Infrared Application of the Month #1:
Curing Coatings on Fabrics
A manufacturer of a range of chemical- and fire-resistant fabrics uses heat to cure neoprene and silcone coatings on fabrics. Their previous system included long wave metal-sheathed elements that would retract to protect product against overheating in the event of conveyor stoppage. They replaced that system with an infrared system from Heraeus Noblelight, consisting of four infrared modules. The new system was installed within the framework of the existing produciton line. It increased line speed 25%, and its fast heat-up and cool-down properties reduced power consumption.
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Infrared Application of the Month #2:
Drying Printing Inks on Paper
A manufacturer of personalized printed communications uses Heraeus infrared technology to dry inks after printing on a six-color printer. The systems -- featuring carbon infrared lamps from Heraeus Noblelight -- includes a control panel for quick switching on/off of the system as needed. Operating costs are much lower, and production time is greatly reduced.
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Tech Center Spotlight:
Mediumwave IR Heaters
Plastics, water and other solvents absorb medium wave radiation especially well. The use of medium wave infrared heaters helps in the effective drying of paints and lacquers and in the economical processing of plastic foils and sheet. Because of their long life, these heaters are best suited for continuous process. Surface films and very thin materials are heated up extremely efficiently. Medium wave infrared heaters are manufactured as twin tubes in three different tube formats and in any required length up to 20 feet. Twin tube heaters distinguish themselves by their high stability and power density. In addition, because of Heraeus's renowned gold coating, the radiation is precisely directed and the efficiency significantly increased. The heaters can be manufactured in various designs and dimensions to suit all geometrical requirements.
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Special Designs:
Short Wave Plug-in Heater
Heraeus offers the short wave infrared heater with a plug in connection. This design makes initial assembling as well as maintenance during production very simple. The plug in heater type helps to reduce maintenance costs.
Technical Data
- Short Wave
- Twin tube, 23 x 22 mm
- Gold reflector
- Single end connection
- Up to 10 Amp current
- 55-480 Volts possible
Advantages
- Simple installation
- Quick disconnect
- Fast replacement
- Tool-free replacement
- Reduce downtime
Learn more about special designs from Heraeus Noblelight.
Click HERE to download a brochure on this product.
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Technical Learning: Advantages of IR Technology, Part 4
Low Environmental Impact Both Inside and Outside the Plant
Electric IR heating can help manufacturers respond to more stringent environmental regulations. Many manufacturers and finishers are replacing solvent-based paints with water-based paints and powder coatings to satisfy the emission restrictions imposed by new air quality standards. It generally takes longer to cure water-based paints and powders than those that are solvent-based. Because electric IR can increase the heating rate of the coated surface, manufacturers can recover the production efficiencies lost in the switch to water based paints and powders.
Compared to forced-air convection ovens, electric IR heating units draw less air from surrounding space. The environment in and around the electric IR oven is cleaner, because coatings (such as powder) stay on the product. This means less make-up air and a lower space conditioning bill if the manufacturing facility is conditioned. IR units also deliver less waste heat to their surroundings, which can be a significant benefit in warm climates, and they are much quieter, with no burner or large blowers. They do not produce any on-site NOX or SOX emissions.
Value for Investment
Because of its relatively low capital cost, easy installation, reliable operation and efficient use of energy, electric IR heating provides an excellent value for your investment.
Summary of Benefits
In summary, electric IR units offer many advantages to manufacturers:
- Heating rate can be controlled from very low values to very high values
- Higher heating rates mean faster production using less floor space
- Heating rate can be switched on or off in a matter of minutes or seconds, meaning no off-cycle losses
- Heating rate profile through the oven can be varied to optimize product processing
- IR ovens can be zoned to apply heat only where needed without heating the entire product
- Electric IR is an environmentally friendly process, with no on-site NOX or SOX emissions, far less thermal emissions than convection ovens, and virtually no noise emissions
- Electric heating is inherently cleaner than fossil fuel heating; thus, less clean-up is required
- Electric IR can dry/cure coatings very rapidly when the radiation penetrates the coating and heats from within
- In some cases, a coating can be dried/cured in an electric IR oven without heating the entire product, thus protecting heat-sensitive areas and saving energy
- In many cases, drying/curing of coatings with IR results in higher quality finish
- Electric IR is efficient because the energy is transferred directly from the heat source to the product.
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That's it for this month's issue of Application Notes for IR Heating. Feel free to encourage your colleagues to subscribe. Just click HERE to send them an invitation to subscribe. It's quick, easy, FREE, and no-obligation.
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