One of the most well-known uses for infrared heat is in the drying of paint on automotive bodywork. But that is only one of the innumerable applications of IR technology in the manufacture of motor vehicles. From the manufacture of driving mirrors to the forming of carpets or the welding of windshield fluid cylinders -- on the long road from the manufacture of individual components to the production of complete vehicles, nearly every automotive component comes into contact with infrared at least once.
Powder coating or paint curing of oil filter housings, engine blocks, cylinder heads, pistons, other motor parts, steering columns
Welding of fluid reservoirs, filter assemblies, air filter boxes, automotive batteries
Drying flux powder for radiators, battery plates, insulating coating on windings for starter motors
Brazing of radiators
Heat shrinking of protective tubes over wiring looms
Heating wiring looms for easier mounting
Airbag assembly
Preheating steel prior to punching
Vulcanizing of tire tread
Fixing of sound deadening material
Silvering and protective coating on mirrors
Laminating of glass
Drying screen printed ink on car glass
Heating glass prior to PU-foam application of convertible tops to improve flexibility
Heating chrome strips
Forming of headliners
Forming and laminating of back dashboard/parcel shelf
Bonding of roof rack
Powder coating aluminum wheels and rocker panels
PVC Coating of sill panels
Thermoforming interior and exterior trim components
Manufacturing of interior trim
Stress relieving of molded components
Heating plastic seat covers prior to perforating
Heat staking of door panels, dashboards and front grill assemblies
Curing coating on rubber seals
Preheating doors and door seals
Flocking of door seals
Forming of carpets
Removing creases from seat covers and door panels
Activating adhesive on protective trim/strips
Drying cavity wax
Embossing of fabric for door panels and dash assemblies
Activating adhesive on door panels
Drying lacquer on loudspeaker covers
Heat stretching of loudspeaker covers
Drying and curing: car body painting, spot repair, hydro wax protective painting, reflective coating on light assemblies, protective powder coating on brake discs, paint on fuel tanks, paint on plastic bumpers
Bonding of friction material on brake part materials
Welding filter tube to fuel tank
Welding light cluster assemblies
Curing of coatings on bitumen sound deadening material
As this (partial) list illustrates, virtually every part of a car comes into contact with infrared during its manufacture. It's important to select the right system to suit the application. Heraeus Noblelight's application engineers work closely with you to develop a solution that meets your specific needs. Infrared heat is an effective and efficient means of applying process heat in many other industries.
Explore this site for application solutions employing infrared technology. Heraeus offers complete systems using infrared technology; we can design a system to meet your specific, unique and demanding needs.
