On the blow molding line, preform heating is where you either set yourself up for clean stretch and good clarity—or you start racking up scrap and unplanned stops. For PC preforms, short wave infrared is the only way I know to get the fast, deep surface heating the process actually needs.
What matters, technically
We build short wave IR emitters that match the heating-tunnel specs on Sidel, Krones, SIPA, Husky, and other blow molders. The output is tuned to peak around 1.0–1.2 μm to sit right inside PC absorption, so the energy goes into the preform wall, not into heating the air around it. Typical ratings run 1.5–2.5 kW per lamp, 230 V or 400 V, with R7s bases. We match the quartz-tube length and outer diameter exactly to the original holder geometry. Response is fast—full power in seconds—so the heating profile can keep up with high-speed indexing without overshoot.
Why it works in practice
Short wave IR gives you repeatable preform surface temperature before stretch, and that directly supports stable stretch blow molding. You get fewer haze issues, better top-load strength, and less cavity-to-cavity variability. Because it’s a 1:1 parameter match, you can drop the lamp into the existing mounts and reuse your wiring and reflectors—no need to redesign the heating section. In real terms, that means fewer changeover headaches, less setup time, and energy use per bottle that stays predictable.
The details that keep you out of trouble
Installation is straightforward, but the lamp is sensitive to contamination. Handle only the quartz, with clean gloves, and wipe it with isopropyl alcohol before seating. Fingerprints will cook into hot spots and cut life short. Double-check your machine’s voltage and ignition method, and make sure the lamp’s cold resistance and connector type line up. Do that, and you avoid flicker or a failure right at startup.