Thermoforming, Plastics Processing, and Welding with Infrared Lamps
Efficient heating processes for precise results
Whether thermoforming, joining by IR welding, or laminating – in plastics processing, precise heat determines product quality and process costs. Infrared emitters deliver precisely this precision – contactless, fast, and efficient. IR emitters heat plastics quickly, evenly, and without contact – individually tailored to the material and process.
Technical Basics
Targeted Heating with Infrared Radiation
Infrared radiation (IR) is electromagnetic radiation in the range between 780 nanometers and 2 millimeters. It is directly converted into heat within the plastic material. Depending on the wavelength, the penetration depth and surface effect can be precisely controlled:
- Short-wave IR (NIR): Penetrates deeper, ideal for thicker materials and fast processes
- Medium- and Long-wave IR: Particularly suitable for thin films, surface treatment, or temperature-sensitive materials
The targeted use of IR emitters enables precise temperature control, which is crucial for material properties and product quality.
Applications
Thermoforming, IR welding, and plastics processing
Infrared heaters are indispensable in modern plastics processing. Their advantages are particularly evident in the following areas:
Thermoforming:
- Fast, uniform heating of plastic sheets or films
- Short heating times with minimal thermal impact on the surroundings
- Ideal for packaging, automotive parts, or technical molded parts
Infrared Welding:
- Contactless joining of thermoplastic components
- No particle formation, therefore ideal for medical technology and electronics
- Controlled energy input for consistently high weld quality
Plastics processing in general:
- Preheating before forming, laminating, or embossing
- Stress relief after extrusion or injection molding
- Surface activation for subsequent coatings or bonding
Depending on the material (e.g., PP, PE, ABS, PET, PC) and process requirements, suitable emitter geometries, spectra, and intensities are used.
Advantages of IR Heating Compared to Conventional Methods
For manufacturers and processors who prioritize quality, efficiency, and reproducibility, infrared technology offers numerous advantages:
- Contactless: No mechanical stress or surface contamination
- Fast and Direct: Energy is converted directly into the material
- Precisely Controllable: Temperature profiles can be precisely controlled and adjusted
- Modular and Compact: Emitters can be flexibly integrated or retrofitted
- Low Maintenance: Long service life, no moving parts
- Environmentally Friendly: No emissions, no use of solvents or flames
The technology is suitable for both continuous production lines and intermittent processes.
Conclusion: Infrared Radiation as a Key Technology in Plastics Processing
Infrared emitters offer a reliable, precise, and energy-efficient solution for heating and processing plastics. Whether for thermoforming, joining, or pretreatment – IR technology enables reproducible, high-quality results. Radium TECH offers customized solutions for your processes and supports you from planning to implementation.
Are you looking for a heating solution for your plastics processes? Our experts can help!
Whether you are modernizing existing production lines or developing new products – our specialists from the Radium TECH Application Center will advise you on selecting the optimal infrared system. We deliver customized emitter solutions for your plastics applications.