How the DRAABE TurboFogNeo System Enhances Print Quality and Efficiency: Insights from Heidelberg and Komori
In the highly competitive printing industry, where production demands are intense, maintaining optimal environmental conditions is critical for both productivity and the quality of the final output. Leading companies in this sector, such as Heidelberg and Komori, have integrated the DRAABE TurboFogNeo Air Humidification system into their operations to address common challenges like paper distortion and electrostatic charges. This article explores the benefits of this system for both companies and why air humidification is crucial for success in modern printing operations.
The Importance of Air Humidification in the Printing Industry
Air humidity plays a critical role in ensuring smooth and efficient printing processes. In environments with low humidity, problems such as paper distortion, electrostatic charges, and decreased machine efficiency frequently arise. For print shops, especially those handling delicate materials like paper or synthetic substrates, managing humidity levels is essential to avoid production disruptions.
The DRAABE TurboFogNeo system ensures the ideal balance of humidity, directly impacting print quality and operational efficiency.
How Heidelberg Benefits from the DRAABE TurboFogNeo System
At the Heidelberg Print Media Center in Wiesloch-Walldorf, the world’s largest showroom for commercial and packaging printing, the DRAABE TurboFogNeo system has been in use since 2015. This facility requires precise environmental conditions to ensure flawless demonstrations for customers.
The DRAABE TurboFogNeo system provides Heidelberg with the following key benefits:
- Consistent and optimal humidity: The system maintains a stable relative humidity level of 45%, preventing paper warping, electrostatic buildup, and other issues that could disrupt the printing process. It ensures smooth and trouble-free presentations, even under demanding conditions.
- Enhanced equipment performance: Proper air humidification helps protect both the equipment and employees. The paper used for demonstrations remains flat, with no curling or distorted edges, ensuring superior product quality.
- Safety and hygiene: The system uses sterilized and demineralized water, ensuring safe and hygienic operation. An automatic maintenance process takes place every six months, replacing used components and eliminating the need for frequent manual maintenance.
As a result, the DRAABE TurboFogNeo system contributes to a healthier working environment and consistent performance of Heidelberg’s printing equipment.
Komori: A Perfect Solution for Consistent Printing Conditions
Komori, another industry leader, implemented the DRAABE TurboFogNeo system at the Komori Graphic Technology Centre in Europe to resolve issues caused by dry air in its showrooms in Utrecht and Paris. Since 2012, DRAABE humidifiers have maintained an optimal humidity level of 50-55% throughout the year.
Some of the key benefits of this system at Komori include:
- Preventing paper distortion: In low humidity conditions, paper loses moisture to the air, causing it to warp and making it unsuitable for efficient processing. The DRAABE system maintains consistent humidity, preventing issues like curling and wrinkling.
- Eliminating electrostatic charges: During processing in low humidity, paper and synthetic materials like PVC and polypropylene can develop electrostatic charges, disrupting the smooth flow of the materials through the printing press. The DRAABE TurboFogNeo system eliminates this risk, ensuring a fast and uninterrupted production process.
- Consistent print quality: Direct air humidification ensures optimal humidity levels throughout the year, standardizing the printing process, reducing waste, preventing machine stoppages, and shortening production times. This allows Komori to maintain high-quality production and efficiency.
The General Benefits of the DRAABE TurboFogNeo System
The DRAABE TurboFogNeo system is designed to meet the needs of printing facilities of all sizes, from large industrial halls to smaller, more complex spaces. It combines flexible positioning with high energy efficiency, ensuring precise humidification with advanced digital control.
Its benefits include:
- Flexible positioning: Unlike rigid piping systems, DRAABE humidifiers can be positioned exactly where air humidification is needed, providing precise coverage of key areas.
- Reduced energy costs: The system uses micro-fine atomization without compressed air or steam, minimizing energy consumption and optimizing operational costs.
- Certified safety and hygiene: All system components are made of high-quality stainless steel, and the system meets the latest international standards for safety and hygiene. VDI certifications guarantee safe, hygienic operation, protecting against liability risks.
Conclusion
In an industry where every detail matters, the DRAABE TurboFogNeo Air Humidification system proves to be an essential component for improving the printing process. Both Heidelberg and Komori benefit from the consistent and controlled humidity provided by this system, preventing issues such as paper distortion and electrostatic charges. Additionally, DRAABE TurboFogNeo not only ensures optimal working conditions but also helps protect equipment and employees, making it an ideal solution for the printing industry.
