Considerations for Optimal Drying and Curing of Water and Solvent Inks and Coatings

Presented by John Palazzolo, adphos Digital Printing GmbH

Drying and curing are critical yet often misunderstood stages in printing and converting, with “dry” defined differently depending on the perspective of press manufacturers, printers, or finishing operations. This session, Considerations for Optimal Drying and Curing of Water and Solvent Inks and Coatings, will clarify the difference between drying (liquid removal) and curing (molecular change or crosslinking), while providing a framework for setting measurable objectives that directly impact quality, cost, and sustainability. The presentation will review a broad spectrum of drying and curing technologies, from conventional hot air and infrared systems to advanced Near Infrared (aNIR®) solutions with integrated air management. Emphasis will be placed on how technology selection, airflow design, and process optimization can reduce waste, control energy usage, and expand application capabilities. Through practical examples and comparative performance data, attendees will learn best practices for aligning press speed, ink/coating formulations, and drying capacity. Case study results demonstrate significant gains—including more than 160% increases in production speed, 50% energy savings, and reduced CO₂ emissions—while also improving quality and flexibility. This session is intended for printers, converters, and OEMs seeking to enhance productivity and profitability through optimized drying and curing strategies.