Plastics processing capabilities of infra-red

Citation

(2002), "Plastics processing capabilities of infra-red", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 31 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2002.12931fad.012

Plastics processing capabilities of infra-red

Plastics processing capabilities of infra-red

Keywords: Plastics, Infrared, Radiation

Heraeus Noble showed its comprehensive range of infra-red emitters, specially developed for the application in the plastics industry at the recent Interplas 2002, NEC, Birmingham, UK.

On show for the first time at a UK exhibition was the carbon infra-red twin tube emitter, which is said to offer the highest power density ever achievable from medium wave emitters. The carbon infra- red technology CIR, which has been developed exclusively by Heraeus, features the rapid response and high energy transfer capabilities of short wave emitters with the efficiency of medium wave infrared in plastics processing. Carbon twin tube emitters are said to have twice the maximum power intensity of conventional medium wave twin tube emitters, which it is believed makes them ideal for economical plastics processing.

Heracus also had on show its range of specially developed infra-red emitters, which can be supplied with different emission spectra and in various shapes and sizes to meet specific heating applications. Small surface emitters heat part surfaces for gluing and deformation in a few seconds, while contoured emitters, matched to the product shape, can provide targeted heat for gluing, bending and non-contact welding. Omega short wave emitters can be used in the hot staking of plastic pins and rivets.

Infra-red radiation is thought to be eminently suitable for many plastics processing applications, as it is readily absorbed by plastics, giving up its energy to molecules which are oscillating at the radiation frequency and so producing heat within the material. For optimum heating efficiency, it is important that the wavelength of the radiation is matched with the absorption properties of the material to be heated. Careful selection of the infra-red spectra can reportedly realise energy savings of 50 per cent.

Heraeus offers a range of infra-red emitters, which can be matched with virtually any formulation and any plastics processing technique: medium wave which predominantly heat the surface of a product for adhesion and drying; medium wave emitters which heat thin materials and foils; and short wave emitters, whose radiation penetrates deeply into materials to provide uniform volumetric heating.

Further details are available from Heraeus Noblelight Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 151 343 0545 Fax: +44 (0) 151 343 9883.