Rapido™ IR Lamp

Two types of infrared heating technologies have been used through the years.  Short wave infrared typically is generated by T3 quartz halogen lamps.  These lamps are characterized by intense white light output and thermal energy that is predominantly in the short wavelength range.  Medium wave emitters are mostly lower density hot wall or quartz tubes.  Medium wavelength emitters are efficient as they emit wavelengths that are preferred by water, many organic materials, and plastics.  However, medium wave tubes and panels are typically low density (<35 w/in), which means that long ovens or slow line speeds.

A new emitter, the Rapido™   lamp has been developed to combine many of the advantages of short wave and medium wave technology.  The table below compares the Rapido™ with the other emitters.  A large filament emitting area, coupled with a lower operating temperature filament offers high heating rates in the medium wavelength range.  This lamp has high heating rates in up to 130 w/in and has instant on and off capabilities similar to a T3 lamp.

 
Infrared Emitter Advantages Drawbacks
 
Short Wave Quartz Halogen Lamp (T3)
 High heating rates (up to 200 w/in)  Reflective off white membrane and color selective
 Instant on/off (seconds) Heat may pass through thin materials
 Penetrating heat in polymers  Emission of white light (glare)
Rapido™ Lamp High heating rates (up to 130 w/in)  Mostly surface heat in polymers
Instant on/off (seconds)
Strong absorption by water and polymers
Non-color selective
Orange color emission (no glare)
Medium Wave - Tube or Panel Strong absorption by water and polymers Slow response (minutes)
Non-color selective Low heating rates  (< 35 w/in)
Orange to no visible light nor glare Mostly surface heat in polymers

The Rapido™ has approximately 6 times the emitting surface area as compared with a T3 short wave lamp.  That allows the filament temperature to operate at much lower temperatures, which eliminates most of the visible light, and shifts the wavelength towards the medium wavelength ranges (see figure below).  The Rapido™ is a sealed construction, like the T3, and hence has a life expectancy of in excess of 5000 hours. 

Standard Rapido™ Lamps are available.  Custom Rapido™ lamps may also be manufactured to meet the needs of the application.  Use the configuration sheets below to send in your requirements. Click on the links below to download documents.


Rapido™ Brochure (pdf file)
Rapido™ Configuration Worksheet (pdf file)