille; Impression numérique; Machine à fabriquer des sacs en papier; Traitement du papier; Impression offset en bobine; Transformation de carton plein; Équipements de prépresse; Transformation; Transformation de carton ondulé; Accessoire; 1 Couleur; 2 Couleurs; 4 Couleurs; 5 Couleurs; 6 Couleurs; 7 Couleurs; 8 Couleurs; 3 Couleurs; 10 Couleurs; Divers; Type Plat et Sac; Sac de Fond Carré; Sac de Fond Croisé; Sac à Double Couture; Unité d'Impression; Divers; Impression Dorée; Machine de Stamping Manuel; Cylindre Rotatif; Coupeuse; Coupeuse de Rouleaux; Divers; Impression de Journal; Impression Commerciale; Impression de Formulaires Continus; Impression d'Étiquettes; Machine Flexo; Impression en Profondeur; Divers; Mise en Forme des Étiquettes; Collage de Boîtes; Platen Automatique; Estampage Manuel; Fermeture de Fenêtres; Fermeture de Boîtes; Divers; CTP; Exposition de Film; Développeur de Plaques; Développeur de Film; Machine de Copie; Copie de Plaques; Divers; Machine de Coupe; Machine de Pliage; Reliure Parfaite; Agrafeuse; Coupeuse Triple; Rassembleuse; Reliure Cousue; Traitement de Blocs; Lignes de Production de Livres; Divers; Machine à Coudre; Machine de Placement; Alimentation Croisée; Machine de Fermeture de Livres; Slotter d'Impression; Colle & Agrafe; Laminateur; Platen Automatique; Estampage Manuel; Divers; Autres Équipements; Rouleau; Compteur de Nombres; Impresión offset de hojas; Impresión digital; Máquina para hacer bolsas de papel; Procesamiento de papel; Impresión offset de rollo; Procesamiento de cartón sólido; Equipos de preimpresión; Conversión; Procesamiento de cartón corrugado; Accesorio; 1 Color; 2 Colores; 4 Colores; 5 Colores; 6 Colores; 7 Colores; 8 Colores; 3 Colores; 10 Colores; Varios; Tipo Plano y de Bolsa; Bolsa de Fondo Cuadrado; Bolsa de Fondo Cruzado; Bolsa de Doble Costura; Unidad de Impresión; Varios; Estampado en Oro; Máquina de Estampado Manual; Rodillo Rotativo; Cortadora; Cortadora de Rodillo; Varios; Impresión de Periódico; Impresión Comercial; Impresión de Formato Continuo; Impresión de Etiquetas; Máquina de Impresión Flexográfica; Impresión de Profundidad; Varios; Planteamiento de Etiquetas; Pegado de Cajas; Platen Automático; Estampado Manual; Cierre de Ventanas; Cierre de Cajas; Varios; CTP; Exposición de Película; Desarrollador de Placas; Desarrollador de Películas; Máquina de Copias; Copia de Placas; Varios; Máquina Cortadora; Máquina de Plegado; Encuadernación Perfecta; Engrapadora; Cortadora Triple; Recogedor; Encuadernación con Costura; Procesado de Bloques; Líneas de Producción de Libros; Varios; Máquina de Coser; Máquina de Colocación; Alimentador Cruzado; Máquina de Cierre de Libros; Slotter de Impresión; Pegamento & Engrapado; Laminador; Platen Automático; Estampado Manual; Varios; Otros Equipos; Rollo; Contador de Números;Agfa; Agrafix; Baumann; Baumüller; BIMEC SRL; Bindomatic; BITS VOF; Bobst; C.P. Bourg S.A./N.V.; Cito; Cyklos; DAKIOU; DERITEND; Duplo; EBA; Eigenbau (Self-build); Elcos; Eurofold; Eurotechnica; FKS; Foliant; Fuji; Fujifilm; Gallus; GBC; Glunz & Jensen; GUK; Halm; Hang; Heiber + Schröder; Heidelberg; Heidelberg Stahlfolder; Hohner; Horizon; INATEC; Italdibipack; Jagenberg; Josef Foellmer; Kahl; KAS; KBA; KMK; Knorr; Kolbus; Komori; Krause; König & Bauer (KBA); Lintec; MAN Roland; Masterline; Mathias Bäuerle / Baeuerle; Mathias Bäuerle / MB-Bäuerle; Matrix; Max Simmel; MBO; Meccanotecnica; Minolta; Mitsubishi; Mueller Martini; Multigraf; MUTOH; Müller Martini; Nagel; Neolt; Neschen; Nilpeter; OMM; OMMA; Pandway; Perfecta; Pitney Bowers; Plockmatic; Poege; Polar; Polar Mohr; Polyair; Robapac; Robatech; Roland; Ryobi; Sakurai; SCREEN; Screen/FujiFilm; Shinohara; Shoei; Solema; SPS Rehmus; Stahl; Stenz Feeder; Stock; Stube Foerdertechnik GmbH; Thando; Theisen & Bonitz; Viprotech; VITS; Wahli-Stream Feeder; Wohlenberg; 1000 LM laminator; 103 F. AU Pallet turner; 106-MTF autom. foil stamping and die cutting; 107-30; 108 Double head paperdriller; 115; 115 ED; 115 EM-MONITOR; 115 MCS 2 TV; 137 EMC; 14 Tonnen Forklift; 1500-BMY Semi Autom. Die Cutting & Creasing Machin...; 168 HTVC + Basa 7; 185-1; 2 head drilling machine; 201 DFS; 235-121; 280 B; 2L 450EC; 300; 310+; 321; 340 Punch and Closing; 3501 Splitting SAW; 400/4; 4000; 52-2; 522 H; 522 HE; 524 GX; 551; 76 EM; 78 ES; 78 X; Abkantgerät Auto; AC 8000S; ACENTO II S (Screen PlateRite 4300S); Acoro A7; Airspace 9000; APC-T61 hydraulic cutter; Babypack; bizhub press C71hc; BQ 140; BQ 240; BQ 440; Bravo S; BS 25002 PUR; BSW 2/500 L pile turner; BY-800F Autom. Foil Stamping & Creasing Machine; C64-50 autofeed die cutter; CardExtra; CAS 35/2 PBA; CAS 52-4/4; CAS 524 SE; CB 16 stacker; CD 74 (machine parts); CD 74-5-P-C; City 5000; CM-1500A (2R) Roll to Sheet machine; COLDLAM 1400-NE; Compacta C618 48 pages; Conveyor Belt; Creo Magnus 400; cut-tec 76; DB 200; DC 8000 S; DI 425; Diamond 3000 S -5; Digifold creasing and folding machine; Dortmund-Kraft; Double head paperdriller; DUPLO DBMI DSC10/60I line; E3304 cutting machine; EK 420; EM 280; ES 5040 21; Eurobind 600; Exposure-washout-dryer unit Polimero A4; EXS-700 Strapping Machine; F-1050 K Window patcher machine; FA 35/2; Flexo 1600; Folding units for first pocket; FT250 Manual Foam Trim Pro 250; GM 5 Spine taping machine; GMP 450; GT; GTO 46; GTO 46 with N+P; GTO 52-2; GTO 52-2 NP; GTO FPP - 52; GTOV 52; GTOV-S 52; GTOVP 52; GTOZ 52; GTOZP-52; GTOZP-S 52; GYKM-2800 Printer Slotter Inliner; HBJ-D1200 Paper board erecting forming machine; HBJ-D800; HM 6 duble head magazin stitching; Horizon semiautomatic screen printing machines; Iram 16; JET LAM 1600; JP-TWOD-6D; K 52/4 KL - F4; K 820-6 KTLT; KC 56/4 KTL; KD 78/6 KTL; KH 78-4-KTL-RFH-82; KM 600; KSD; L-1000-G-3BF; L375D Laminator; LD 901 Map Folder; Lega 80 - Pressstation; Letterpress museum piece; Lithrone LSX-629 H+F+C+E+D (H-UV-L); LL-600-K-3; LPM 360 Laminating; Mach Eight; Magnus 800 Quantum; Mailmaster 565HS; Mariner 2 perforating machine; Master E; Masterline 410T; MC 8; Merit / 3671; MO Numbering & Perforating Unit; MOZP; MR 500; MULTIGRAF 252 CREASER / PERFORATOR; Multinak S; OD-4012; OHT; P460 Wiro Punching; PB 1006 1 Head drilling; PB 2015 drilling machine; Perfect binder with PUR; Platewriter 2400; Plocmatic 1000 Collating and Stitching Line; PM 52-1 NP; PM 52-2-P; PM 52-4-P; PM GTO 52-2 + with numbering + perforating; prestige FOLDNET 52; PSV 600; PT-R 4100; PT-R 4300; PT-R 4300 E; PT-R 4300 E/ Luxel T 6300 CTP; QRV Variocut; R 506 OB LV; R 705 3B LW; R 705 P 5/0 - 2/3; R 706 3B; RAPIDA 162A 6+lak PWVA ALV3; Roba 40 nozzle glue system; ROBOTAPE 50 M; ROTADIE 15; RSP Easy (Perforating tool); SA 145 APK; SBG; SDD BLM6100 Booklet Maker; SHL 12 P pile lift; SL 12 P; SL 40 Stack Lifter; SL-2-V-E; SM 52 - 5P3; SM 52-2; SM 74 4-P3-H; SM 74 Numbering & Perforating Unit; SM1-600; SORKZ; SORM; SP 1120-E; Stahlfolder TI 52-4-X; Stahlfolder TI 52/6 Proline; Star; Stitching machine; StitchLiner 5500; Suprasetter A52/A74; SX 74-2-P; T 36/4 - F.2; T 530 - 3 - X; T 530-1-53/4 F; T 530-1-53/4F; T 800 4-4-X; T 960-1-960/4; T 960-1-960/4 T 960-2-960/4; T49/4.KB-F.2; TCS 250; TM 530; TMA-20; TP; TrimScor DC545; Twin Screw Extruder LTW 160; UC 1100 Collator; VAC-100a; VALUEJET VJJ-1624; VFZ 52; Vipromat-S semiautomatic screen printing machines; Vitessa Classic Screen Printing with UV Dryer; WJ-1800 Corrugated cardboard making machine; WP 1400 matic window patcher; WP 76; XL 106-4; XL 75-5-P+L C; Z2 Mobile Knife Folding Unit; ZLFM-1080SC Autom. Laminating Machine + powder cle; ZLFM-800SC Autom. Film Laminating Machine + powder; ZLFM-800SJ Autom. Filmlaminiermaschine
German
Turkish
France
Spanish
