BETHLEHEM, PA, USA — Vastex International has introduced a LittleRed™ X2D infrared dryer that rapidly cures direct-to-garment (DTG) printed textiles, as well as plastisol, water-based and discharge-printed garments at high rates, according to the company.
“The LittleRed™ X2D Dryer is our smallest and most affordable DTG-capable dryer,” says Mark Vasilantone, president. “This new technology speeds the curing of ink jet, water-based and discharge inks, as well as DTG-digital inks, making the X2D a good value for smaller shops.”
The X2D model features a high powered pre-heating zone that surges ink temperatures to over 149ºC within the first several centimetres of conveyor travel inside the 69 cm heating chamber. Two closely spaced, height adjustable infrared heaters and dual zone heat controls maintain consistent temperatures needed for DTG and all other inks. Rapid preheating maximises the dwell time for each kind of ink, allowing increased conveyor belt speeds and dryer output.
Model X2D-30 has a 76 cm wide belt, two 61 cm wide infrared heaters (6300W @ 240V total wattage), and cures up to 240+ garments per hour with plastisol inks, up to 90+ garments per hour with water-based inks, and up to 26 garments per hour with DTG/digital white ink at 3.5 minutes dwell time.
Model X2D-54 has a 137 cm wide belt with two 122 cm wide infrared heaters (12,600 @ 240V total wattage) and can cure 480+ garments per hour with plastisol ink, 180+ with water-based ink and up to 52 garments per hour with DTG/digital white ink at 3.5 minutes dwell time.
Both models come with a powered exhaust system as standard to rapidly remove moisture and air contaminates from the heating chamber, as well as to cool the skin and controls.
The 168 cm long conveyor is equipped with a low friction belt aligner and belt speed controls to precisely set dwell times from 35 seconds up to four minutes.
Fully expandable, additional heating chambers and conveyor belt lengths allow for future expansion as business needs warrant.
The heaters of all Vastex dryers carry an industry-leading 15-year warranty, and feature closely spaced coils to provide high-density, medium-wavelength infrared heat for maximum cure speed without cold spots or under curing associated with conventional units.
According to Mr. Vasilantone, "The all-new LittleRed dryers provide expandability, uniform results and return on investment never before available to mid-capacity textile printers."
The company also manufactures larger industrial-grade dryers and smaller tabletop dryers, as well as high-, medium- and low-capacity presses, athletic numbering systems, flash cure units, screen coaters, screen exposing units, screen drying cabinets, pin registration systems, washout booths and complete equipment packages for entry-level to large commercial shops.
For information contact Vastex International, Inc., +1 610 625 2702, sales@vastex.com, www.vastex.com