Why is a dehumidifier necessary in plastic production processes?

Plastic raw materials (especially polyamide, PET, PC, ABS) are hygroscopic and absorb ambient moisture. Injection or extrusion processes using moist granules result in serious quality defects such as silver streaks, bubbles, dimensional deviation, and mechanical strength loss.

Why is a standard hot-air dryer insufficient for hygroscopic plastics?

Standard hot-air dryers pass heated ambient air over the granules. However, if the initial humidity of the ambient air is high (60–70% RH in summer months), the air may deposit moisture onto the granules rather than removing it. TFT – Italy desiccant dryers first dry the air (dew point down to −40°C), then bring it into contact with the granules, ensuring reliable drying independent of ambient conditions.

Does mold sweating only occur in summer months?

No, it can occur under any condition where humidity is high. Facilities near the coast or in humid climates experience mold sweating even during winter months. In air-conditioned factories, cold air currents meeting humid outside air seeping through walls can create localised condensation. TFT – Italy dehumidifiers ensure year-round uninterrupted production.

Why is moisture control needed for non-hygroscopic plastics like PP and PE?

PP and PE do not absorb moisture into their structure; however, surface moisture (condensation) is critical in two processes: (1) When extruded/injected parts will receive flexographic printing or label application, moisture creates a lubricating film on the surface that prevents ink adhesion. (2) In automotive and packaging applications, surface moisture negatively affects paint and coating adhesion.

Why must the target humidity range be so narrow in IML systems?

In IML processes, the label must maintain both mechanical placement rigidity and electrostatic holding force. Below 35% RH, static electricity becomes too strong and the label may stick to unintended surfaces. Above 55% RH, the label curls and robot error rates increase. TFT – Italy dehumidifiers provide precise control within the 35–55% RH band.

What dew point should be targeted for silo conditioning?

For hygroscopic plastics (PA, PC, PET), the silo outlet dew point should be maintained between −30°C and −40°C. For non-hygroscopic plastics, it is sufficient to keep the dew point 5°C below the granule temperature to prevent surface condensation. TFT – Italy AD/ADP series dehumidifiers reliably achieve these values.

What measures should be taken to prevent container rain?

A three-tier protection is recommended: (1) Pre-loading packaging of granules in moisture-barrier PE bags, (2) In-container desiccant packs (4–8 per 40 ft container), (3) Active moisture control for long routes. Controlling silo outlet moisture with TFT – Italy dehumidifiers before loading is also critically important.

What is the payback period for a dehumidification system investment?

In plastics injection facilities, the payback period for holistic moisture control systems installed with TFT – Italy dehumidifiers is typically 5–8 months. This calculation encompasses scrap reduction, cycle time improvement, energy savings, and reduction in customer return costs.

Can a dehumidification system be retrofitted to my existing facility?

Yes, TFT – Italy dehumidifiers can be installed in existing facilities through retrofitting. The NKT engineering team evaluates the facility's existing ventilation infrastructure, machine layout, and silo configuration to prepare the most suitable installation plan. As the system is modular, phased investment is also possible.

Technical Article28 min read

Boosting Plastic Production Quality: The Role of Dehumidifiers

Plastic production processes are a set of operations that require extremely precise and dynamic control.

All Articles

🎧 Listen to this article...

Yükleniyor…

Related Glossary Terms

For deeper definitions of the technical concepts in this article, browse the related entries in the NKT Glossary:

Moisture Content (Specific Humidity)Moisture Load Dew Point Silica Gel Rotor (Desiccant Rotor)ACH (Air Changes per Hour)Hygroscopic (Moisture-Attracting)Sorption (Adsorption + Absorption)Chloride (Cl⁻)Silica (SiO₂)Foaming Nozzle (Atomisation Orifice)

All Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Psychrometrics

Live psychrometric values for your location.

Technical Article

The Importance of Industrial Humidity Control, A Decision Guide for Production Managers

In Türkiye, indoor relative humidity drops to 20–30% for 5 winter months; static electricity reduces production efficiency, product stability shifts, and employee absenteeism rises. Hygroscopic regain table, ROI calculation, sector-specific costs, and a Neptronic equipment selection guide.

Read Article

Technical Article

Humidity Control in Glass Lamination: The Key to Quality

Laminated glass is a special type of glass preferred in many applications due to its safety and performance characteristics.

Read Article

Technical Article

Lithium Battery Dry Room Design and Industrial Dehumidifier Solutions

Humidity control in lithium-ion battery manufacturing is critical for product quality and production safety. A comprehensive technical guide on dry room design, silica gel rotor dehumidifier selection, and multi-zone humidity architecture.

Read Article

Request Product Selection Support

Share your process conditions and our engineering team will help you select the correct model, airflow and regeneration configuration.

Boosting Plastic Production Quality: The Role of Dehumidifiers

Related Glossary Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

The Importance of Industrial Humidity Control, A Decision Guide for Production Managers

Humidity Control in Glass Lamination: The Key to Quality

Lithium Battery Dry Room Design and Industrial Dehumidifier Solutions

Request Product Selection Support