Infrared systems for more efficient heating prior to embossing
In embossing, a structure is pressed into a plastic sheet to achieve the desired feel and appearance. To achieve this, the surface must be minimally softened by heat and therefore, the plastic foil runs through a heat station. The desired structures are then pressed into the soft surface by passing the foil between steel rollers and a rubber roller as counter bearings.
In this case, it pays off if the heating takes place as close as possible to the embossing nip / embossing calander. This is because the longer the heating process takes, the more the complete foil web heats up, even in depth. This can lead to the soft film being undesirably pulled or stretched as it continues to run.
Short-wave infrared emitters are very powerful and, in contrast to conventional emitters, can heat the foils very quickly and in a targeted manner. Compact, powerful infrared modules require a smaller surface area than conventional, usually large-area heating solutions. This means less convective losses to the environment and thus significantly improved energy efficiency.