Frequently Asked Questions
Infrared (IR) is a part of electromagnetic spectrum and lies just beyond red color of visible light. Infrared is invisible. However it has properties similar to light i.e. it travels at the speed of light, it can be directed or focussed and it can travel even in vacuum. When IR radiation is absorbed by an object , heat is generated internally in the object as IR causes the atom of the object to vibrate, raising its temperature. ( Temperature of any substance is a measure of the severity of the vibration of its atoms.) IR does not need a medium like air to heat a substance. IR wavelengths begin at 0.7 microns and wavelengths up to 10 microns have significance as far as industrial heating is concerned. These wavelengths are determined by the IR source temperature and each temperature has a characteristic spectrum with a "peak wavelength". A graph showing typical spectral distribution of energy for different types of IR sources is shown here.
The Ranges are :
SW : 1800 - 2200 oC
FMW : 1200 - 1800 oC
MW : 750 - 1200 oC
LW upto 750 oC
Infrared heating is regarded as the preferred source of heating for various applications because of the advantages it offers:
Non contact heating
Better quality of the product
One stage heat transfer
High energy efficiency
Faster rate of heating
Shorter heating cycles, consequently shorter oven lengths for continuous operations
Low thermal inertia
Shorter heat up and cool down time
Emitters that respond instantly
High controllability and control accuracy
No combustion by-product
Clean system
Modular construction
Flexibility
