Electrostatics
Electrostatics causes problems when processing paper, films and packaging and always occurs when poorly conductive materials become charged due to rapid friction or sudden separation.
Benefits
Precise humidity control ensures consistently high print quality: electrostatic charges, dimensional changes and waste are minimized. Standardised process water and energy-efficient evaporative cooling reduce costs and increase productivity.
Reduce electrostatic
Additional air humidification reduces electrostatic charges on printing materials and machinery.
Prevent dimensional changes
Controlled humidity protects the dimensional stability of paper and cardboard.
Standardized print quality
Optimal humidity and standardized process water guarantee consistent quality without waste.
Printing facilities humidity control
Air humidification ensures print quality and efficiency
In the printing industry, constant humidity is a decisive factor for quality, efficiency and process reliability. Hygroscopic materials such as paper and cardboard are sensitive to climatic fluctuations. A relative humidity of 45-50% prevents dimensional changes such as warping and edge curling, which lead to registration errors, ghosting and creasing. In sheetfed offset printing in particular, stable flatness is essential for trouble-free sheet travel and precise printing results. In addition, controlled humidity reduces electrostatic charges that lead to double feeds, material jams, machine stops and unclean print images – especially in digital printing. Working conditions also improve: more dust binding and less strain on the mucous membranes. The right humidity increases productivity, reduces waste and ensures consistent quality.
Efficient cooling for the printing industry
In the printing industry, considerable heat loads are generated by waste heat from printing machines and finishing equipment. Compounded by high machine density, the room temperature can rise well above 26°C. This not only affects print quality, but also the concentration and health of employees. Adiabatic evaporative cooling offers an energy-efficient solution: The evaporation of water extracts heat from the air, which can lower the room temperature by up to 5°C – with minimal energy consumption. At the same time, the air humidity is increased, which reduces electrostatic charges, stabilises paper feed and improves print quality. The technology is particularly suitable for large or high printing halls and production rooms and can also supplement or replace existing air conditioning systems.
Double benefit: Standardised process water
In the printing industry, water quality is a critical factor for stable printing processes. Using air humidification with integrated water treatment provides a valuable additional benefit: the treated water can also be used as standardised process water for dampening solution production. The removal of hardness-forming substances such as calcium and magnesium as well as corrosive salts prevents the formation of deposits on ink rollers. A stable pH value between 4.8 and 5.5 ensures consistent printing conditions and prevents toning, emulsification and blank running. Standardised process water reduces operating costs and minimises cleaning effort. At the same time, machine service life is increased and print quality is ensured. Particularly efficient: water treatment is carried out centrally and hygienically – a real added value for printing companies.
Low humidity
Dry air below 40% relative humidity can lead to static charges due to friction. The material is no longer fed through the printing machine without deviations.
Optimal humidity
At 45–55% relative humidity, static charges can be easily dissipated due to increased conductivity. The material is fed through the printing machine without any problems.
Use Cases
Prevent Evaporative Losses
Organic materials have an internal moisture content and will lose moisture to the atmosphere when exposed to air with low humidity. Humidifiers are used to create an environment with the proper balance between the material’s internal moisture content and the air’s relative humidity.
Anti-Static and ESD Prevention
Low humidity increases static buildup because dry air acts as an insulator, making electrostatic discharge (ESD) more likely. Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity helps dissipate electrical charges and significantly reduces ESD risk.
Discover Condair in action
ULINE
Condair is proud to humidify ULINE's state of the art headquarters in Wisconsin, using Condair's In-Duct HP Series HP1300 (shown on right), and MLRO 1500 (shown on left) water treatment system. Providing over 2800 lbs/hr of humidification via 11 air handling units. Uline is a family-owned distributor of shipping and industrial supplies with operations in the US, Canada and Mexico.
One Touch Point
1 Touch Point is a single source, marketing execution services provider. Utilizing U. Connect, a proprietary marketing automation and fulfillment tool, OTP delivers multi-channel communication, marketing, mailing and fulfillment services. With $140 million in revenues and offices in 5 states, we help 1000+ clients design and deliver communication across touch points while increasing the return on their marketing investment. Current customers include Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, non-profit/associations, and retail industries.
Gannett Company - The Tennessean
The Tennessean is the principal daily newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Its circulation area covers 39 counties in Middle Tennessee and eight counties in southern Kentucky.
Heidelberg, Georgia (USA)
Action Printing
For over 40 years, Action Printing has specialized in short to medium runs of magazines, catalogs, books, directories and more. We are known throughout the industry for our specific niche in perfect bound and saddle stitched products printed with black or color text with the option of glossy, color covers and inserts.
Seda North America Inc.
Seda North America is part of a privately owned multinational packaging group. They are a global leader in developing effective solutions for a broad range of packaging applications. By combining innovative manufacturing processes with state-of-the-art printing and converting technologies, they create packaging solutions to drive the market and promote and enhance the world's best-known brands.
Autajon
Autajon is a manufacturer of folding cartons, labels, set-up boxes and Point-of-sale, for various market sectors such as Perfumes Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Wine Spirits as well as Confectionery Food Specialties.
Diamond Packaging
Diamond Packaging is a global industry leader specializing in developing innovative and sustainable folding cartons and contract packaging services.
Lightning Source Inc.
Lightning Source Inc offers print-on-demand technology for a completely managed publishing solution. This facility installed an HP and ML Princess 2 humidifier.
Letterhead Press
Meadwestvaco Packaging
MeadWestvaco is a producer of packaging, specialty papers, consumer and office products and specialty chemicals.
3M Corporation
The 3M Company, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (1902&2002), is an American multinational conglomerate corporation.
Shawmut Communications Group
Shawmut Communications Group is where creativity unfolds. As the first SGP-certified printer in Massachusetts, they are committed to working collaboratively with other printers, print buyers, suppliers, and supporting organizations to drive sustainable business practices. Founded in 1951and now in their 3rd generation of family ownership-the Shawmut team has decades of experience. Every member of their team is committed to helping their clients achieve their goals.
Shutterfly
Shutterfly is an Internet-based image publishing service based in Redwood City, California. Shutterfly's flagship product is its photo book line. The company was founded in 1999 and is currently led by Christopher North. The company went public in 2006. The customer base is heavily skewed toward women, who accounted for 80% of customers as reported in 2013.
Specialized Packaging
Located in Baldwinsville, New York the PaperWorks Packaging Group provides a full range of folding carton capabilities backed by an experienced team.
Frequently asked questions
Why is humidity control crucial for printing quality and efficiency?
How does evaporative cooling improve printing hall conditions?
What are the benefits of standardised process water in printing processes?
How does humidity control enhance digital printing results?
Can humidification and water treatment reduce printing operating costs?
Get Free Expert Advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, a Condair's expert will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team is always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
You may also be interested in
Condair DL
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Condair DA
Desiccant DehumidifierCondair DA desiccant dryers are designed for applications requiring extremely low humidity, such as in sensitive industrial manufacturing processes, and for environments with very low temperatures or where precise moisture control is essential.
Condair EL
Electrode Steam HumidifierThe Condair EL is the latest generation of Condair’s well-known steam humidifiers. They are the first choice in applications requiring reliable steam humidification with no hassle.
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