Infrared Paint Curing Systems

[alienboy]

How do these systems work? How do you cure both sides at on time, do you need 1 on each side? How do you control the temp? All help and suggestions on speeding up curing time is welcomed. Also, what are the advantages and dissadvantages of these?

 

[rex]

These do a much better job than heat lamps because they heat up a larger area and from the steel out,not just throw a surface heat on it.They are pretty expensive so if you don't get one for each side you have to swap from side to side,big PITA.Small parts like a bike tank will warm up pretty good from the top but a car sucks.Whatever you do keep the required distance from the part,they'll literally cook the paint and blister it.Our little one bulb unit (flourescent style bulb) needs to stay about 3' away from the surface.

 

[alienboy]

Can anybody recommened a few good products? I mostly do bikes and personal water crafts.

 

[rex]

I'll see if the name is still on ours tomarrow and let you know,it's just single bulb unit though.I did almost fire up my jacket one morning,actually started smoking.

 

[alienboy]

I'm sure that somewhere in the warning it says not to set your coat on fire.

 

[LudicrousSpeed]

[ QUOTE ]
I did almost fire up my jacket one morning,actually started smoking.

[/ QUOTE ]

You know, it is comments like this that make me feel better about myself. If someone that does this professionally can do the same crap I manage to pull, I can't be all THAT messed up right??? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

 

[tiller2nv]

I just saw this happen and my buddies shop. He had it too close and the clear blistered.

 

[rex]

Yeah man,these things get hot and believe it or not it does get cold down here(or we're wimps).There's a few more idiot stories but I won't go there,I'll just say if you did it be assured you're not the first.

Alienboy,I got the info.It's made by Infratech in Covina GA and ours is model#SRU1615 and 2000 watts.Just guessing it's probably a $300+/- unit but that's a wild guess.I'm sure a net search will find you plenty of options and priceranges.

 

[alienboy]

are these things worth it???

 

[blaino]

Rex is right about keeping the distance; also, another helpful tip is to keep a fan blowing lightly across your work piece. This will speed up the process a little.
I have 4 of the same brand and model light as Rex. I also use them for curing powder. I found mine on Ebay for next to nothing. I got all 4 for $175 but they normally sell about $200 apiece. They were covered in overspray so I had to basically disassemble then powder coat and rebuild.

FYI... If you have access to a sheet metal shop, you can make your own housing for the lamp and just buy the bulb and reflector (very important) from Autobodydepot and your in business for about $75. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sunglass.gif
Oh... make sure you use High temp wire when wiring the lamp.