Short Wavelength Lamps
These lamps are generally used in applications where a product is to be heated or cured (These lamps may be operated in horizontal or
vertical orientations)
ƒ? Heat treating metals
ƒ? Annealing metals
ƒ? Spot welding metals and plastics
ƒ? Localized softening plastic for bending or forming
ƒ? Curing silicone and other rubber extrusions
ƒ? Limitations
™? Absorption of short wavelength is affected by product color. Black and dark colors absorb well.
™? Heating lighter colors may be more readily achieved with medium wavelength lamps.
™? Metals such as Teflon do not absorb short wavelength energy.
™? Most of the energy will pass through and heat whatever is behind the Teflon.
Medium Wavelength Lamps
ƒ? These lamps are generally used in applications where a surface needs to be dried.
ƒ? High speed drying water or solvent based ink.
ƒ? Removing water after coil coating
ƒ? Heating substances such as Teflon that do not absorb short wavelength
ƒ? Heating lighter colored surfaces
ƒ? Limitations
™? Medium wavelength does not penetrate as deeply into metals, plastics or rubber as short wavelength.
ƒ? These lamps may only be operated in a horizontal orientation.
Rapid Response
The lamps (both short wave length and medium wavelength) have a low mass tungston wire filament that heats immediately when voltage is
applied. This low thermal mass allows the heaters to reach the operating temperature in 1 to 3 seconds when voltage is initially applied and to
respond with the same rapidity when voltage is varied. This ability to change heat output almost instantaneously make them a superior choice
in applications where operating conditions such as line speed can change rapidly and the heat must follow this change.
Long Lamp Life
Typical lamps will operate for 5000 hours at rated voltage. This predicted life will be affected by the actual voltage applied. Over voltage will
significantly decrease the life and operating at less than rated voltage will increase the life.
All the lamps enclose the tungsten filament in a quartz envelope that is transparent to the infrared energy. It must be kept free of containments
such as oil to prevent premature lamp failure. The quartz will not absorb the infrared but the oil contaminate will and the lamp envelope will
heat in the area of contamination. Wiping the lamp down with a clean cloth and alcohol will eliminate the contamination.