Hot air dryers are a crucial component in the production process of web offset printing companies. The majority of these machines were installed in the 1990s, and many are now approaching a critical point in their lifespan. If your dryer is among them, you may be considering your next steps. With several options available, how do you choose the best course of action for your business?
Times have changed since these dryers were first installed. Today, sustainability is a top priority, with governments implementing stricter environmental regulations and customers increasingly demanding sustainable solutions from their suppliers. While energy prices remain higher than they were in the past, the urgency to reduce consumption persists. At the same time, market trends are evolving, with a growing emphasis on shorter print runs, making long-term investments in heatset web offset equipment more challenging to assess.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the available options for printing companies, helping you make informed decisions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainability.
Option 1: Investing in a new dryer
Investing in a new dryer is likely the most significant decision you can make, but it offers peace of mind and long-term reliability, setting your company up for the next 20 years. New dryers come equipped with the latest energy-efficient technologies that can substantially reduce operational costs, energy consumption, and your carbon footprint. Additionally, new dryers often come with a manufacturer’s warranty, low maintenance requirements, and minimal repairs during the early years, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness.
For companies that haven’t yet upgraded to more sustainable or energy-efficient dryers, investing in a new system provides a substantial opportunity for long-term savings and operational benefits. Furthermore, government subsidies or incentives may help offset some of the initial costs, making the transition even more attractive.
However, for businesses that are not yet ready for a significant investment or long-term commitment, exploring other alternatives may be the better choice.
Option 2: Investing in a used, refurbished dryer
An alternative to purchasing new equipment is investing in a pre-owned dryer. This option offers substantial cost savings compared to buying a new system, while still delivering an upgraded and functional machine. Refurbished dryers are an excellent solution for companies looking to transition to more energy-efficient equipment without the high cost of new models.
When properly refurbished, used dryers can deliver performance levels similar to new systems. It’s crucial to work with a reputable supplier that offers high-quality refurbished equipment, warranties, remote monitoring and ongoing service support. Contiweb’s certified pre-owned dryers undergo thorough inspection, reconditioning, and testing, ensuring they meet the same rigorous standards as new equipment. With full warranties and continued service support, these refurbished dryers provide long-term reliability and peace of mind. By choosing this option, printers can realize significant cost savings while boosting operational efficiency and maintaining high-quality production standards.
Option 3: Upgrading and enhancing existing dryers
If a new or refurbished dryer isn’t the right choice for your business, upgrading and enhancing your existing dryer can be a practical solution. By investing in targeted upgrades, you can improve the performance and efficiency of your current equipment, extending its useful life while reducing operational costs.
Key upgrades include the Single Burner Operation enhancement, which is beneficial for printers that produce at lower speeds. It allows one burner chamber to be deactivated, significantly reducing gas consumption. Another gas-saving measure is the Gas Reduction Enhancement, which optimizes solvent concentration in the burner chambers, leading to substantial gas savings. The Electrical Power Reduction enhancement installs modern, variable-speed fan drives, reducing electrical power consumption. Additionally, replacing aging components like burner chambers further boosts efficiency.
These enhancements reduce operational costs and help meet sustainability goals by lowering your carbon footprint. Many upgrades are eligible for government subsidies, improving their financial feasibility.
Option 4: Do nothing
Choosing to do nothing and continue using an aging hot air dryer may seem like the least disruptive option in the short term, but it often leads to rising costs and production inefficiencies. Designed for long-term use, these dryers require increasingly frequent repairs, maintenance, and part replacements as they age—ultimately driving up operational expenses and proving to be a false economy.
As the dryer reaches the end of its lifespan, sourcing specific parts becomes more challenging. Companies may be forced to buy obsolete parts from the secondary market at inflated prices, leading to extended downtime.
The cost of downtime is another significant concern. Delays in delivery can damage customer trust, and over time, customers may choose to work with alternative suppliers, affecting long-term business stability.
Making the right decision
When your dryers reach a critical age, it's crucial to carefully evaluate all available options. Whether you decide to invest in new dryers, purchase a used and refurbished unit, enhance your existing systems, or take no action at all, understanding the long-term impact of your decision is vital.
At Contiweb, we're dedicated to providing solutions that help printing companies reduce costs, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainability goals. Let us guide you through the process, ensuring you make the right choice, so you can continue printing smarter, greener, and more cost-effectively.
