FAQ- Infrared Heaters

1. Short Wave Infrared Heating Lamps (SWIR Lamps)

Q1. What is a short wave infrared heating lamp?

Short wave infrared (SWIR) heating lamps use tungsten filaments inside quartz tubes to produce very high-intensity infrared radiation. They convert electricity directly into heat with extremely fast response time.

Q2. What is the wavelength range of short wave infrared?

Short wave infrared operates typically between 0.8 to 1.4 microns, which allows instant heat transfer to the product surface.

Q3. How fast do short wave infrared heaters heat up?

They reach full power in 1–2 seconds, making them ideal for instant heating applications

Q3. What are the main advantages of short wave infrared lamps?

·        Instant ON/OFF (no warm-up time)

·        Very high heating intensity

·        High energy efficiency

·        Compact size

·        Precise temperature control

Q4. Where are short wave infrared lamps commonly used?

·        PET preform heating

·        Plastic thermoforming

·        Paint and ink drying

·        Automotive component heating

·        Printing ink drying

·        High-speed production lines.

Q5. What are twin tube short wave infrared heaters?

Twin tube heaters contain two quartz tubes fused together, offering:

•    Better mechanical strength

•    Uniform heat distribution

•    Higher power density

Q6. What voltage options are available?

Typical voltages:

•          110V

•          220–240V

•          380–415V

(Custom voltages available on request)

Q7. Are short wave infrared lamps safe for continuous operation?

Yes. When operated within rated voltage, temperature, and cooling conditions, SWIR lamps are designed for continuous industrial use.

Q8. What is the typical lifespan of a short wave infrared lamp?

Depending on operating voltage and environment conditions, lifespan ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 hours.

Q9. Can short wave infrared lamps be customized?

Yes. Length, wattage, filament type, reflector coating (gold/ceramic), and lead configuration can be customized based on application.

2. Short Wave Infrared Heaters (Complete Assemblies)

Q8. What is the difference between a lamp and a heater?

A lamp is the heating element, while a heater includes the lamp, ceramic holders, reflectors, housing, wiring, and mounting accessories for ready installation.

Q9. Why should I choose a complete short wave infrared heater instead of only lamps?

Complete heaters offer: - Uniform heat distribution - Safer operation - Faster installation - Longer lamp life due to proper mounting and Connecting

Q10. Are reflectors important in infrared heaters?

Yes. Reflectors (gold or Ceramic) focus infrared energy onto the target surface, increasing heating efficiency and reducing energy loss.

Q11. Can heaters be used in open environments?

Yes, but suitable protection and correct distance from the product are recommended to avoid heat loss and ensure operator safety.

3. Medium Wave Infrared Heaters (MWIR Heaters)

Q12. What is a medium wave infrared heater?

Medium wave infrared heaters use nickel-chromium (NiCr) filament inside quartz tubes to emit infrared heat radiation , suitable for deeper and more uniform heating.

Q13.Is medium wave available in Twintube and Reflective Coatings.

Yes, Medium Wave Infrared heaters available in twintube with a choice of one side white coating(Ceramic) or Gold Reflective Coating. 

Q12. What is the wavelength range of medium wave heaters?

Medium wave heaters operate in the range of 2.0 – 4.0 microns.

Q13. How is medium wave infrared different from short wave infrared?

·        Medium wave has slower response time than short wave

·        Better suited for thicker materials

·        More uniform heat penetration

·        Lower surface scorching risk

Q14. What industries use medium wave infrared heaters?

·        Powder coating curing

·        Textile drying

·        Food processing (non-contact heating)

·        Rubber and foam heating

·        Paper and wood drying

• Conveyor ovens
• Lamination processes

Q15. Are medium wave heaters energy efficient?

Yes. They provide efficient heat transfer with controlled radiation, making them ideal for continuous and medium-speed production lines.

Q16. How fast do medium wave heaters heat up?

They reach operating temperature in 30–60 seconds.

13. What is the typical life of medium wave heaters?

Average life:10,000 – 20,000 hours

4. Ceramic Infrared Heaters (CIR Heaters)

Q17. What is a ceramic infrared heater?

Ceramic infrared heaters use ceramic bodies with embedded resistance coils. They emit long wave infrared radiation after heating up.

Q18. What is the wavelength range of ceramic infrared heaters?

Typically 3 to 10 microns, ideal for gentle, uniform, and deep heating applications.

Q19. What are the advantages of ceramic infrared heaters?

·        Long service life

·        Stable and uniform heating

·        Suitable for continuous operation

·        Resistant to dust and harsh environments

·        Cost-effective for long-duration heating

Q20. What are common applications of ceramic infrared heaters?

·        Thermoforming

·        Vacuum Forming

·        Food warming and baking

·        Powder Coating oven

·        Medical and laboratory equipment

·        Baby Warmer

Q21. Do ceramic infrared heaters require warm-up time?

Yes. Ceramic heaters typically require 5–10 minutes to reach full operating temperature.

Q22. Are ceramic heaters fragile?

No. Industrial-grade ceramic heaters are mechanically strong when handled and installed properly.

5. Quartz Tubes (Infrared & Industrial Grade)

Q23. What are quartz tubes used for?

Quartz tubes are used as envelopes for infrared lamps, heating elements, UV lamps, and high-temperature industrial applications.

Q24. Why is quartz preferred over glass?

Quartz offers: - High temperature resistance - Excellent infrared transmission - Low thermal expansion - Chemical purity

Q25. What temperatures can quartz tubes withstand?

High-quality quartz tubes can withstand temperatures up to 1000–1200°C, depending on grade and wall thickness.

Q26. Are quartz tubes available in custom sizes?

Yes. Diameter, wall thickness, length, and end finishing can be customized.

Q27. Can quartz tubes be reused?

Yes, if there is no cracking, devitrification, or contamination.

Q28. What is the difference between clear and opaque quartz?

•            Clear quartz: Higher IR transmission

•            Opaque quartz: Better heat diffusion and glare reduction

Q29.What sizes of quartz tubes can be supplied?

Quartz tubes can be supplied in:

• Standard diameters and lengths
• Fully customized sizes as per drawing or sample

6. Selection, Safety & Support

Q28. How do I select the right infrared heater for my application?

Selection depends on: - Material type - Heating speed required - Surface vs deep heating - Operating temperature - Production line speed

Our technical team assists customers in selecting the correct solution.

Q29. Are infrared heaters safe for operators?

Yes, when installed with proper shielding, reflectors, and safety interlocks.

Q30. Do you provide application support?

Yes. Aura Heat Energy provides technical guidance, product selection, customization, and after-sales support.

7. Why Choose Aura Heat Energy?

·        Proven industrial experience

·        Reliable imported & in-house assembled heaters

·        Custom-built solutions

·        Strong after-sales support

·        Trusted by customers across South India

8.What is the best infrared heater for plastic heating?

·        Short Wave IR: Fast surface heating, thin plastics, PET preforms

·        Medium Wave IR: Uniform heating, thicker plastics

·        Ceramic IR: Continuous heating, molding and welding

9.Which infrared heater saves electricity?

Infrared heaters save energy by direct heating without air loss. Short wave heaters save power in high-speed lines, while ceramic heaters save power in continuous operations.

What is the difference between short wave and ceramic infrared heaters?

Short wave gives instant heat with high intensity. Ceramic gives slow, deep, and uniform heat for long duration processes.

Are infrared heaters better than hot air heaters?

Yes. Infrared heaters: - Heat the product directly - Reduce power consumption - Reduce heating time - Improve production speed

What are the advantages of infrared vs. convection heating?

Infrared can deliver faster heat-up, higher surface temperatures and better energy efficiency because it heats objects directly, often allowing lower air temperatures and shorter process times.

📊 Infrared Heater Comparison Chart (Sales Friendly)

How do you choose between short-, medium-wave, ceramic and quartz heaters?

Selection depends on substrate absorption characteristics, required surface temperature, cycle time, line speed, distance to product, and whether visible light is acceptable; short-wave suits fast, high-intensity processes, medium-wave is a balanced choice, and ceramic long-wave fits slower, uniform heating.

Are infrared heaters safe for personnel?

When correctly designed and installed with appropriate shielding, clearances, controls and over-temperature protection, industrial infrared heaters are considered safe, though exposure limits and eye/skin protection guidelines should be respected.

What controls are recommended for IR heaters?

Industrial systems often use SCR/thyristor power controllers, soft-start to limit inrush on short-wave lamps, zoning, and closed-loop temperature or pyrometer-based control for accurate process temperatures and extended emitter life.

🧠 Buyer Decision Guide (Which Heater Should I Choose?)

Choose Short Wave Infrared Heater if:

·        You need instant heating

·        Production speed is very high

·        Material is thin

Choose Medium Wave Infrared Heater if:

·        Material thickness is medium

·        Uniform heating is required

·        You want controlled heating

Choose Ceramic Infrared Heater if:

·        Heating is continuous

·        Process time is long