There are several industrial processes that require heating, many of which could benefit from using infrared as a flameless heating solution. Whether it’s a simple drying process or a more complex one, infrared heaters can offer benefits that other heat sources cannot, and in this post, you are going to learn how they work, as well as their applications and benefits:
Infrared Heating Technology, Explained
There are three primary forms of heat transfer, namely conduction, convection, and radiation. The one we’re focusing on, infrared heating, is a radiative heat transferring form. It makes use of electromagnetic waves that come from the source to its target. To generate heat from infrared, an electrical current has to be passed through a metallic element. The infrared energy’s wavelength generated mainly depends on the thickness of the heating element and the material used. The wavelength is measured in microns.
Infrared Heater Benefits
Some of the benefits of infrared heating include;
Efficiency
Because energy is directly transferred from the heat source to its target, infrared heaters tend to be more efficient and use less energy.
Precision
Infrared heaters can be adjusted to suit the product’s shape, power, wavelength, and voltage precisely. Because of this precision, you can expect an increase in process speed as well as improved quality.
Application Areas of Infrared Heating in the Industrial Field
For Embossing, Laminating, Moulding, and Thermoforming
Modern plastic materials’ surfaces have to be homogeneously heated before embossing and laminating them. The heat must be spread evenly without a loss for robust floorings or large-scale foils, even in border areas.
Infrared heating systems can be designed so that the whole surface is quickly and homogeneously heated. Additionally, the heat is immediately applied in front of the press or on the embossing gap, saving cost and energy.
Drying of Coatings, Paints, and Varnishes
There are many paints, varnishes, and other coatings that need heat to dry. Water and water-based varnishes are dried, while powder coating requires gelling and curing. Infrared heaters dry water-based coatings efficiently, and they can speed up the melting of powder coatings, too.
Cutting and Welding
Infrared welding is used in different industrial processes, mainly in plastics – in fan components, induction pipes, and tanks that should be able to withstand pressure. Infrared heating helps connect the parts without leading to particles in the tubes.
In most cases, combining infrared preheating and vibration welding can be advantageous as the infrared radiation melts the surface of the plastic, ensuring that particle formation during vibration welding is also minimized.
Industrial Heating
It may be in engine blocks: mirrors, filter housings, and more. One thing is clear – there are hardly any parts of industrial manufacturing that don’t require heating, at least once. Because precision is necessary for this process so as not to impair the efficiency of the workflow, infrared heating systems are perfect for this process.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are indeed many industrial applications for infrared heating, so it’s highly likely for your business to need one or more of these flameless heating devices. If you do intend to invest in flameless heating systems, you have to ensure that you get them from a reliable supplier.
Bruest Catalytic Heaters can provide you with flameless heating solutions that you need for your business. As world leaders in the industry, we ensure safe and efficient systems for your flameless heating needs.
