Electric radiant heater

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Overview
Short-wave infrared (short-wave IR) technology delivers very high power densities (approximately 5–500 kW/m²) using quartz tube emitters heated to around 2,000°C, enabling very fast response times (~1 s) and deep penetration into materials. It is specified for processes requiring high power density, rapid heating and penetration — for example thick products, heavy coatings, solvent-containing processes and high-throughput lines. Radiation efficiency is typically 80–95%, so most energy is transferred to the product rather than the installation.

Key Performance Highlights

• Response time: ~1 s
• Maximum power density: up to 500 kW/m² (typical use often above 100 kW/m²)
• Radiation efficiency: 80–95%
• Emitter tube temperature: up to ~2,000°C
• Extensive laboratory validation: documented >10,000 tests

Technical advantages and process benefits

• Extreme reactivity: one-second inertia lets short-wave IR follow rapid process changes without lag.
• Deep penetration: simultaneously heats surface and core — essential for thick products, heavy coatings and thermoplastic composites.
• Defect-free liquid paint drying: at low densities (up to ~30 kW/m²) the layer heats through its thickness, reducing micro-bubbling and cratering.
• Safer in solvent environments: quartz tube confines the heat source; external surfaces remain much cooler than comparable medium-wave emitters, lowering solvent ignition risk in non-ATEX processes.

Typical processes and applications

• Paint and coating drying and polymerisation (liquid paints, inks, pad printing).
• Floor coverings and heavy-coating production (PVC, foamed PVC, coated textiles).
• Automotive: pre-heating before stamping of acoustic insulation carpets, reheating heavy masses.
• High-speed papermaking and other very fast-throughput lines requiring intense short-time power densities.
• Thermoplastic composite processing where deep, fast heating is required.

How Sopara positions short-wave IR
Sopara offers short-wave IR as one of three mastered wavelength ranges (short-, medium- and long-wave). Performance depends on the combination of emitter design, regulation/control (ThermalCore™) and material know-how. Sopara provides a certified range of emitters covering 5–500 kW/m² and performs laboratory tests to validate wavelength choice per material.

Comparison notes (as presented)
Medium-wave IR

• Surface temperature: 600–1,200°C
• Inertia: 10 seconds to 2 minutes
• Good material absorption, radiation efficiency above 90%

Long-wave IR

• Heating element temperature: 300–700°C
• Inertia: 2 to 5 minutes
• Very low penetration, electrically inert design for severe environments

Technical specifications

• Wavelength / Technology: Short-wave infrared (quartz tube emitters)
• Power density range: approx. 5 to 500 kW/m² (practical use often >100 kW/m²)
• Typical radiation efficiency: 80–95%
• Emitter tube temperature: up to ~2,000°C
• Typical response/inertia: ~1 second
• Range certified and tested: emitters available from 5 to 500 kW/m²; ISO 9001 / 100% of emitters tested before dispatch
• Applicability: paint & coating drying, floor coverings, automotive, papermaking, thermoplastic composites, solvent environments (non-ATEX)
• Laboratory validation: extensive internal testing (documented >10,000 tests)