IR in Plastics Processing
Infrared heat is a vital component in many plastics processing methods; the unique properties of IR heat--targeted heat, quick heat-up and cool-down, precise temperature control--lend themselves to efficient plastic processing. Specific uses of IR for plastics processing include the following:
- Thermoforming - heating a sheet of plastic and forming it to a new size and shape.
- Embossing - Application of texture to plastic by means of a cylinder; the cylinder makes an impression on the plastic surface to give a tactile feel to the surface.
- Laminating - This process is usually done as web or converting; the process involves sandwiching multiple sheets of plastic together and sending them through nip rollers; the result is laminate. A pre-applied dry adhesive (hot melt glue etc.) is activated by infrared, bonding the layers.
- Painting - Application of color or tint to the surface of plastics. Infrared heats the paint for proper adhesion to the surface.
- Annealing - With injection molding of polycarbonate, a tremendous amount of stress is built up in the plastic. Infrared is used in a reheating process called annealing; this step removes much of the stress form the polycarbonate, resulting in a stronger and more homogeneous product. Plastic water coolers and automobile taillights are prime examples of products that benefit from the annealing process. The fast-acting infrared reduces time spent on the annealing process from hours to minutes.
- Forming - heating of plastic to bend into a specific shape.
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Other popular uses for infrared include heat staking and plastics welding.
These examples are by no means a complete list. Infrared heat is an effective and efficient means of applying process heat in many other plastics applications.
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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