Converting a Dryer to Split Belt

[ZooCity]

Anyone done it? 

[Frog]

Are you talking about adding another drive as well for two different speeds?

[bimmridder]

Sounds like you just need a sharp utility knife   

[ZooCity]

Are you talking about adding another drive as well for two different speeds?

Heck yes.   One temp- 2 dwell options.  We run 5 different ink types here, not counting specialties, each with optimal cure parameters and no room for a 2nd dryer. 

Sounds like you just need a sharp utility knife   

We only have dull ones...

[brandon]

I am keeping an eye on this post

[Steve Harpold]

It sounds like your are really looking for a dryer that is
Smaller in space: 7.5'
Can run two different temps at the same time:
Two different dwell times at the same time
Can remember how to handle specialty items
Can help prevent die migration issues
Gives off less heat
Is more efficient
Can cure
Waterbase - 45 s
Discharge - 45 s
Silicon - 15 s
Plastisol- 30 s

Try this www.brownmfgdigital.com.
Product Fire Fly

For a live demonstration it is @ the ISS Nashville show

[Binkspot]

I don't think it would be all that difficult. Some frame work, pillow block bearing, drive motor and controller, etc. Biggest issue would be belt width, It would have to start as a 72" wide unit which would give you two 32", maybe 34" belts.

[pwalsh]

Are you talking about adding another drive as well for two different speeds?

Heck yes.   One temp- 2 dwell options.  We run 5 different ink types here, not counting specialties, each with optimal cure parameters and no room for a 2nd dryer. 

Chris, before you run out there are go all “MacGyver” on us here are a couple of thoughts on your dryer conversion plan.  (Warning)  My comments are made without the benefit of knowing what type of dryer you currently have.  With that said, I would recommend against trying to convert an existing single belt dryer into a split belt format. 

The engineering required to build a split belt dryer from scratch is already complex, so the idea of successfully taking an existing wide format dryer and converting it to a split belt is going to be a real challenge.  Meanwhile you’ve already announced that you don’t have room for a second dyer, so the idea of putzing around with a pieced together solution that serves as your primary curing system isn’t the best option.

My advice would be to market your existing dryer, and purchase a purpose built split belt dryer.  I don’t know how quickly you need to move on this project but I was with Rich Hoffman last week and he told me about some really cool and game changing gas dryer technology “coming soon” from M&R. I’d encourage you to get your local M&R Dealer to get you hooked up with Rich to learn about the new products. 

[ZooCity]

Ha, no plans to get weird with the dryer just yet Peter, just sussing out options.  We have a Sprint 2k HO with a 60" wide belt.  So that would be two ≈30" belts.   

Brian, that's pretty much what I was thinking.  Already have a spare controller and damned if I didn't just scrap a motor that would have been perfect for this.  Could grab the rest from M&R so it's all on spec and since the M&R rollers aren't crowned we'll just need to cut it.  Little welding of the framework at both the roller ends and voila.   

I emailed our M&R rep about a conversion option earlier, we'll see if we can do a retrofit or what's up with this "game changing" tech.   Interested to hear about it. 

[244]

Ha, no plans to get weird with the dryer just yet Peter, just sussing out options.  We have a Sprint 2k HO with a 60" wide belt.  So that would be two ≈30" belts.   

Brian, that's pretty much what I was thinking.  Already have a spare controller and damned if I didn't just scrap a motor that would have been perfect for this.  Could grab the rest from M&R so it's all on spec and since the M&R rollers aren't crowned we'll just need to cut it.  Little welding of the framework at both the roller ends and voila.   

I emailed our M&R rep about a conversion option earlier, we'll see if we can do a retrofit or what's up with this "game changing" tech.   Interested to hear about it.

the rollers on your dryer are crowned. Don't do it.

[jsheridan]

the rollers on your dryer are crowned. Don't do it.

Put em on a lathe and turn the crown off then cut a groove  on each end for the belt guide and cut in half.

Two rollers from one

I can see the entire mod in my head, can't put it all into words right now.

[tonypep]

Listen to Peter and Rich

[Binkspot]

You would be closer to 28" belts due to the structure between the two.
I think you would be kicking your self for doing it, not because it can't be done but the belt size as a end result.

[tonypep]

Can you vs Should you

[ZooCity]

Well if the dryer has crowned rollers than that's a definite no-go right there.  They don't look crowned and I was told they weren't but now I know.

Rich, does M&R offer a split option on the sprints?