A refrigeration unit (26) for a printing machine is presented. It comprises a dryer interface (28) connectable to a dryer unit (18) of the printing machine in a heat conductive manner and a print interface (30) connectable to a printing unit (14) of the printing machine in a heat conductive manner, wherein the refrigeration unit (26) is adapted to transfer heat (32, 34) from the print interface (30) to the dryer interface (28). Furthermore, a printing machine is described. It comprises a printing unit (14) adapted for printing on a web of carrier material, a dryer unit (18) being adapted for drying printed web of carrier material, and a refrigeration unit (26) as mentioned above.

In an example, a dryer system may include a dryer, a plurality of passive rollers, and a tension engine to maintain tension on web media based on dryer pressure. In another example, a dryer system includes a plurality of passive rollers in a drying zone and a moveable platen having a surface defining apertures corresponding to the plurality of rows of passive rollers such that the surface of the platen moves relative to an axis of the roifers. In another example, a platen device includes a roller, a moveable platen having a surface defining an aperture through which the roller fits, and a cover that moves in conjunction with movement of the platen to cover the aperture when the surface of the platen is adjusted to a height above the axis of the roller.

A printing apparatus, such as a large-scale ink jet printer, includes two removable, interchangeable dryer modules, which may be operated separately or in series. Each dryer module permits a sheet or web to pass therethrough in a process direction. Each dryer module includes a lamp mount, suitable for holding one or more heating or curing lamps, the lamp mount being slidably disposed within the module for easy access to the lamps. Each dryer module defines a top portion suitable for maintaining an airflow above the lamp mount, and a bottom portion suitable for maintaining an airflow below the lamp mount. A plate having a pattern of openings therein enables an airflow through the lamps.

A printing apparatus, such as a large-scale ink jet printer, includes two removable, interchangeable dryer modules, which may be operated separately or in series. Each dryer module permits a sheet or web to pass therethrough in a process direction. Each dryer module includes a lamp mount, suitable for holding one or more heating or curing lamps, the lamp mount being slidably disposed within the module for easy access to the lamps. Each dryer module defines a top portion suitable for maintaining an airflow above the lamp mount, and a bottom portion suitable for maintaining an airflow below the lamp mount. A plate having a pattern of openings therein enables an airflow through the lamps.

In an example, a dryer system may include a dryer, a plurality of passive rollers, and a tension engine to maintain tension on web media based on dryer pressure. In another example, a dryer system includes a plurality of passive rollers in a drying zone and a moveable platen having a surface defining apertures corresponding to the plurality of rows of passive rollers such that the surface of the platen moves relative to an axis of the roifers. In another example, a platen device includes a roller, a moveable platen having a surface defining an aperture through which the roller fits, and a cover that moves in conjunction with movement of the platen to cover the aperture when the surface of the platen is adjusted to a height above the axis of the roller.

A dryer includes a heater configured to heat an object to dry the object, a plurality of collection devices configured to collect a liquid generated by liquefication of condensed vapor in the dryer, a drainage tube configured to drain the liquid from each of the plurality of collection devices, a pump configured to feed the liquid through the drainage tube, a switch configured to switch a connection between the plurality of collection devices and the switch, and a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure between the switch and the pump.

Systems for applying low viscosity print coating to a web product using a coating roller and an off-press system are provided herein. An example system includes an unwinding station and a winding station. A motor causes the web product to travel along a web path. A coating roller applies a low viscosity print coating to a first side of the web product at a first position along the web path. The low viscosity print coating comprises a salt solution with a centipoise that is less than or equal to 100 centipoise that is configured to enhance printability. A backing roller applies a backing coating to a second, opposite side of the web product at a second, different position along the web path. The backing coating enhances sheet stability of the web product. A drying station dries the low viscosity print coating and the backing coating to remove moisture.

A dryer includes a heater configured to heat an object to dry the object, a plurality of collection devices configured to collect a liquid generated by liquefication of condensed vapor in the dryer, a drainage tube configured to drain the liquid from each of the plurality of collection devices, a pump configured to feed the liquid through the drainage tube, a switch configured to switch a connection between the plurality of collection devices and the switch, and a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure between the switch and the pump.

A PU printing method and system including a textile component; and a rotary screen device component. More specifically, the system can include: a source of PU material; a rotary screen containing a squeegee blade or magnetic roller that is connected to the PU material source; means to carry the textile in proximity to the rotary screen and in position to receive a print; and a source of pressure, hydrodynamic or magnetic, to force the PU through the rotary screen and onto the textile.

A refrigeration unit (26) for a printing machine is presented. It comprises a dryer interface (28) connectable to a dryer unit (18) of the printing machine in a heat conductive manner and a print interface (30) connectable to a printing unit (14) of the printing machine in a heat conductive manner, wherein the refrigeration unit (26) is adapted to transfer heat (32, 34) from the print interface (30) to the dryer interface (28). Furthermore, a printing machine is described. It comprises a printing unit (14) adapted for printing on a web of carrier material, a dryer unit (18) being adapted for drying printed web of carrier material, and a refrigeration unit (26) as mentioned above.