Infrared DieCast Pre-Heaters

[agentslowhand]

For a high pressure, aluminum diecast, we use gas heaters to heat the dies before and in between shifts. This slow process requires that we run scrap parts at the beginning of each shift until the dies are completely heated up. I am thinking of replacing this pre-heating process with Infrared heaters. These would sit in between the dies during each shift break and keep the dies hot. They heat the dies much more uniformly, much more quickly, prolong the life of each die, use cleaner energy and are cost effective. Has anyone else done this or does anyone know of any reason not to make this change?

 

[EdStainless]

I don't know about die cast molds. I was in a plant recently that was doing some high temp resin molding work and they were using halogen lamps to heat molds. They said that they could easily heat up to 500F with lamps. Considering that I have seen people heat treating steel with halogen lamps I would believe that it would work for you.

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[Pressed]

ORNL in TN has worked on this for several years now.

[URL unfurl="true"]http://www.ornl.gov/ORNLReview/v33_1_00/infrared.htm[/URL]

I think there are others and a little googling might dig them up. You didn't mention the target temperture as it would make a difference in the suggestion. Good luck.

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