Infrared radiation for finishing operations

Citation

(2001), "Infrared radiation for finishing operations", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 30 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2001.12930bad.007

Infrared radiation for finishing operations

Infrared radiation for finishing operations

Keywords: Sunkiss, Infrared, Drying, Melting, Polymerisation

The French company Sunkiss has launched a range of Thermoreactors® based on an innovative process which uses infrared radiation for drying, melting and polymerisation. These Thermoreactors are thought to provide manufacturers in all sectors with an ideal solution for their custom-built specific drying tunnels, whatever the size or shape of the parts to be treated, the heating requirements or the mode of control.

The Thermoreactor is a catalytic radiant panel producing infrared radiation and convection currents generated by the catalytic combustion of natural gas or propane. Active energy is said to be transferred to the very heart of the coating because of the propagation of magnetic waves in a very broad, constantly fluctuating infrared spectrum which is totally absorbed by all organic coatings, including paints, glues, inks and water.

This radiant energy, combined with hot air currents at the Thermoreactor surface, claims to bring a three to eight-fold reduction in drying times, thanks to a rapid temperature rise and faster evaporation, melting and polymerisation. This time reduction means that drying tunnels can be shorter and more compact and hence installed in much smaller premises.

With its specific components and novel mode of operation, the Thermoreactor is believed to be quite different from other infrared techniques and claims excellent performance in terms of radiation efficiency. Product finishing quality is said to be enhanced and better paint film tension is obtained because of complete through drying, solvent or water evaporation from the inside to the outside, very rapid melting of powder paints. Operating flexibility is also said to be increased. According to the manufactures a tunnel equipped with a Thermoreactor takes only ten minutes to set into operation. Moreover, energy savings of more than 50 per cent are claimed owing to direct transfer of energy from the Thermoreactor to the organic coatings. The environment is not forgotten either, since the solvents brought into contact with the Thermoreactor during the drying phase are reportedly destroyed by flameless oxidation.

From PU varnish drying on saxophones, hydrosoluble varnish drying on wooden stairs, to paint polymerization on metal, plastic or glass surfaces, the range of applications is described as wide and varied. The Thermoreactor can also be used to dry coatings such as glue, plastisol or foam deposited on PVC, paper or textiles. It is also ideal for ink drying and for plastic preheating before thermoforming.

Sunkiss is looking for distributors and/or licensed partners.

Details available from: FTPB. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7235 5330; Fax: +44 (0) 20 7235 2773.