The PVC molding had to be heated to 180°F (82°C) to complete the annealing process.
Slow Line Speed
The existing heating method could achieve the required product temperatures at a line speed of 23 feet (7 meters) per minute.
Limited Production Output
The existing line speed was not fast enough to meet production output requirements.
Solution
Heat
Four Model 5306-25 Infrared Strip Heaters provided heat to anneal the PVC auto molding.
Power Control
Two Model 664F Phase Angle SCR Power Controllers controlled the power to the Infrared Strip Heaters.
System Integration
The Infrared Strip Heaters and SCR Power Controllers were installed with a laser thermometer and a PLC.
Instant On/Off
The Infrared Strip Heaters responded instantly to changes in line speed.
Benefits
Faster Line Speed
The Infrared Strip Heaters allowed the manufacturer to increase line speed to 32 feet (9.8 meters) per minute while achieving the required product temperatures.
Increased Production Output
The increased line speed enabled the manufacturer to increase production output by 39%.
Closed-Loop Control
By integrating the Infrared Strip Heaters and SCR Power Controllers with a laser thermometer and a PLC, the manufacturer was able to monitor product temperature and tightly control the annealing process.
Improved Quality
The quality of the PVC auto molding improved as a result of the new, tightly-controlled heating system.
Responsive Heat Source
The instant on/off capabilities of the Infrared Strip Heaters enabled the manufacturer to begin production without warming up the heating system, and to immediately stop running the heating system when the production line stopped.
