(The importance of) DTF machine maintenance and filter replacement

An Adkins DTF inline shaker curer is not just designed to apply powder and cure the powder and ink on the film. It also must extract the by-product of the process (vapour) from the hood through the exhaust system and the medical grade filters.

The process of DTF innately creates a by-product of vapour and eventually can condense into an oily liquid. This is from the glycerin in the white DTF ink which is required to ensure the ink is more viscous to avoid printheads from clogging.  As this by-product is part of the DTF process, controlling this is the responsibility of both the shaker curing machine and the machine users. 

To effectively and efficiently do this, it’s essential the machine is used and maintained correctly by following the DTF Curing Maintenance Guidelines.

Explanation:

It’s important the vapour remains as a vapour (gas) as it flows through the extraction system, from the hood and through the exhaust and filters.
To do this, the temperature of the machine needs to be warm enough that at no point during the process the vapour cools enough to condense. If the vapour remains a gas it will pass through the system to the filters as intended.

 
If the machine and vapour cool it will condense into a liquid and not reach the filters, meaning oil deposits will sit in the machine. For example, the condensation point of steam is generally around 100degrees therefore having the heat setting below at least 100degrees will significantly increase the chance the vapour condenses into oil before reaching the filters.

Following production / use of an inline, it’s essential a heat cycle is performed after a job is completed to aid the vapour through the system to the filters, rather allowing the machine to cool while the vapour is still inside as this will then create oil wherever the vapour finds cooler surfaces.

The filters of the machine are a consumable that need to be replaced because once they are full, the vapour cannot be filtered and therefore will remain in the machine. The vapour in the machine will condense into a liquid (oil) when the hot air in the machine cools down. 
The machine is equipped with an oil collection chamber found beneath the filters to collect expected oil residue. This requires draining from the oil drainage tap which should be checked as part of the general machine maintenance. 

Filters should be replaced when one or more of the below happens first:

- Excess vapour or oil

- Drained oil becomes darker (not clear)

- 1.5 months – 3 months depending on usage

- 400 hours of machine use

Summary:

The machine needs to be run warm enough for the vapour to remain a gas through the extraction process, with a heat cycle (15-30mins) after use to aid the removal of remaining oil/vapour.

Changing filters, wiping excess oil and draining collected oil is an essential part of the maintenance for the DTF curing machines. The machine maintenance will reduce machine downtime and increase the lifespan of your DTF curing unit. 

If experiencing excess vapour or oil then it's important to change the filters, or after 400 hours of use / 1.5 - 3 months depending on usage