Infrared Theory of Operation
The OXYTECH SYSTEMS™™ Drying System uses a Programmable Logic Controller with an Operator Interface Touch screen controlled combination of heated air knife streams, radiated heat from short wave or medium wave infrared dryer panels, and air evacuation in order to produce quality results.
The Drying System consists of the following major components:
- Drying System Cabinet
- Air Evacuation Motor and Blower
- Operator Interface Touch Screen
Drying Cassettes include:
- Short Wave Infrared Panels
- Medium Wave Infrared Panels ( high intensity)
Theory of Operation Aqueous inks and coatings
The following describes the typical operating procedure for drying:
The printed web will pass under the first heated air knife where the laminar flow is disrupted allowing the short wave IR (SWIR) energy to heat the substrate to evaporate water from the ink, which accelerates the drying process. The web then passes under another heated air knife to further scrub the web and break the laminar flow. Infrared does not see thru the laminar layer. Then the web passes under the Medium Wave Dryer (MWIR). The medium wave energy heats the surface of the substrate further accelerating the evaporation of water from the ink. The web is then “scrubbed” by the last heated air knife that is crucial in setting up water-based inks. The printed web must be scrubbed of excess water, which is the main component of digital ink. The volume of air will determine the effectiveness of the scrubbing action, and heated air accepts moisture more readily than ambient or chilled air.
(MWIR) Dryers are used to compliment the effect of the (SWIR) Dryers. (SWIR) Dryers are not colorblind; light colors and metallic reflect heat while dark colors absorb. The effect on opaque or transparent ink is minimal, but the intensity of (SWIR) Dryers is required for high speeds.
(MWIR) Dryers are colorblind. They affect the ink, coating and varnish the same. However, they do not have much intensity, which is needed for high speed. The combination of (SWIR) and (MWIR) as with this drying system is a perfect balance to cover all situations. Presently we are using the highest watt density medium wave available in the industry.
Industrial Infrared and Hot Air Drying Systems, Made in the USA
Oxytech Systems designs and builds infrared (IR), hot air, and heated air-knife drying equipment for printing, corrugating, converting, and industrial coating lines. Since 2004 we have helped manufacturers dry inks, coatings, and adhesives faster, cut energy costs, and hold consistent quality at full line speed — with systems engineered to the application.
Infrared, hot air, and heated air knives
Drying is not one technology, and the right choice depends on the coating, the substrate, and the line:
- Infrared (IR) drying emits energy that penetrates the coating and substrate, evaporating moisture and setting inks in seconds. It is efficient, compact, and precise — ideal for water-based inks, varnishes, and adhesives. See Industrial Infrared Drying and Infrared Drying.
- Hot air drying moves large volumes of heated air across the web, useful where the coating benefits from convective heat and airflow.
- Heated air knives deliver a high-velocity curtain of heated air to remove moisture or debris from a surface without contact, often paired with IR for a complete station. See Heated Air Knives.
Many Oxytech systems combine these methods in a single station, tuned to your product.
Applications we build for
- Offset and sheetfed work — Sheetfed Infrared Drying Systems
- Digital and inkjet lines — Pre and Post Drying for Digital Printing Machines and the Variable Data Drying System
- Newspaper and publishing — Newspaper Printing with Infrared Dryers
- Corrugating — Corrugator Efficiency for faster adhesive drying and stronger board
- Industrial coating — Infrared Dryers for Textile Coating, Infrared Dryers for Battery Manufacturing, and Infrared Drying Systems for Box Makers
Why manufacturers choose Oxytech
- Faster drying, faster lines. Coatings and inks set in seconds, so production speeds up without sacrificing quality.
- Lower energy costs. Targeted IR and efficient air handling put heat where it is needed and nowhere else.
- Better, more consistent quality — even drying reduces smudging, curl, and rejects.
- Built to your line and made in the USA, with retrofit options and more than 70 years of combined engineering experience.
How to choose a drying system
Start with the coating and the line: Is the ink or coating water-based, solvent-based, or UV-curable (UV coatings cure with light — see UV Curing Systems)? How fast does the line run, and how wide is the web? Is the substrate heat-sensitive? Those answers point to IR, hot air, air knives, or a combination, and to the power and placement needed to hit your speed. Our engineers specify the system and can prove it on your material first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does infrared drying speed up production?
IR energy evaporates moisture and sets inks in seconds rather than minutes, so product is handling-ready almost immediately and lines can run faster.
What types of drying does Oxytech offer?
Infrared, hot air, heated air knives, and variable-data drying, often combined in one engineered station.
Can a drying system be added to my existing line?
Yes. Many Oxytech systems are designed as retrofits for presses and corrugators already in place.
Talk to an engineer: call 1-847-888-8611 or request a quote for your application.