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Press sheets aren't drying—and are marking.

April 7, 2008  InfoPrint Solutions Company®
Question: Why are we getting constant complaints from the bindery on sheets that are not dry and are marking? We are a “rush” shop and most jobs deliver in 24 hours or less. Styrene is a killer.

Answer: Well, you are a normal printer facing the problems of RUSH. I assume you have taken care of the easy cures—you are running IR lamps, you are purchasing a press-ready ink, you are not adding lay compounds or tack reducer. If you have done all of those items, then you need to look at some of the newer drying stimulators. The most popular one that I see is Speedy Dry. It is normally used for slow drying colors (reflex blue) and non-absorbent or difficult substrates.


Readers, please e-mail your questions to Ray. 

Posted by Ray Prince on April 7, 2008 | Comments (8)


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April 8, 2008
In response to: Press sheets aren't drying—and are marking.
AndrewD commented:

The different styles of paper on the market today introduces many challenges for printers. First of all, try to match your paper with your ink. If you are printing on styrene (or any synthetic paper), you must use an ink that will dry by oxidation. These inks are typically called non-porous inks are available from any reputable ink manufacturer. Be sure to wash your ink off the rollers as soon as the job has beeen completed—or you will be using a chisel soon.




April 9, 2008
In response to: Press sheets aren't drying—and are marking.
Steve Treudt commented:

We find that all inks are not drying like they used to. We have also found that the paper companies are using less pulp and more filler compounds (calcium carbonate), selling the paper at a higher price and claiming that the paper is whiter. True, it is, but the paper is more difficult to finish (more prone to cracking) and that inks don't dry as well. The calcium carbonate will change the Ph of your water and will build up in your rollers.
It is my opinion that ink companies haven't caught up to the changes in paper and that the paper companies are making a lesser product than they used to. That the increase in calcium carbonate in paper is creating a drying problem, keeping inks soft longer and reeking havoc on print shops all across the board.




April 16, 2008
In response to: Press sheets aren't drying—and are marking.
Russ Leone commented:

As with all litho inks, the ability for the emulsified fountain solution to be carried completely out of the ink is necessary for ink to set. Be sure that water and ink trains in your print units are maintained and set properly to help pressman run minimum water and ink balances to achieve the desired ink density. Also, work with your ink supplier to insure that your inks are formulated for the proper water holding properties for your particular application. Even slightly over emulsified ink can retard dry times enough to cause a problem through the bindery process in a rush situation.




May 9, 2008
In response to: Press sheets aren't drying—and are marking.
Joe Case commented:

I recently had this problem and added a Harris and Bruno IR dryer to my Ryobi. It was a great value and really improved the quality of my jobs.





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