Case Study Plastics

Precision Thermoforming with Vulcan Infra-Red Heating Technology

Vulcan Refractories’ Medium Wave Quartz Infra-Red Emitters provide a highly efficient and precise solution for thermoforming plastic components. Used in upper and lower heating platens of thermoforming machinery, these advanced heaters ensure uniform pre-heating of plastic sheets before forming. Candy, a leading white goods manufacturer, integrates Vulcan’s infra-red technology to produce high-quality fridge interiors with improved efficiency and material control.

Innovative Infra-Red Thermoforming Technology

Vulcan’s Q5 and Q10 modular infra-red heaters offer significant advantages for thermoforming applications, including:

• High heater-to-product ratio, ensuring even and efficient heat distribution across the plastic sheet.
• Zoned heating control, allowing precise adjustments to compensate for edge convection losses and prevent material thinning.
• Optimised material use, enabling manufacturers to achieve minimum material thickness without compromising strength.

Key Features of Vulcatherm Infra-Red Heaters

• Precision Heat Management – Individual control zones adjust heater input for consistent pre-heating and forming accuracy.
• Energy Efficiency – Rapid response times allow for automatic power-off switching in standby mode, reducing energy consumption during forming cycles.
• Versatile Applications – Ideal for thermoforming in white goods manufacturing, as well as aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries.

Applications in Plastic Forming & Manufacturing

Vulcan’s infra-red heating solutions are widely used throughout the plastics industry, providing fast, reliable, and controlled heating for complex thermoforming applications. By combining modular heating technology with precision control, manufacturers can achieve higher quality, reduced material waste, and greater process efficiency.

By integrating advanced heating solutions into modern thermoforming processes, Vulcan continues to drive innovation and efficiency in the plastics manufacturing sector.