Maintaining the right level of humidity is essential in print environments. With this in mind, we speak with several companies in this area to learn more about their latest solutions and the benefit of upgrading a humidification system KEEPING YOUR COOL HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEMS As we move into the warmer summer months, some of us may be lucky enough to be jetting off to the sun, sea, and sand for a week or two. Often, foreign climates can prove challenging for us Brits, with the heat and humidity not something we are really used to here in Blighty. However, humidity is something print service providers (PSPs) have to contend with all year round, with the constant running of large printing machinery meaning that this is almost unavoidable. That said, there are plenty of options available to PSPs to help them manage humidity in the print room. Here, we sit down with manufacturers and providers of humidity solutions to find out how PSPs can go about identifying the best options for their facilities and the long-term benefits of proper investment in quality kit. Avoid Costly Issues Up first to comment is Stephen Finkel, regional sales manager at DriSteem, who says that as even slight fluctuations can affect paper stability, ink adhesion, and the overall quality of the final product, maintaining the right level of humidity is crucial for printers. “Paper can expand or contract without consistent humidity control, leading to misfeeds, registration errors, and uneven print results,” Finkel says, adding: “Static electricity also becomes a major issue when humidity drops too low, causing problems with sheet separation and attracting dust that can interfere with print quality and equipment performance. “Reliable humidity control not only protects the integrity of materials but also helps extend the life of printing equipment and ensures smoother, more efficient production runs.” When evaluating humidification systems, Finkel says it is important to consider solutions that deliver stable humidity levels throughout the year, regardless of changes in outdoor conditions. He explains a system should be easy to maintain in order to reduce the risk of unplanned downtime, while also noting energy efficiency as critical, especially as it contributes to lower operating costs over time. Finkel adds that seamless integration with building management systems allows for more streamlined control and monitoring, and that the ideal solution should be flexible enough to adapt as the facility’s production needs evolve. “Failing to properly manage humidity in a print shop can lead to a wide range of costly and disruptive issues,” Finkel comments, adding: “Perhaps most critically, poor humidity control can lead to dissatisfied customers, especially if print jobs are delayed or fall short of quality expectations. “In a competitive industry where reputation and reliability matter, the consequences of neglecting humidity control extend far beyond the shop floor. It can erode customer trust, reduce repeat business, and ultimately impact the profitability of the entire operation. In short, overlooking humidity control can directly affect a printer’s bottom line in day-to-day 57 www.printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2025 - Issue 355
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==