What is a Fixation Tunnel? The Most Comprehensive Guide for Screen Printing and Textile Printing Workshops in 2025

Posted on 29 November 2025 by Dogukan Cetinkaya | 517 Views

In the world of textile and screen printing, drying is not the most critical stage of production; in fact, it is what determines true quality. fixation processUnless the dyes used in printing fully integrate with the fabric fibers, they will fade, crack, become dull, or flake during washing. Therefore, this is a requirement for every workshop that produces professional prints. fixation tunnel, It is the machine that forms the backbone of print quality.

“The word "fix" in Turkish to fix It means that the ink on the printing surface polymerizes with heat, activating the binder and ensuring it adheres completely to the fabric. fixation tunnel, This is a professional drying machine that performs this process in a controlled and standardized manner. Today, fixing tunnels have become essential equipment for printing businesses in screen printing, DTF, DTG, and even UV printing post-processing.

The main difference of the fixation tunnel is that it doesn't just provide heat, heat at the right time, with the right distribution, and at the right concentration. For example, in a T-shirt print, plastisol ink polymerizes at temperatures between 150–170°C. Water-based paints have lower temperatures but require a longer polymerization time. The fixing tunnel automatically maintains this critical balance. Therefore, drying methods using heat guns, IR panels, or UFO-type devices in workshops can never replace a professional fixing tunnel.

In the 2025 trends, most textile printing businesses are now turning to automation to increase production speed. Manual systems are gradually being replaced. to fixed tunnels with band system This is because the reason is clear: the faster the production in a workshop, the greater the volume of work. The fixing tunnel not only ensures high-quality printing; it also increases production speed by 3-5 times.

However, the fixing tunnel significantly reduces the number of errors in printing operations. For example, if water-based screen printing inks are not fixed correctly, surface unevenness, shadowing, or dullness can occur. In plastisol printing, incorrect heat or short duration can prevent the ink from fully polymerizing, damaging the product after a few washes. All these errors are eliminated within the tunnel through precise heat and time control.

The technical structure of a fixed tunnel basically consists of the following parts:

Heat tunnel (resistance structure)
Teflon conveyor belt
Digital temperature control system
Belt speed adjustment
Thermal insulation
Fan cooling outlet
Tensioning drum and belt guiding system.

The combined operation of these systems ensures a professional fixation process. For example, in the modern fixation tunnel models we use... Emko digital temperature controller, It keeps the temperature inside the tunnel constant. This means that when you set it to 155°C, the temperature won't drop or fluctuate. Similarly... Danfoss speed control drive, This allows you to precisely determine how fast or slow the belt should move.

Used inside the tunnel 270-degree resistant Teflon tape, It is long-lasting and does not deform under heat. This is a critical advantage, especially for businesses that produce 200–800 prints per day. The grid structure of the belt ensures that the heat reaches the product surface faster and more homogeneously. This results in excellent fixation for water-based paints.

One of the most important advantages offered by the fixation tunnel is... homogeneous heat distribution. In cheap and unstable devices, one section of the tunnel may reach 200°C while the other remains at 120°C. This can cause part of the print to burn while the other part fails to fix. Professional tunnels are designed to provide even heat distribution throughout the tunnel.

Let's give an example of why a fixation tunnel is necessary:
If a workshop prints 150-200 pieces a day, drying the products sequentially with a heat gun is both time-consuming and results in inconsistent print quality. However, with a medium-sized fixing tunnel, this volume can be completed in 1-2 hours. This translates to both labor savings and significantly higher revenue for the business.

Today, fixation tunnels are used not only in screen printing; DTF powder fixative, DTG water-based ink curing, transfer printing post-fixing They are also used in areas such as these. Due to their versatility, almost all newly opened printing workshops prefer fixing tunnels as their first machine investment.

In the following sections of this article, we will discuss in detail topics such as the working principle of the fixation tunnel, correct usage techniques, which model is suitable for whom, common mistakes made by businesses, and technical details to consider in 2025.

How Does a Fixing Tunnel Work? Heat Management, Belt Speed, and Professional Fixing Techniques.

The biggest advantage of the fixing tunnel is that it not only dries the ink on the printing surface; it also dries it with the correct heat profile. to fix completely In other words, it's about polymerization. In water-based paints, the complete removal of moisture, and in plastisol paints, the activation of the binder, depends on the fixation process. The only way to do this correctly is... heat + time + stability The key is to use a fixing tunnel that professionally controls the three components. In this section, we will discuss the working principle of the fixing tunnel, which settings affect print quality, and common user mistakes in detail.

⭐ 1. The Basic Working Principle of a Fixed Tunnel: Heat and Time

Inside the fixing tunnel, the product is held at a specific temperature for a specific period of time. During this time:

In water-based paints, moisture evaporates and the binder is activated.
In plastisol paints, polymerization occurs (the ink "cooks").
Adhesion and fixation are ensured in transfer printing.
In DTF printing, the powder completely dissolves and bonds to the surface.
In DTG printing, the water-based pigment is completely fixed.

The heat source inside the tunnel is reinforced resistors. These resistors... ensuring that heat is distributed evenly throughout the tunnelThis ensures uniformity. In cheaper machines, this homogeneous distribution is absent; one section of the tunnel becomes hotter, while another remains cold. This creates serious problems in printing, such as dulling, burning, cracking, or incomplete curing.

Used in a professional fixation tunnel. Emko digital temperature controller, It maintains a constant temperature and prevents fluctuations. Thus, when set to 150°C, a stable heat profile of 148–152°C is maintained inside the tunnel.

⭐ 2. Why is Band Speed So Critical?

At the heart of the fixing tunnel is “time.” The longer the product remains inside the tunnel, the better the fixation.

The duration the product remains inside the tunnel is calculated as follows:

Tunnel length ÷ Belt speed = Fixation time

If the conveyor speed is too high, the product will not heat up sufficiently.
If done too slowly, the print may burn or ignite.

Therefore, in professional tunnels Danfoss speed control drive This driver allows the belt speed to be adjusted with millisecond precision.

Recommended tape setting for water-based paint.

Medium speed
Lower tunnel temperature (120–150°C)
For a longer period

Recommended tape setting for plastisol paint.

A little faster tape
High temperature (150–170°C)
Short but intense fixation period.

DTG setting for pigment

Process like water-based paint.
Stable low heat + medium bandwidth

The most accurate results in every type of printing, by synchronizing heat and time It is taken.

⭐ 3. The Effect of Teflon Tape Structure on Fixation Quality

The tapes used in fixation tunnels are not ordinary. The tapes used in the tunnel of our product 270°C resistant Teflon grid belt, This is the established standard for professional drying.

The grid conveyor offers the following advantages:

It also allows the bottom surface to absorb heat.
It accelerates the release of gas from the paint.
It facilitates moisture removal.
The belt cools down quickly and saves energy.
It reduces the risk of yellowing, burning, and glossing on the fabric surface.

Moreover tension drum Thanks to this feature, the belt is easily adjusted and there is no problem with slipping.

⭐ 4. Why is homogeneous heat distribution vital in a fixed-tube tunnel?

In tunnels with non-homogeneous heat distribution:

The top of the t-shirt will burn, but the bottom won't.
In large prints, different levels of brightness are created in the center and at the edges.
Water-based printing can produce ripple and shadowing.
Plastisol printing fades during washing.

In our models, the insulated tunnel, powerful heating element, and digital control work together to produce even heat throughout the tunnel.

⭐ 5. Why Should the Product Exiting the Fixing Tunnel Be Cooled?

The product coming out of the tunnel is still hot. Hot product:

If it folds, it will stick.,
They will create a shine if stacked on top of each other.,
It will damage the print if it comes into contact with the bag.

That's why it's placed at the exit. 4 fans, ürünün yüzeyini hızlıca soğutarak baskıyı “kararlı” hale getirir. Bu, üretim hızını %30 artırır.

⭐ 6. Applications of Fixed Tunnels

Fixation tunnels are used in almost all of the following printing types:

Water-based screen printing
Plastisol printing
DTF powder fixative
DTG pigment fixative
Digital textile printing
Bag printing
Polyester sportswear
Canvas products

Due to its wide range of applications, the fixing tunnel is ideal for new workshops. the first machine to be purchased It is accepted as such.

⭐ 7. The Most Common Mistakes Users Make

❌ 1. Increasing bandwidth too much

→ The product doesn't heat up enough, resulting in poor fixation.

❌ 2. Incorrect temperature setting

→ Very low heat = lightening during washing
→ Very high heat = combustion/flaming

❌ 3. Stack the product immediately after exiting the tunnel.

→ The prints stick and get damaged.

❌ 4. Overfilling the tunnel

→ It disrupts airflow.

❌ 5. Incorrect paint usage

→ Very high temperatures are problematic for water-based paints, while very low temperatures are problematic for plastisol.

Some of our products

👉 Screen Printing Paint Drying Rack (Rayk)
👉 Desktop Screen Printing Machine
👉 Semi-Automatic Screen Printing Machine
👉 Semi-Automatic Circular Printing Machine
👉 Conveyor Dryer / Fixing Tunnel Product

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_printing

Fixation Tunnel Buying Guide: Which Model is Right for You? 2025 Trends and Professional Selection Guide

Buying a fixing tunnel is more than just acquiring a machine; it's a strategic investment that determines your production quality, speed, and the future of your business. It's projected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors in the textile and screen printing industries by 2025. professional fixing systemsThe reason is very clear: without proper fixation, no print will look high-quality or be durable.

In this section which fixed tunnel is suitable for which type of operation, how to make a choice, which characteristics are critical And Which technologies will stand out in 2025? We will delve deeply into all the details, such as these.

⭐ 1. First Things to Consider When Choosing a Fixed Tunnel

A business's needs vary depending on its production level. Therefore, when choosing a fixed tunnel, you should ask yourself these questions:

✔ How many print jobs do I do per day?

Daily 50–150 if menstruation occurs, small/medium tunnel
Daily 200–600 If menstruation occurs, a medium-sized professional tunnel
Daily 600+ If menstruation occurs, long tunnel + high resistance power.

✔ Am I working with water-based solutions or plastisol?

Water-based printing → longer fixation time.
Plastisol printing → higher heat, faster tape.
Both → speed control + digital temperature control are absolutely essential.

✔ Which products do I print on the most?

T-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie
Canvas bag
Sports polyester product
DTG / DTF prints
Each product requires different heat and time settings. Therefore, it is essential that your machine is adjustable.

⭐ 2. Most Preferred Fixed Tunnel Specifications in 2025

✔ Digital Temperature Control Device (Emko)

It ensures the temperature remains constant. It prevents fluctuations.
Fikse kalitesinin %50’si buradan gelir.

✔ Danfoss Speed Control Drive

Fully adjustable conveyor belt speed is essential for water-based/plastisol/transition applications.

✔ 270°C resistant Teflon tape

It withstands high temperatures and does not deform.

✔ Fan cooling outlet

It prevents the product coming out of the tunnel from sticking and becoming shiny.

✔ Insulated tunnel that prevents heat loss.

It reduces energy costs.

✔ Tensioning drum and belt direction adjustment.

It prevents the belt from slipping and bouncing off the sides.

These features These are essential components of a professional fixation tunnel..

⭐ 3. Tunnel Selection for Small, Medium, and Large Workshops

Small-scale workshops (50–150 units per day)

Narrow band + mid-tunnel
Basic digital temperature control will suffice.
Ideal for businesses that do desktop printing.
Low investment cost, sufficient performance.

Medium-sized workshops (200–600 units)

This is the ideal target audience.
These businesses should have the following:

Digital temperature control
Speed control
270 degree band
Fan outlet
Standard width tunnel

These features increase daily production by 2–3 times.

Large manufacturers (600+ units)

Long tunnel
Double resistance structure
Broadband
High insulation.
Fully professional speed-temperature combination.

In these facilities, even a single tunnel forms the heart of production.

⭐ 4. Fixing Tunnel and Types of Products Printed

Each textile material requires a different thermal profile. Here's a quick guide:

Product	Suggested Temperature	Recommended Band Speed
Cotton t-shirt (plastisol)	150–170°C	Medium-speed
Water-based prints	120–150°C	Medium-slow
Polyester sports products	110–130°C	Middle
Canvas bag	150°C	Middle
DTG printing	120–140°C	Slow
DTF powder fixative	130–160°C	Middle