Printing is an old process that might seem outdated, but it is still pretty widely used today. During the process of printing, however, there is ample heat generated due to friction between all the parts that are transferred to the paper and the ink. Even the press room has an elevated temperature. Unfortunately, this intense heat can deteriorate the overall quality of the printing process, especially when it comes to the quality of the used ink. Luckily, cooling in the printing process can help improve the job and preserve the ink to essentially extend the life of the equipment used for the process.
Looking at Moisture
Like many other things, moisture plays a huge role in the printing industry, especially when it comes to an understanding the details and materials used in printing. Paper, for instance, has moisture in it, which is why it is hygroscopic. This simply means that paper will absorb the moisture or release it to maintain a certain balance with the air’s moisture. In the printing industry, understanding moisture is important for knowing what sorts of ink need to be used. In things like inkjet, digital, and laser printing needs to be balanced to produce the best toner adhesion, preventing paper jams and creating a good interaction between the paper and the ink. These things ensure that the printing job it top quality.
Heat Effects
Just as moisture is important, heat plays a role as well. This is why the operations must consider the heat during the process. Though it is naturally caused by friction and essentially speed, it causes the paper’s moisture to evaporate, which essentially lowers the content of moisture. This heat can also adversely affect the ink’s viscosity, making it more likely to run, smear, or spit.
Ways to Cool
Fans
There are some printers that choose to use fans as well as an air conditioning system to keep the heat down within the facility. The large-scale printers might have an internal fan to keep them cool. Because printing can sometimes put off unstable chemicals, fans might be required to help exhaust the fumes from the facility, and many fans are made to work with the ventilation systems.
Exhaust Vents
A vent system is another option. Dryer vents are a great example of what these vents can do. The heat is forced from the vent to help keep the facility cool. The exhaust systems will remove the air directly from the machine in most cases, pushing it to a location outside. If there is no a ventilation system already, this can be a costly method of cooling, especially if a new system must be created.
Chillers
Industrial chillers are the most direct and beneficial way to keep the printing process cooler. This option removes any heat and helps cool the paper down once it leaves the ovens made for ink drying. When the printing machines increase their speed, the temperatures can rise, but this helps regulate those temperatures quickly and efficiently to help decrease the printing time. This option will also cool the fluids used in the printing process, which removes heat from the ink, paper, and machine parts. The fluid is then recirculated to be cooled over and over again. This method is the most cost effective, especially for reducing high temperatures.
Conclusion
When it comes to the printing process, heat can be a huge issue, especially when dealing with various inks and papers. Instead of relying on nature to work, most printing companies using a cooling method to keep the facility, machines, ink, and paper cool during the entire process. Even if the friction causes higher temperatures, using one of the above methods can help keep it cool and make the printing process more efficient and cost friendly for the company. Printing is not dead, and while it is still going strong, the best way to preserve the machines and techniques is by keeping things cooled down and working properly.
