Films are often coated, printed, embossed, laminated or laminated. However, conventional heating methods quickly reach their limits in the industrial processing of films. Rollers weighing tons have to be heated for a long time. Hot air causes the films to flutter. In contrast, infrared radiation transfers energy efficiently and without contact. Plastics absorb medium wavelengths particularly well and convert them quickly into heat. Excelitas Technologies has various infrared emitters and systems for this process in its portfolio. Carbon infrared emitters emit medium wavelengths and thus heat the films, especially on the surface. They can be controlled very well because they react within seconds. This minimizes damage in the event of a sudden belt stop.
Films benefit from infrared heat
Many components of vehicle interiors consist of carrier parts that are covered with film. This is often done using lamination technology. The adhesive system is applied to the film or carrier part in advance. When heating the TPO and PVC films, Noblelight infrared emitters heat the films quickly, reduce cycle times and at the same time save energy because they do not have to be kept on standby all the time. The infrared emitters are only switched on when heat is required.
Advantages of the IMD process
Plastic injection-molded parts are often coated using the IMD process. In this process, a carrier product with decorative coating is placed inside the injection mold. As the mold is filled with plastic, the lacquer or paint adheres to the surface of the plastic cast parts. When the mold is opened, the lacquer detaches from the carrier and remains on the plastic part. The coated part can now be removed. The entire process benefits from IR technology. The coated transfer product can be processed much better if it is preheated by infrared radiation and thus becomes malleable.
Excelitas at Fakuma
Excelitas offers infrared systems that are precisely adapted to the product and process. At Fakuma from October 15 - 19, 2024, Excelitas Technologies Noblelight will be presenting infrared emitters and systems that can be adapted to plastic materials and processes in Hall A4, Stand 4308.