complete range of dehumidifiers to help alleviate these types of environmental issues. Counter Challenges Also stepping forward to offer words of wisdom is John Barker, managing director at Humidity Solutions. Given the importance of paper in modern printing, and the more electrical nature of modern printers, Barker says adding water into a printing room might seem counter-productive or even harmful. While nobody is going to recommend spraying a hose onto the printing floor, Barker says the inclusion of a fine mist water dispersal counters many of the challenges that printers often face in this fast-paced industry. “A quality humidification system allows for close climate control in the production area, meaning it can control relative humidity within a close range, preventing complications from high humidity such as paper jams or dimension distortion, and low humidity such as multi-sheet feeding, ink clogs, or static,” Barker says. “The ideal humidity for printing and packaging is between 50-60%RH. This can differ depending on the type of printing, specialist equipment, ink type, or specific technique used as well as any substrates for printing on other materials such as fabric and canvas.” Barker goes on to say that low humidity can result in a ream of challenges, with static, web breaks, and paper jams causing manufacturing delays due to the combination of heat, low humidity, and friction present in the printing cycle. Uncontrolled humidity, Barker adds, can also cause warpage or shrinkage in product, creating further delays and misprints. “Controlled humidity levels enable machinery to operate at peak efficiency, improving process times, increasing running speeds, and lengthening the serviceable lifespan of the machinery by reducing corrosion, heat, and friction damages,” he says, adding: “In those cases where glues or slower drying materials are required, controlled humidity can speed the drying process, allowing faster product development and lowering costs. “High humidity is rare, but no less problematic. Too high a relative humidity can cause ink run and smearing, resulting in fuzzy prints and blurred edges. Printing also often involves hygroscopic materials which may wrinkle or bubble in the presence of too much water vapour in the air.” As for how Humidity Solutions can help, Barker says the company recommends the Airtec High Pressure Water Systems. These humidifiers use cold water pumped at high speed and pressure, with the water dispersed into the target environment through stainless steel nozzles, forming a fine mist which merges into the surrounding air. Another popular choice for printing applications is the Neptronic SKVF Evaporative Cooler. Within the model lies a honeycomb of water-coated media, encouraging evaporation and free cooling of any air stream channelled through it. “As both of these solutions are coldwater based, we would then recommend a water treatment unit to ensure water safety and prevent mineral build-up in the humidification system,” Barker adds. The message here is clear: skimping on humidification systems could lead to a whole host of easily avoidable issues. Working with specialist providers in this market will help you pick out the most effective solution for your business and improve your production environment. ▲ [ Above left ] Condair manufactures both high pressure and compressed air and water spray models [ Above right ] Humidity Solutions includes Airtec High Pressure Water Systems among its products Beyond the capital cost of a humidifier and its installation, the system will need energy to run and occasional expert servicing to remain efficient HUMIDIFICATION SOLUTIONS 52 November / December 2024 - Issue 351 www.printmonthly.co.uk
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