All About Heaters

The major difference between vacuum formers used for skin packaging and blister forming is the heater performance.  The 3 most commonly used heaters are Radiant Panel, Quartz Tube and "Calrod" Tubular.

The end user should be aware of the role that the heater plays in cycle times, part quality and energy efficiency.  Machines should be judged on the merits of not only the purchase price but also operating cost, energy efficiency, cycle times and durability.

A recent article in Plastic Technology quoted several expert on the merits of the different heaters.  Following is the summary of their conclusions.

Tubular Heaters:
While lower in cost than the others, they are also lower in efficiency.   Tubular heaters are generally mounted in front of reflectors to redirect the infrared.  But, the reflectors and the elements begin to deteriorate immediately losing energy output.  This creates  uneven heating and results in hot and cold spots on the plastic.

Efficiency - new - 42-50%.  After 6 months -20-30%.

Tubular Quartz:
The Quartz elements biggest asset is its relatively quick heat up time.   However, these elements used in skin pack applications have very slow cycle time.   Their biggest drawback is fragility.  Replacement cost is high.

Efficiency - new - 75-80%.  After 6 months - 65-70%.

Radiant Panel:
These element radiate heat across the entire surface providing uniform heat over a broader area than tubular, quartz or ceramic elements.

Efficiency - new - 80-90%.  After 6 months - 80-85%

Only QVAC uses the most efficient radiant panel heaters.

That is why QVAC PC series machines are as much as 1300 (one thousand three hundred) percent more energy efficient than the competition..

That is why QVAC PC series machines will save you up to $175.00 per day compared to the competition.

©2011 QVAC