How to choose an infrared heating lamp for a specific application?
Consider the characteristics of the object being heatedMaterial properties: Different materials have different absorption capacities for infrared. If the object being heated is a metal material, an infrared heating lamp with a suitable wavelength needs to be selected due to the absorption and reflection characteristics of metals for infrared. Generally speaking, infrared rays with a wavelength of 2-10 microns can be better absorbed by metals for heating. For non-metallic materials such as plastics and wood, the wavelength bands in which they absorb infrared rays may vary, and they should be selected based on the absorption spectrum of the specific material. For example, some plastics absorb infrared rays better in the 3-5 micron band, so a heating lamp with a stronger output in this band can be preferred.
Shape and size: For objects with regular shapes and small sizes, it may be sufficient to choose an infrared heating lamp with a lower power and a narrower beam angle. However, if you are heating large or complex objects, such as car bodies, you need to consider the range and angle of the heating lamp. Usually, you need to choose a heating lamp that can irradiate at multiple angles or has a larger beam coverage area. You may also need to use multiple heating lamps in combination to ensure that all parts of the object are heated evenly.Select according to the required heating speed and temperature requirements
Heating speed: If fast heating is required, such as fast drying or curing processes on industrial production lines, high-power infrared heating lamps should be selected. High-power heating lamps can output a large amount of infrared energy in a short period of time, causing the heated object to heat up rapidly. However, it should be noted that high-power heating lamps may also cause local overheating, so it is necessary to consider factors such as the characteristics and size of the heated object. For example, in some paint applications that require fast curing, infrared heating lamps with a power of 1.5-3 kilowatts may be more suitable.Temperature requirements: Different application scenarios have strict requirements on heating temperature. For example, in food processing, some baking processes may only need to heat the surface temperature of the food to about 100-150\\u2103, while in metal heat treatment, the temperature may need to reach several hundred degrees. According to these temperature requirements, infrared heating lamps that can stably reach and maintain the corresponding temperature should be selected. At the same time, the temperature control accuracy of the heating lamp should also be considered. For applications with precise temperature requirements, such as some precision heating experiments in the laboratory, heating lamps with high-precision temperature controllers need to be selected.
Evaluating the optical performance of heating lampsBeam angle and spot shape: The beam angle determines the irradiation range of the heating lamp. For large-area flat heating, such as drying large plates, a heating lamp with a larger beam angle (such as 60-90 degrees) can effectively cover the entire plane. For local heating or when the heating area requires high precision, it is more appropriate to choose a heating lamp with a smaller beam angle (such as 30-45 degrees). The spot shape is also important. A regular circular or square spot is conducive to uniform heating, while an irregular spot may cause uneven heating.
Infrared wavelength distribution: As mentioned earlier, the right wavelength distribution is the key to ensuring effective heating. Choose a heating lamp with the corresponding wavelength output according to the material properties of the heating object. Some heating lamps can emit infrared rays with a wider band, which is suitable for heating a variety of materials; while some heating lamps have a more concentrated wavelength output, which is suitable for efficient heating of specific materials. You can check the product manual or technical parameters of the heating lamp to understand its wavelength distribution.
Consider the stability and reliability of the heating lampService life: In some continuous working application scenarios, such as long-term heating operations on industrial production lines, the service life of the heating lamp is crucial. Choosing infrared heating lamps with long service life can reduce the frequency of replacement, reduce production costs and maintenance workload. Generally speaking, the service life of high-quality infrared heating lamps can reach more than 5000-10000 hours. You can find out the service life of the heating lamp by checking the product’s quality certification, user reviews or consulting the manufacturer.Shock and vibration resistance: If the heating lamp is used in an environment where vibration or shock may exist, such as on a moving vehicle or in a production workshop with mechanical vibration, the shock and vibration resistance of the heating lamp needs to be considered. Choosing a heating lamp with a sturdy structure and tested for shock and vibration resistance can ensure that it can work normally in harsh environments and avoid damage to the heating lamp due to external factors that affects the heating effect.
