Electrostatics
Electrostatics causes problems when processing paper, films and packaging and always occurs when poorly conductive materials become charged due to rapid friction or sudden separation.
Benefits
Precise humidity control ensures consistently high print quality: electrostatic charges, dimensional changes and waste are minimized. Standardised process water and energy-efficient evaporative cooling reduce costs and increase productivity.
Reduce Electrostatic
Additional air humidification reduces electrostatic charges on printing materials and machinery.
Prevent Dimensional Changes
Controlled humidity protects the dimensional stability of paper and cardboard.
Standardized Print Quality
Optimal humidity and standardized process water guarantee consistent quality without waste.
Air humidification ensures print quality and efficiency
In the printing industry, constant humidity is a decisive factor for quality, efficiency and process reliability. Hygroscopic materials such as paper and cardboard are sensitive to climatic fluctuations. A relative humidity of 45-50% prevents dimensional changes such as warping and edge curling, which lead to registration errors, ghosting and creasing. In sheetfed offset printing in particular, stable flatness is essential for trouble-free sheet travel and precise printing results. In addition, controlled humidity reduces electrostatic charges that lead to double feeds, material jams, machine stops and unclean print images – especially in digital printing. Working conditions also improve: more dust binding and less strain on the mucous membranes. The right humidity increases productivity, reduces waste and ensures consistent quality.
Efficient cooling for the printing industry
In the printing industry, considerable heat loads are generated by waste heat from printing machines and finishing equipment. Compounded by high machine density, the room temperature can rise well above 26°C. This not only affects print quality, but also the concentration and health of employees. Adiabatic evaporative cooling offers an energy-efficient solution: The evaporation of water extracts heat from the air, which can lower the room temperature by up to 5°C – with minimal energy consumption. At the same time, the air humidity is increased, which reduces electrostatic charges, stabilises paper feed and improves print quality. The technology is particularly suitable for large or high printing halls and production rooms and can also supplement or replace existing air conditioning systems.
Double benefit: Standardised process water
In the printing industry, water quality is a critical factor for stable printing processes. Using air humidification with integrated water treatment provides a valuable additional benefit: the treated water can also be used as standardised process water for dampening solution production. The removal of hardness-forming substances such as calcium and magnesium as well as corrosive salts prevents the formation of deposits on ink rollers. A stable pH value between 4.8 and 5.5 ensures consistent printing conditions and prevents toning, emulsification and blank running. Standardised process water reduces operating costs and minimises cleaning effort. At the same time, machine service life is increased and print quality is ensured. Particularly efficient: water treatment is carried out centrally and hygienically – a real added value for printing companies.
Low humidity
Dry air below 40% relative humidity can lead to static charges due to friction. The material is no longer fed through the printing machine without deviations.
Optimal humidity
At 45–55% relative humidity, static charges can be easily dissipated due to increased conductivity. The material is fed through the printing machine without any problems.
Use Cases
Anti-Static and ESD Prevention
Low humidity increases static buildup because dry air acts as an insulator, making electrostatic discharge (ESD) more likely. Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity helps dissipate electrical charges and significantly reduces ESD risk.
Prevent Evaporative Losses
Organic materials have an internal moisture content and will lose moisture to the atmosphere when exposed to air with low humidity. Humidifiers are used to create an environment with the proper balance between the material’s internal moisture content and the air’s relative humidity.
Discover Condair in action
Preston Sp. z o.o., Poznan (Poland)
A constant relative humidity of 50 per cent ensures that Preston Packaging’s printing process runs smoothly, without any material distortion, and with a high degree of registration accuracy during the subsequent die-cutting and gluing stages.
Mondi Group, Sonneberg (Germany)
The Mondi Group is a manufacturer of paper-based packaging made of corrugated and solid board. More than 3,000 employees in 15 plants at a total of 13 European locations produce individual packaging solutions in all required sizes and finished in a wide variety of ways.
Fogra Forschungsinstitut für Medientechnologien e.V., Aschheim (Germany)
In-room humidification ensures controlled humidity in the printing room. This guarantees a standard climate for the reliable testing of identity cards and banknotes.
HP Graphics Experience Center, Barcelona (Spain)
In-room humidification protects against electrostatic discharge, dimensional changes in the paper and fluctuating print quality in digital printing.
Komori International Netherlands, Utrecht (Netherlands)
KOMORI International Europe is one of the largest manufacturers of sheetfed and web offset presses. The trouble-free use of the printing presses in the showrooms is ensured by DRAABE air humidification systems.
Wilke GmbH, Hamm (Germany)
Gebrüder Wilke GmbH has been a "passionate printer" for over 133 years. Founded in 1881 as a book printing company in Hamm, the traditional company set up a new location there in 2009.
Heidelberg, Georgia (USA)
EPDB Nyomtatási Központ Zrt., Budapest (Hungary)
Speed and reliability are the biggest challenges for EPDB. To achieve this, the digital printing presses require optimal humidity levels.
S+P Samson GmbH, Kissing (Germany)
With optimal humidity in both production and administration, S+P Samson has not only improved process reliability, but also increased satisfaction with the indoor climate. For both applications, direct room air humidification could be retrofitted into the existing building.
WERNER KENKEL Sp. z o.o., Krzycko Wielkie (Poland)
For packaging manufacturer Werner Kenkel, controlled humidity has a direct impact on production and quality assurance. More speed, consistent quality and less waste are the most important advantages.
BluePrint AG, München (Germany)
To protect against electrostatic charges, BluePrint uses energy-saving in-room humidification with high-pressure nozzles from Condair.
Druckerei Roser GmbH, Hallwang (Austria)
Environmentally friendly printing and clear customer segmentation make the Roser print shop exceptionally successful. The company is defying the energy crisis with Austria's first privately initiated renewable energy community. Energy-saving high-pressure air humidification is part of the concept.
Varga Nyomda, Eger (Hungary)
As a Hungarian family business, Varga Nyomda specializes in the production of high-quality labels for the wine industry. Controlled humidity makes an important contribution to this.
Gelbert ECOPrint, Budapest (Hungary)
Reduced static electricity and less paper warping are the benefits of controlled humidity at Gelbert. Humidifying the air directly in the room ensures optimum humidity levels.
GRAFE Druckveredelung GmbH, Bielefeld (Germany)
For over 28 years, GRAFE Druckveredelung GmbH (Bielefeld) has relied on a Draabe air humidification system to ensure an optimal production climate. Reliability, competence and prices in line with the market were also decisive in the recent expansion of the plant.
Frequently asked questions
Why is humidity control crucial for printing quality and efficiency?
How does evaporative cooling improve printing hall conditions?
What are the benefits of standardised process water in printing processes?
How does humidity control enhance digital printing results?
Can humidification and water treatment reduce printing operating costs?
Get Free Expert Advice
If you’re exploring options for humidity control, Condair’s expert sales engineers can visit your site, review your project requirements, and provide tailored recommendations.
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