Lambda Technology develops energy-saving hybrid oven system

Lambda Technology has developed a hybrid oven system for digital drying that is also suitable for retrofit applications—achieving up to 80 percent energy savings compared to conventional drying processes.

With this system, process parameters such as air flows (volume and temperature), degree of humidity of the exhaust air, or solvent content can be very specifically controlled, measured, and monitored. This capability enables optimal setting for the respective application, especially in label printing.

Each hybrid oven system consists of the components heater, transport unit, and digital air technology. The effect is achieved by a technology combination of NIR (plus IR), warm air/recirculating air and nozzle air, which ensures targeted heat input. For air drying, the air nozzles work with either warm or cold air. The air management in the units, a patented concept with warm exhaust air, supports the drying process.

Apart from this, the ovens use an energy cycle concept, that uses waste heat to achieve energy savings of up to 80 percent compared to conventional drying methods. The waste heat of the heating module is used for recirculation processes. The otherwise normally unused energy is directed onto the substrate as warm air and is thus still utilized. The warm air, in turn, circulates several times as nozzle air in the recirculating air dryer.

Another advantage of air movement in the drying process is that coating reacts to air movement and heat. With the air flow, drying can be controlled in a targeted manner. Additionally, the hot air absorbs volatile substances such as water and solvents and removes them from the substrate.

Thanks to the flexible process control, Lambda Technology systems can be used universally and adapted to any substrate, such as films, paper, lacquers, inks, polymers, textiles and coatings.

All radiation and air technology functions are integrated into each unit, and counter-reflectors are available as an option. The systems are also available as conveyor belt systems, optionally with a suction belt or for roll-to-roll applications.

In future, the Lambda Technology hybrid dryer will be available in various web widths (200mm, 320mm, 400mm, 530mm, 670mm, 1050mm, 1250mm and 1550mm) with a 1m run length unit.  It will be presenting the compact version of the modular hybrid units for a narrow web width (400mm) and 1m run length for the first time at Labelexpo Europe 2023.