4 Conveyor Dryer Mistakes Screen Printers Should Avoid

Screen printing is an art requiring precision, and your conveyor dryer is essential for producing high-quality prints. At Anatol, we know how essential reliable equipment is to your success.

Even the best dryers can underperform if you make common mistakes. Learn about four common conveyor dryer mistakes screen printers should avoid to improve print quality and efficiency.

Mistake #1: Incorrect Temperature Settings

One of the most frequent errors is setting the conveyor dryer to the wrong temperature. Every ink type—whether plastisol, water-based, or discharge—requires a specific curing temperature. Plastisol inks typically require a curing temperature of 320°F (160°C). Water-based inks, on the other hand, often require lower temperatures but need more time in the dryer.

Why it’s a problem:

• Under-curing leads to prints that crack or wash out.
• Over-curing can scorch fabrics or cause ink to become brittle.

How to avoid it:

• Always check the ink brand’s curing guidelines.
• Use a thermal probe or donut probe to measure the actual ink temperature, not just the dryer’s air temperature.
• Consider investing in a high-quality conveyor dryer. For example, Anatol’s Ultra Electric Conveyor Dryer provides precise temperature control to ensure consistent results.

Pro Tip: Regularly calibrate your dryer to ensure temperature accuracy, especially if you switch between ink types frequently.

Mistake #2: Improper Belt Speed

The speed of your conveyor belt directly affects the dwell time—the duration the print spends in the dryer. Incorrect belt speed—either too fast or too slow—can negatively impact print quality.

Why it’s a problem:

• Too fast: The ink doesn’t reach the curing temperature, resulting in under-cured prints.
• Too slow: If the belt moves too slowly, excessive heat exposure may damage delicate fabrics or alter the ink’s color.

How to avoid it:

• Calculate the correct dwell time based on your ink and substrate. Most plastisol inks require 20-30 seconds at the curing temperature.
• Test your settings with a small batch before running a full production.
• Consider Anatol’s Rapid Wave Gas Conveyor Dryer, which allows fine-tuned belt speed adjustments for optimal curing.
  

Mistake #3: Poor Maintenance and Cleaning

A dirty or poorly maintained conveyor dryer can lead to uneven curing, belt tracking issues, or even equipment failure. Dust, ink residue, and lint buildup are common culprits in screen printing shops.

Why it’s a problem:

• Clogged air filters reduce airflow, lowering drying efficiency.
• Ink buildup on the belt can transfer onto fresh prints, causing defects.
• Neglected maintenance shortens the lifespan of your equipment.

How to avoid it:

• Clean the conveyor belt and chamber regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner.
• Check and replace air filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Schedule routine maintenance to keep your dryer in top shape. Anatol offers support and resources to help you maintain your equipment effectively.

Mistake #4: Overloading the Dryer

Trying to maximize throughput by overloading the conveyor dryer is a recipe for disaster. Crowding the belt with too many garments reduces airflow and heat distribution, leading to inconsistent curing.

Why it’s a problem:

• Uneven curing results in some prints being under-cured while others are over-cured.
• Overloading strains the dryer’s motor and heating elements, increasing wear and tear.

How to avoid it:

• Space garments evenly on the belt to allow proper airflow.
• Follow the dryer’s capacity guidelines based on its size and power.
• If production levels remain high, it’s time to switch to a larger dryer. Anatol designed the Solution Electric Conveyor Dryer to meet increased demand.

Why Choosing the Right Conveyor Dryer Matters

Avoiding these mistakes starts with selecting a reliable, high-performance conveyor dryer tailored to your shop’s needs. At Anatol, we design our dryers to deliver consistent curing, energy efficiency, and durability. Whether you’re a small shop or a high-volume printer, our range of conveyor dryers ensures you get the best results every time.

Ready to upgrade your curing process? Discover Anatol’s screen printing equipment and contact us for tailored advice on picking the right conveyor dryer.

Conclusion

Avoiding these four conveyor dryer errors—temperature, belt speed, maintenance, and overloading—improves both efficiency and print quality. Invest in quality equipment, follow best practices, and keep learning to stay ahead in the screen printing industry. Visit Anatol’s blog for more tips and insights to help your business thrive.