Conveyor Dryer Belt Speed and Heater Height: Setup Guide
A dryer cures by time-at-temperature. You control it with three settings: heater temperature, heater height and belt speed (dwell time). For ink cure temperatures use our plastisol cure temperature chart; for DTF see how to cure DTF powder.
Step by step
- Heater height: Vastex dryers adjust 2-7 in. above the belt. Start around 3 in.; raise it for hoodies and hats.
- Temperature: set the PID controller (accurate to +/-1°F) and let the dryer stabilize.
- Belt speed: start slow; Vastex rates plastisol at about 25 seconds and water-based/discharge at about 70 seconds in the chamber. Read the speed on the digital display so you can repeat it.
- Test: run a printed test with a temperature strip or donut probe through the ink film, then do a stretch and wash test.
- Record the settings per ink and garment.
Electrical and venting checklist
- Confirm voltage and phase on the data plate; most dryers are hard-wired by an electrician (Vastex electrical hook-up worksheet).
- Duct the exhaust outside; use the exhaust hood for DTF.
Need more capacity? See what size conveyor dryer do I need. Shop Vastex conveyor dryers.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my print crack or wash out?
It is usually under-cured: slow the belt or lower the heater and confirm temperature through the whole ink film.
Why is my shirt scorching?
The heater is too close or dwell too long - raise the heater or speed up the belt; use low-cure ink on polyester.
What dwell time does water-based ink need?
Much longer than plastisol - Vastex rates water-based and discharge at about 70 seconds in the chamber versus about 25 for plastisol.
More Vastex guides
- Vastex conveyor dryers
- Vastex manual screen printing presses
- Vastex flash cure units
- Vastex pallets & attachments
- Vastex V-2000HD setup guide
- Conveyor dryer belt speed & heater height
- What size conveyor dryer do I need?
- LittleRed vs EconoRed vs BigRed
- Vastex V-1000 vs V-2000HD
- Rear clamp vs side clamp presses
All Vastex equipment: Vastex at Buckets of Ink - authorized dealer, Tempe AZ showroom (906 S Priest Dr, Suite 101).
