Infrared emitters from Heraeus Noblelight optimize technical textiles

Heraeus Noblelight is showcasing infrared emitters for the textile industry at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt (June 21-24, Hall 12, Stand B55). A customized infrared system from Heraeus Noblelight is helping British commission dyeing and fabric processing company Century Dyeing achieve a drying process within a limited time window and tight space constraints. The company works with high-quality synthetic fabrics used for parachutes, tents, hot air balloons and more. When changing from dark colors to lighter shades, the paint on the fabric did not dry sufficiently and was smeared by the web guide. Fast medium-wave infrared emitters provided a remedy, because they dry the water-based paint considerably faster with precisely tuned radiation in the medium wavelength range and respond to control commands within seconds. This enables rapid temperature changes and, in the event of an unforeseen belt stop, damage to the material is minimized by a quick shutdown.

Infrared emitters also offer advantages due to their compact design. Existing drying sections such as stenter frames can be supplemented by infrared emitters and thus accelerated. Infrared systems offer particularly efficient options for preheating, smoothing, laminating, embossing, fusing or drying technical textiles thanks to contact-free and rapid heat transfer. Infrared radiation generates heat directly in the material without an intermediate medium. This means that large amounts of energy can be transferred quickly. This helps to reduce the amount of energy required, increase production speed and minimize production costs.