Contiweb Digital Fluid Applicator

Due to the use of water-based inks in roll-fed inkjet presses and the high printing speeds they can achieve, there is a need to dry prints quickly and at high temperatures. However, this fast and hot drying process can give rise to several problems.

The printed material may become wavy, making it difficult for signatures to lie flat. Another problem that can occur is the curling of paper edges. Both problems can create challenges in the finishing line. They may lead to congestion and downtime. Also, the overall appearance and quality of the final product may be impacted. In the worst case scenario, the customer may reject the products.

To gain more insight into these problems, you can refer to this blog post, which provides further details on these issues and their potential impact on printed materials.

The Contiweb Digital Fluid Applicator utilizes fabric sleeves for several advantageous reasons. Fabric sleeves are carefully crafted with a distinctive engraved pattern on their surface. These engravings consist of precisely sized and spaced cells, forming a meticulously controlled system for storing and releasing moisture. The result is an exceptional distribution of fluids across the paper web, ensuring uniform coverage.

Moreover, textile sleeves possess inherent resilience and compression properties. When pressure is applied due to unevenness of the printed paper, the sleeve undergoes a slight deformation. This adaptability helps maintain a consistent contact surface between the sleeve and the paper, enabling reliable fluid transfer. By accommodating variations in the paper surface, textile sleeves contribute to consistent and accurate application of fluid, ultimately improving overall printing performance.

The durability of fabric sleeves in the Contiweb Fluid Applicator can vary depending on the specific printing application. While fabric sleeves offer excellent and uniform fluid coverage on paper, they are not immune to wear. The lifespan of fabric sleeves is highly dependent on the operating conditions and printing practices employed.

Different printers experience varying durations of sleeve usage. Some printers may utilize the same fabric sleeve for several months without requiring replacement, while others may find it necessary to replace sleeves after only a few weeks of use. The longevity of fabric sleeves is influenced by factors such as print volume, print speed, substrate characteristics and ink fluid formulations.

Replacing the fabric sleeves is a straightforward procedure. The roller containing the worn sleeve is detached from the Digital Fluid Applicator, the worn sleeve is cut open and removed from the roller. The new fabric sleeve is then shrunk tightly around the roller with hot water and the roller is reinstalled into the machine. As the roller rotates through the pan and becomes moistened, it is ready to resume its function. Printers who do not want to lose any production time, prepare an extra set of rolls with new sleeves.

Contiweb provides convenient access to replacement sleeves through the Contiweb Parts Webshop.

With inline finishing configurations increasing in popularity in web inkjet, the DFA's option to add silicone is gaining importance. Many finishing systems use a lot of moving parts like rollers and wheels which, in time, can leave unwanted scratches and scuffs. These can cause image damage, reducing the value of the printed product.

Contiweb has extensive knowledge of moisture and silicone application in web printing. The experience we've gained in the heat set web offset industry has been successfully applied to inkjet. Contiweb has an installed base of more than 600 remoistening and silicone applicators at top quality printers around the world.

Surfactant and silicone oil are not provided as standard with the purchase of a Digital Fluid Applicator. They can be sourced from various suppliers of printing consumables and are also available from our subsidiary WS print.

Spare parts for Contiweb Digital Fluid Applicators are conveniently available in the Contiweb Parts Webshop. Sign up for an account and gain free access to Contiweb machine manuals and parts books, saving you valuable time by filtering your search for specific machine parts.

Plus, explore our Uptime Kits, specially curated with essential components to minimize downtime in the event of breakdowns, ensuring you have the necessary parts readily available in your own facility. Streamline your maintenance and keep your operations running smoothly with Contiweb.