ApplicationsDry Ink on Plastic
Application:
A manufacturer of plastic injection parts for intravenous kits drying water-based ink graduation markings on the parts.
Problem:
- Poor Quality - The existing method of drying the water-based ink with a convection heater did not consistently produce quality markings on the parts.
- Excessive Scrap - An excessive number of parts were being scrapped due to the inconsistent quality.
- Slow Line Speed - The existing line speed of 7 feet (2 meters) was not fast enough to meet production output requirements.
- Unfocused Heat - The surrounding area was being heated with the existing convection heater, resulting in employee discomfort.
Solution:
- Heat - A Model 4185-10 Infrared Strip Heater provided heat to dry the water-based ink.
- Power Control - A Model 5620 Phase Angle SCR Power Controller controlled the power to the Infrared Strip Heater.
- Instant On/Off - The Infrared Strip Heater responded instantly to changes in line speed.
Benefits:
- Improved Quality - Drying the water-based ink with the Infrared Strip Heater
- consistently produced quality markings on the parts.
- Reduced Scrap - The need to scrap parts due to poor quality on the inked markings was virtually eliminated.
- Faster Line Speed - Using the Infrared Strip Heater allowed the manufacturer to increase line speed to 20-25 feet (6-7.6 meters) per minute.
- Focused Heat - The Infrared Strip Heater focused heat on the parts only, increasing employee comfort and eliminated the need to provide additional room air conditioning.
- Responsive Heat Source - The instant on/off capabilities of the Infrared Strip Heater prevented product burns when the line stopped.