Plastics Industry
Infrared for the Plastics Industry
Infrared technology offers virtually unlimited possibilities in plastics processing and has proven to be one of the most efficient and versatile heating methods in this field.
Due to the wide variety of processing methods used in the plastics industry, the range of possible infrared applications continues to grow — supported by the ongoing replacement of other materials with plastics in modern production.
Typical applications include drying (e.g. of granulates) as a preparation step for further processing, melting and forming (e.g. during thermoforming), curing and drying of plastic coatings, and embossing of patterns and structures.
Plastic welding is an area where infrared technology has proven particularly effective, offering distinct advantages over conventional methods. Furthermore, infrared systems are also used in various stages of 3D printing processes, where precise and contactless heat application is essential.
Advantages of Infrared in the Plastics Industry
Our infrared systems provide numerous benefits for heating, forming, and joining processes in plastics manufacturing:
- No material residues on tools due to contactless heat transfer
- Higher product quality through the elimination of contamination or surface residues
- Precisely controllable heating zones, ideal for multi-material components
- Lower energy consumption compared to conventional tool-based heating methods
- Capability to reproduce complex geometries with high accuracy
- No material displacement of granulates or powders caused by air movement
- High energy density in compact spaces, ideal for applications such as 3D printing
Looking for a Solution for a Plastics Application?
Contact us today for a personal consultation!
Whether your process involves melting, welding, or deburring, we will develop the ideal infrared solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Our Products for the Plastics Industry
Plastic Welding with the Pin Socket Lamp
Originally developed to meet the specific challenges of plastic welding, our Pin Socket Lamp is perfectly suited for this process.
The main challenges in plastic welding and deburring are typically the reproduction of complex geometries and the need for precise, localized heating. The Pin Socket Lamp meets these requirements perfectly. The miniaturized emitters, approximately the size of a standard LED bulb, can be arranged in virtually any configuration.
If the course of a weld seam changes during a project, there is no need to produce new, custom-shaped contour emitters, as the flexible configuration of the Pin Socket Lamp allows easy adaptation. The lamp’s highly focused radiation cone can be further refined by adding a reflector directly onto the lamp, enabling even more precise and efficient energy application.
Infrared Modules for Plastics Forming
Infrared modules provide fast, uniform, and precisely controllable heating for forming processes in plastics manufacturing.
Many plastic products require the forming of materials into specific shapes. To achieve this, the plastic sheet, melt, or film must first be heated before being shaped by a mold or forming tool.
Infrared modules are particularly well-suited for these applications, as the high production volumes in plastics processing demand fast cycle times and highly accurate heat input to ensure consistent quality and process efficiency.
Infrared Solutions for Your Industry
In nearly all production processes, infrared technology can help reduce cycle times, save energy, and minimize space requirements.
