A New approach to evaluating ink curing time using differential scanning calorimetry

•BEP prints United States currency using alkyd-based inks that dry oxidatively.•ASTM, Beck-Koller (BK) Dryer measures dry time using a stylus, in real time, and is sensitive to environmental conditions.•Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) can measure dry time quickly (minutes to hours).•Dry times measured by DSC and BK Dryer correlate.•DSC offers increased accuracy and faster analysis time compared to the ASTM method.