Rapid Activation of Water-Based Adhesives with Vulcan Infra-Red Technology

Vulcan Refractories’ Medium Wave Quartz Infra-Red Emitters provide a highly efficient solution for activating polyurethane adhesives in the shoe manufacturing industry. Used by British United Shoe Machinery, this advanced heating technology significantly reduces drying times, improves bonding reliability, and enhances production efficiency.

Innovative Infra-Red Adhesive Activation

Traditional air-drying methods for polyurethane adhesives require 20–30 minutes to dry properly. By integrating a combined convection and infrared heating system, Vulcan’s technology has reduced this cycle time to just 1.5 minutes for both the sole and upper. This results in:

• Faster production times, reducing delays and increasing manufacturing output.
• Stronger, more dependable bonding, ensuring consistent adhesive activation before assembly.
• Optimised workflow, minimising work-in-progress inventory and freeing up valuable production space.

Key Features of Vulcatherm Infra-Red Emitters

• Precision Heating – Medium Wave Quartz Infra-Red technology activates adhesives evenly, improving bonding strength.
• Rapid Processing – The 1.5-minute drying cycle accelerates production, reducing waiting times by over 90%.
• Energy Efficiency – The combination of convection and infrared heating provides a controlled, responsive activation process without overheating materials.

Applications in Adhesive Bonding

Vulcan’s infra-red technology is ideal for shoe manufacturing and other adhesive activation processes, where speed, precision, and reliability are critical. By ensuring fast and even drying, manufacturers can achieve stronger bonds, improved efficiency, and a streamlined production process.

By combining cutting-edge heating solutions with manufacturing expertise, Vulcan continues to support industries that rely on high-performance adhesive activation.