ApplicationsHeat and Cut Plastic Parts
Application:
A manufacturer of speciality plastic products cutting tubular plastic stock to length.
Problem:
- Poor Quality - The tubular plastic stock was cut with a knife that produced chipped and ragged cut edges.
- Stock Differences - The tubular plastic stock was made in a variety of sizes and colors.
Solution:
- Heat - Two Model 4185-05 Infrared Strip Heaters were enclosed on opposing sides of a reflector unit installed on the production conveyor to heat the plastic stock before it was cut.
- Power Control - A Model 609 Phase Angle SCR Power Controller with a remote-mountable one-turn potentiometer controlled the power to the Infrared Strip Heaters.
Benefits:
- Improved Quality - By applying precisely controlled heat with the Model 4185 Infrared Strip Heaters just before the plastic was cut, the manufacturer softened the plastic, resulting in a clean, smooth cut.
- Adjustable Heat - The potentiometer adjusted the Infrared Strip Heaters for the varying sizes and colors of plastic.