Infrared emitters optimize technical textiles

Kleinostheim, 06. May 2022

Technical textiles are used in many demanding fields. Fabric for functional clothing is water-repellent yet breathable. A silicone-coated nylon fabric allows an airbag to inflate in a fraction of a second. Geotextiles are used in road construction as a base to prevent subsidence of the pavement.

During production, technical textiles require various heating processes - and infrared emitters often solve the necessary processes much more efficiently than conventional ovens.

Heraeus Noblelight will be exhibiting infrared emitters for the textile industry at the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt from June 21 to 24, in Hall 12, Stand B55, together with Elmatex, the expert for service and equipment in the textile industry.

A customized infrared system from Heraeus Noblelight is helping British company Century Dyeing to implement a drying process within a limited time window and tight space constraints.

Century Dyeing, one of the UK's leading commission dyeing and fabric processing companies, works with high quality synthetic fabrics used for parachutes, tents, hot air balloons and more.

When changing from dark colors to lighter shades, the dye on the fabric was not drying sufficiently and was being smeared by the web guide. Fast response medium wave infrared emitters provided a remedy here, because they dry the waterbased paint considerably faster with precisely tuned radiation in the medium wavelength range. At the same time, these emitters 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 lines such as stenter frames can be supplemented by infrared emitters and thus accelerated.

Demands are constantly increasing and heating processes must not limit production. Infrared systems offer particularly efficient possibilities for preheating, smoothing, laminating, embossing, fusing or drying technical textiles through contact-free and fast heat transfer.

Infrared radiation is a proven heat source in textile processing, because 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 energy consumption, increase production speed and minimize production costs.

Infrared emitters made of quartz glass are often superior to conventional methods such as hot air and steam, as well as ceramic and metal emitters, because their wavelength, shape and power can be precisely matched to the product and process.