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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: ZooCity on May 19, 2016, 03:10:46 PM

Title: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: ZooCity on May 19, 2016, 03:10:46 PM
Anyone done it? 
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: Frog on May 19, 2016, 04:42:47 PM
Are you talking about adding another drive as well for two different speeds?
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: bimmridder on May 19, 2016, 05:27:08 PM
Sounds like you just need a sharp utility knife   ;D
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: ZooCity on May 19, 2016, 06:29:55 PM
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   ;D

We only have dull ones...
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: brandon on May 19, 2016, 06:39:52 PM
I am keeping an eye on this post
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: Steve Harpold on May 19, 2016, 08:18:26 PM
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 (http://www.brownmfgdigital.com).
Product Fire Fly

For a live demonstration it is @ the ISS Nashville show

Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: Binkspot on May 19, 2016, 08:49:39 PM
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.
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: pwalsh on May 19, 2016, 08:55:54 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: ZooCity on May 19, 2016, 10:07:22 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: 244 on May 19, 2016, 11:22:26 PM
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.
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: jsheridan on May 20, 2016, 02:39:39 AM

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.
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: tonypep on May 20, 2016, 04:58:44 AM
Listen to Peter and Rich
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: Binkspot on May 20, 2016, 05:46:13 AM
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.
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: tonypep on May 20, 2016, 06:24:41 AM
Can you vs Should you
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: ZooCity on May 20, 2016, 01:21:00 PM
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? 
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: GaryG on May 20, 2016, 01:35:05 PM
Can you vs Should you

Seems like you are doing well in the biz from your posts- buy one, save time and headache.
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: pwalsh on May 21, 2016, 12:17:19 AM
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?

Chris:  You're perfectly safe asking Mr. Hoffman about Split Belt Dryer Options online, but don't ever make the mistake of asking the question while you're trapped in a car with Rich on a road trip! :) So here's what I know. 

All M&R dryers (Gas and Electric Infra Red) incorporate the M&R "Patriot" Belt Tracking system that ensures extremely accurate belt tracking.  This feature allows M&R to reduce the clearance between the oven chamber from 3 1/2" to 4" on each side of the belt to less than 1" per side resulting in the ability to run a belt that is 5" - 6" wider on the same width oven chamber. 

While this additional belt width is a benefit on a single belt dryer, the benefits really are felt with a split belt unit. In the past if you ordered a 60" wide dryer with the split belt option, the chances are that you would have finished up with (2) belts that were 26" - 27" wide. With the new design and the Patriot belt tracking system it's likely that that you will be able to get two 30" wide belts on a standard 60" wide dryer.   
Title: Re: Converting a Dryer to Split Belt
Post by: 244 on May 21, 2016, 12:31:08 AM
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?
yes we do but not after the dryer is made as a single belt. Any change like that and the CGA certification would be voided