IR in Metal Fabrication

ir used in metals industries There are a wide number of applications for infrared technology in the metals industry; the most popular use is in the coating of metals. Applying paint onto metals is an energy-intensive process; a great deal of heat is needed, but that heat is relatively low-temperature and must be precisely controlled. Infrared heat is effective for paint drying or powder coating onto metals without changing the properties of the metal. In many industries including automotive, Whether the material being coated is sheet metal, metal assemblies, metal castings or another metal object, infrared heat is effective and efficient.

The coil coating process is also well-served by infrared heat. Appliance manufacture makes extensive use of metal coil for products, and infrared heat assists in the process. Coils of sheet metal are pre-painted prior to assembly of appliances and other consumer items. This extremely high-speed process applies paint to rolls via powder coating or spray painting, and then, after curing, re-rolls the sheet metal for later use. Many steel manufacturers have brought this coil coating process in-house as a means of adding value to their customers (consumer goods manufacturers, etc.). With its quick heat-up properties and the ability for precise, targeted heat, infrared is a vital part of these processes. Infrared is far superior to other heat methods (such as hot air) because it is fast and allows the process to take place in a small area.

ir used in metals industries For higher-temperature applications, infrared heat is used to relieve stress of welded parts. The manufacture of aircraft engines uses infrared in this way. Superheating metal (up to 2000°C) for forming items like titanium sheets is another application for which infrared heat is well-suited. Hot forming allows the metal to retain its properties.

Infrared heat is used to fix adhesives onto metal in wheel wells of automobiles, keeping moisture out of rust-prone areas. Refrigerators and similar items often have a "mesh" of metal on the backside that holds fragile metal tubing in place; during appliance manufacture, infrared is used to fix this mesh onto the tubing.

Preheating of metal tools, dies and blocks used in plastics injection molding is achieved through infrared heating; fast and precise temperature control of these parts ensures effective and consistent plastics fabrication. The process of molding titanium parts for human body part replacement requires a similar pre-heating process to be employed; again, infrared heat is a very effective means of achieving the required temperatures. Preheating also reduces stress on the dies, increasing the service life of these very expensive components.

ir used in metals industries Other uses for Heraeus Noblelight infrared technology in the metals industry include:

  • Drying adhesives on aluminum foil
  • Softening pants on steel sheets prior to roll forming
  • Sintering (powder heating) for metallization of photovoltaic cells
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.
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Heraeus Noblelight  •  Duluth GA 30096 USA  •  Phone 678.258.3898  •  Email sales@noblelight.net