Blower-driven Drier Provides Multiple Benefits for Dek's Production Process

When DEK replaced compressed air screen drying systems with blower-driven driers, as part of a continuous up-grading process of the company’s screen production operation, they benefited from more than improved drying procedures.

DEK specialises in the supply of precision screens for printing electronic circuitry, working to accuracy’s of 10 microns.

“Previously we used compressed air to dry screens, which measure from 150mm x 130mm up to 1200mm x 1500mm. Drying takes place after degreasing them to remove the lubricants employed during the weaving process of polyester and stainless steel mesh and then to remove water the image areas of the developed screen”, said Brian Greatrex, Process Engineer at DEK’s Weymouth plant. “The small orifice of the jet resulted in times of up to 10 minutes drying time per screen.”

“However, with the new blower powered drying equipment, ‘Jetblack’ units from ACI, that time has been cut down to 2 minutes or less. Also, in addition to the significant time advantage the Jetblack provides, it is safer, quieter and more comfortable to use whilst eliminating screen rejects resulting from contaminants from the compressed air line”, he added.