A lead frame dryer comprises a pair of water absorbing rollers positioned downstream of a lead frame water jet deflasher. The water absorbing rollers remove water from surfaces of the lead frame. A solid roller is positioned adjacent each of the water absorbing rolls to squeegee to compress the water absorbing roller and remove water stored in the water absorbing rollers for collection. A venturi device is provided which creates a vacuum for absorbing water removed from the water absorbing rolls. The collected water can be recycled back to the water jet deflasher.
