Automatic Flash Dryer

This is the place to talk about what it takes to get started. This would include what equipment to buy, space requirements, electrical needs and anything related to getting ready to begin screen printing. Have a question regarding what it takes to screen print tee shirts? Please post them here...

Moderators: Shamax, Leadfoot, ApeShirt, Catspit Productions

jesushchris
Screen Trooper
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:28 pm

Automatic Flash Dryer

Post by jesushchris »

Hello Catspit!

I was looking on purchasing a new flash dryer, and I stumbled upon an automatic flash dryer with a sensor.. the one that I saw was made in China. Are there others like this? I
am having a problem looking for one. I just don't like the fact of a flash dryer running consistently. Here is a link I found on YouTube, this one is made in China. I like the idea of it being on a timer with temp control. Is this a good investment? I know that people don't think its a good idea to buy from companies such as Alibaba, but in todays economy it seems to be an alternative, just to hold down some bucks. The link I provided below is of a ND606 Automatic flash cure unit. Just want your thoughts, or if there are reasonably priced flash cure units that are automatic here in the US.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fiwM-IiyHg

Chris
User avatar
Catspit Productions
Site Admin
Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Automatic Flash Dryer

Post by Catspit Productions »

That looks like a fake quartz flash. It says "far infrared" so it's using some heating elements to flash on and off and flash cure the ink. I don't know how well that works. Here in the States we use quartz flash cure units which have these quartz bulbs that turn on and off to flash cure the ink.

It looks like oven heating elements rather than quartz bulbs.

Cost is not always the best factor to use to make a purchase. While looking for the best deal is wise you also have to understand you often get what you pay for. Also with a piece of equipment that is so critical to your shop you should consider how they will warranty the unit, service you and provide replacement parts.

Also I like doing business in the US whenever possible ;)
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
jesushchris
Screen Trooper
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:28 pm

Post by jesushchris »

And that's why I come to you Jonathan! You always know what's best! I guess I'm being real frugal, (if that's the correct term) when it comes to saving $$$. But quality equipment is critical,
and your always right! I'll look out for the "Quartz" automatic flash. By chance do you know the maker of this auto flash?

China! My God what was I thinking! hahaha!

Thanks again Jonathan, what would we do without ya?

Chris
User avatar
Catspit Productions
Site Admin
Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Automatic Flash Dryer

Post by Catspit Productions »

LOL... my pleasure.

I think M&R makes decent quartz flash cure units.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
Jennyjb
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2015 7:53 pm

Re: Automatic Flash Dryer

Post by Jennyjb »

Hi Jonathan,
Thank you so much for your video tutorials and all your advice. One thing you've not covered that much is curing technology.
I have just purchased a small screen printing outfit in remote Australia, it has a tunnel dryer and a spot cure unit. I think both are fan forced steel element (like electric oven elements).
I was doing a 4 spot colour logo for a local business and had trouble with the print going off register. Also it got incredibly hot as I spot cured each layer of plastisol ink. In trouble shhoting I think the temperature the ink and shirt and platten got to is part of the problem - it was all very hot. I guess the other factor is metal vs melamine-tiber platterns - the metal half chest template/plattern I was using got very hot and stored the heat. (another problem may be my squeegee technique and thirdly the tension on the screens....).
My question is really about Spot/Flash Cure technologies.....
I'm wondering if I really need a different type of spot/flash cure unit?? There appear to be quite different technologies including Steel element, Ceramic Flash, Quartz Flash and Infrared Flash. Are you able to post some information about the different Flash Cure technologies and which suits manual printing and Plastisol and Waterbased inks (I am planning to switch to waterbased inks when I feel more confident with screen printing).
I notice that the heat tunnel Cure units also use different technologis now - Infra red being one. Is there a better type of heat? what are the pros and cons of each?
User avatar
Catspit Productions
Site Admin
Posts: 1995
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: Automatic Flash Dryer

Post by Catspit Productions »

You're very welcome, thanks for watching.

There are only 3 basic heating elements here in the States. Infrared, gas and quartz. Anything else is antiquated and/or dangerous. Red hot open heating elements are inefficient and hazardous. From those 2 types of units we then have forced air flash cures and belt dryers. Quarts units flash on and off so they do not come as forced air.

Gas and infrared are used with belt dryers. Infrared can be used as a flash cure or belt dryer. Quartz is most often used as a flash cure unit. Quartz units are very expensive. I think the issue you may be having has more to do with cool down stations then the flash. Aluminum pallets should get hot fast but they also cool down very fast. Steel would not be good for a metal pallet.

If you're using a rotary press with 4 pallets then it may be a matter of method. If you are using a single station printer that is the issue right there. The pallet has no time to cool off between prints. Also if you are using the flash to do your final cure that is another cause of over heated pallets.

The bottom line is all flash cure units create heat and if you do not allow the pallet to cool down then there is nothing the flash cure can do to stop that. This article and videos may be helpful:

http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/ma ... press.html







Let me know if that helps out.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
Post Reply