Air curtain systems are among the most efficient tools when it comes to applications like drying, cooling, removing oil and dust, and cleaning. In fact, the printing and labeling industry relies on air knives in order to remove dust from a surface before sticking labels. As we know, the presence of dust hinders a smooth labeling procedure. In addition to these functions, air curtains are indispensable in processes such as cooling of components. They are used in the most off beat applications such as blowing off excess sugar from sugar muffins before baking them!



Most air knives (air curtains) come with a temperature range and a corrosion rating (good and excellent). Depending on your requirements, you could choose between regular air knives or the advanced versions that are available through manufacturers. The regular ones use slightly more compressed air and their noise levels are a tad higher than the advanced versions. If your budgets are slightly restricted, then the regular variety is best suited for you.



Air knives from a reputed manufacturer could provide a performance anywhere from 30:1 or a 40:1 amplification ratio. When using an air curtain, always try and use the lowest possible air pressure. These could be teamed with a pressure regulator so as to increase the air force or the air flow to the desired level. Apart from this, there are other air operated products such as a drum pump that can be used to transport or suck up liquids.



Air knives can be made in various materials such as aluminum, stainless steel (type 303) and stainless steel (type 316). Before you purchase your air knife, it is advisable to ensure that it doesn’t contain any dead spots (certain places in the air knife where air doesn’t flow out). These can adversely affect your drying or cooling process. Most manufacturers who offer air knives also manufacture other air-operated units such as a drum pump.



Air curtains create a perfect sheet of air at a 90 degree angle and that is what makes them suited for multiple operations across industries. Let’s take a look at some of the applications of an air curtain:

  • They can be used to clean circuit boards or holes in such boards. They can also rid flat rubber and plastic from dust and other particles.

  • They are often used in blowing off liquid, chemicals, dirt and other fine particles from a surface before labeling and packing is carried out. In such a case, a static eliminator can also be used.

  • In the food and beverage industry air knives can be used for drying bottles and cans before food products are packed into them.

  • In the printing and labeling industry, these units are used to dry and set wet ink that might otherwise get smudged if wet.

  • In paper mills, these units are used to free paper sheets of dust and other particles before dispatch to the market. A static eliminator also comes in handy for this purpose.

  • Before metal parts are coated or painted, they can be quickly and perfectly cooled with the help of an air curtain.

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