Conveyor Dryers for Screen Printing & DTG

How to Choose a Conveyor Dryer

Choose a dryer around the material you are processing and the conditions required by your ink or coating. Then compare the exact machine’s heating method, airflow, usable belt width, chamber dimensions, controls, and installation requirements.

A dryer must support the complete production workflow—not simply fit beside the press.

1. Identify the Ink and Application

Start with the exact ink product and its technical instructions.

Provide:

• Ink manufacturer and product.
• Plastisol, water-based, discharge, DTG, UV, or another specified process.
• Garment or substrate material.
• Artwork dimensions.
• Ink coverage and deposit.
• Pretreatment or other preparation, where applicable.
• Required curing or drying conditions.

Do not assume that a machine suitable for one plastisol application is also suitable for every water-based, discharge, or DTG job.

UV-curable and solvent-based applications should be evaluated separately from textile heat-curing requirements.

2. Build a Model Shortlist

Use the listed models as starting points for comparison.

Compact Textile Options

Review Kick-Start and Workhorse Odyssey Compact listings when evaluating a smaller equipment layout.

Confirm usable belt dimensions, heating arrangement, controls, installation requirements, and intended ink applications. A compact footprint does not establish suitability for every small shop or ink system.

Water-Based, Discharge & DTG Applications

The Kick-Start Advanced listing explicitly identifies water-based, discharge, and DTG applications. Review its exact configuration and process requirements against your intended work.

For other textile models, including M2-Encore, Blazer, Digi-Star Elite, and Workhorse MD8, confirm the supported applications individually.

Gas and Custom Configurations

Where offered, compare gas-fired and custom-built configurations around the complete process and installation scope.

Confirm the fuel supply, electrical requirements, exhaust, controls, working dimensions, and intended product.

Do not extend one model’s specifications to every dryer in the collection.

3. Compare Heating and Airflow Together

Review the machine’s documented heating and air-handling arrangement.

Ask:

• How is heat delivered?
• What airflow is provided?
• Which operating parameters are adjustable?
• How is the chamber controlled?
• What process is the configuration intended to support?
• What exhaust or ventilation is required?

Do not choose from the words “infrared,” “electric,” “hot air,” or “gas” alone. Confirm how the exact system meets the requirements of your ink and substrate.

4. Check Usable Belt Width

Compare the belt with the actual products you need to load.

Review:

• Usable working width.
• Garment or product dimensions.
• Required spacing.
• Loading orientation.
• Entry and exit clearance.
• Operator access.

A wider belt may allow a different loading arrangement, but belt width alone does not establish production capacity.

Confirm how your representative jobs will be positioned and handled.

5. Review Heated-Chamber Length and Belt-Speed Range

The heated path and belt movement determine how a product travels through the process.

Confirm:

• Heated-chamber dimensions.
• Entry and exit sections.
• Available belt-speed range.
• Controls and adjustment method.
• Suitability for the required process.

Do not confuse overall machine length with heated-chamber length. Likewise, do not assume a selected belt speed establishes the required cure without checking the actual process.

6. Distinguish Set Temperature From Cure Verification

A control-panel setting is not, by itself, proof that the printed ink reached its required conditions.

Follow the ink and equipment manufacturers’ guidance for:

• Measuring the relevant process temperature.
• Checking exposure or dwell requirements.
• Validating the curing procedure.
• Evaluating finished prints.
• Recording approved settings.

Use the specified verification method for your materials. Do not rely only on garment feel, surface appearance, or a generic temperature recommendation.

7. Evaluate Realistic Production Capacity

Compare the complete workflow using representative jobs.

Include:

• Garment loading.
• Product spacing.
• Required residence time.
• Unloading.
• Inspection.
• Different garment sizes.
• Artwork coverage.
• Changeovers between processes.
• Available operators.

A published garments-per-hour figure depends on its stated conditions. Ask how it was established before using it to plan your own output.

8. Match the Dryer to the Press Workflow

Evaluate how work moves from printing to final curing.

Consider:

• Number of presses feeding the dryer.
• Manual or automatic press operation.
• Print sequence.
• Staffing.
• Loading positions.
• Distance and movement between machines.
• Unloading and packing space.

A dryer that supports one production arrangement may become a constraint when you add another press or change ink applications.

Plan around expected jobs rather than selecting solely from the press’s maximum speed.

9. Verify Electrical and Fuel Requirements

Obtain installation specifications for the exact machine and configuration.

Confirm applicable requirements for:

• Voltage.
• Electrical phase.
• Amperage and circuits.
• Plug or hardwired connections.
• Gas type and supply.
• Supporting equipment.
• Utility isolation and access.

Do not assume a compact electric dryer uses an existing household outlet. A gas-fired unit may also have electrical and other installation requirements.

Have the appropriate qualified contractor review the complete setup before delivery.

10. Review Exhaust, Ventilation, and Clearances

Confirm the manufacturer’s requirements for the actual process and installation.

Review:

• Exhaust connections.
• Required air handling.
• Make-up air, where specified.
• Operating clearances.
• Maintenance access.
• Nearby materials and equipment.
• Applicable site requirements.

Do not assume an included filter or a small dryer footprint removes ventilation obligations.

For discharge, solvent-based, or other specialized processes, provide the exact materials when reviewing the installation.

11. Separate UV and Specialty Equipment

The collection includes V-Tech UV equipment and a 3-D Hot-Air Jet Dryer listing.

Evaluate these around their documented applications.

For UV equipment, confirm:

• Ink or coating compatibility.
• Curing-system requirements.
• Substrate handling.
• Product dimensions.
• Controls and safety provisions.
• Ventilation and installation requirements.

For three-dimensional products, provide the object’s material, shape, dimensions, coating or ink, and loading method.

Do not treat a UV conveyor or a hot-air system for bottles and cups as a direct substitute for a garment-curing dryer.

12. Review Custom-Built Equipment With a Defined Process

For a custom configuration, document the process before selecting features.

Include:

• Product dimensions and weight.
• Material and coating.
• Required heating or curing conditions.
• Handling arrangement.
• Belt or conveyor requirements.
• Production target and its basis.
• Controls.
• Utilities.
• Installation space.

Define acceptance criteria and the proposed verification method. “Custom built” should lead to a specific equipment scope—not a universal capability claim.

13. Match Replacement Belts to the Dryer

Before purchasing a replacement conveyor belt, confirm:

• Manufacturer and dryer model.
• Required belt width.
• Finished belt length.
• Material specification.
• Joint or fastening arrangement.
• Existing belt identification.
• Installation and tracking instructions.

Do not order from width alone or assume that belts are interchangeable across models.

Provide photos and measurements using the supplier’s instructions if the original specification is unavailable.

14. Evaluate Belt Repair Products Before Use

A belt repair kit is not automatically appropriate for every belt or type of damage.

Confirm:

• Belt material.
• Nature and extent of the damage.
• Product compatibility.
• Repair instructions.
• Required inspection.
• Whether replacement is the appropriate option.

Follow the equipment and repair-product guidance. Do not assume a repair restores every damaged belt to its original condition.

15. Plan Delivery, Maintenance, and Future Capacity

Before selecting equipment, review:

• Delivery and unloading access.
• Doorways and installation route.
• Assembly requirements.
• Working layout.
• Cleaning and inspection procedures.
• Belt maintenance.
• Replacement-part identification.
• Operator training.
• Support arrangements.
• Applicable warranty terms.

If future expansion matters, confirm documented options for the exact machine. Do not assume every dryer can gain chamber length, heating capacity, or belt width later.

Before You Choose: Conveyor Dryer Planning Checklist

Have these details ready when comparing equipment:

• Process: Plastisol, water-based, discharge, DTG, UV, or another specified application.
• Ink or coating: Manufacturer and exact product.
• Substrate: Garment fabric or product material.
• Artwork: Typical dimensions and coverage.
• Production: Representative order quantities and loading requirements.
• Presses: Equipment feeding the dryer.
• Staffing: Available operators and handling arrangement.
• Required width: Product dimensions and intended spacing.
• Utilities: Electrical service and fuel supply where relevant.
• Ventilation: Available provisions and required review.
• Workspace: Operating area, clearances, and delivery access.
• Models of interest: Exact machines and configurations.
• Verification: Required curing or drying validation.

Continue Comparing Equipment

• Screen Printing Equipment.
• Automatic Screen Printing Presses.
• Screen Printing Startup Packages.

Which conveyor dryer should I choose?

Choose around your exact ink or coating, substrate, product dimensions, required process, and production workflow. Compare heating, airflow, usable belt width, chamber dimensions, controls, utilities, and installation requirements. Do not select from price or a maximum output figure alone.

Can one dryer cure plastisol, water-based, discharge, and DTG prints?

Only where the exact configuration supports the intended applications. Confirm compatibility and process requirements for each ink and substrate. A machine suitable for one job should not be assumed suitable for every ink system.

What is the difference between infrared, electric, and gas dryers?

These terms describe aspects of the heating system and energy supply, but they do not fully describe a machine’s capabilities. Review the exact heating, airflow, controls, exhaust, and intended process. Do not choose from the energy-source label alone.

What belt width do I need?

Compare your garments or products with the usable belt width, loading orientation, required spacing, and entry clearance. Consider operator handling and the complete job. A wider belt does not automatically establish higher finished output.

Does the displayed temperature prove that the ink is cured?

No. Follow the ink and equipment manufacturers’ specified measurement and validation procedures. A control setting alone does not establish that the printed ink reached its required curing conditions.

Can I use a published garments-per-hour figure to predict my output?

Not by itself. Actual output depends on materials, required process time, product spacing, loading, unloading, staffing, and inspection. Review how the published figure was measured and evaluate representative jobs under realistic conditions.

Do compact dryers run on standard household power?

Do not assume that. Confirm the exact model’s voltage, phase, amperage, circuit, and connection requirements. Have the complete installation requirements reviewed before purchasing for a home-based or small workspace.

Is a UV conveyor dryer the same as a textile heat-curing dryer?

No. Select equipment for the exact ink or coating and documented process. UV-curable applications, textile heat curing, and specialty hot-air drying require separate compatibility and installation review.

How do I choose a replacement conveyor belt?

Match the dryer model, belt width, finished length, material, and joint arrangement. Follow the supplier’s measurement and installation instructions. Width alone does not establish compatibility.

Can a belt repair kit fix any damaged conveyor belt?

Do not assume that. Confirm the belt material, type of damage, repair-product compatibility, and inspection requirements. Follow the equipment and repair instructions and determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate.