Introduction
We built this custom infrared heater and dryer for one reason: glass finishing lines. We wanted to give you a unit that’s fully integrated, saves you space, and dries ink on screen-printed glass in a flash—without taking over your whole floor.
Power, Voltage, and Size: The Real Deal
With infrared drying on glass, it all comes down to power density. We engineered the system to hit high temps fast, so the ink sets quickly without the glass absorbing extra heat. To get that energy where it needs to go, we run at high voltage (like 400V). That keeps the current lower, which means smaller wires, less voltage drop, and wiring that’s easier to manage in cramped cabinets. Space was a big priority, so we packed the heater into one neat block. The radiator, reflector, lamp, and controls all live together in a single footprint. That’s how we cut the space by about 40% compared to spread-out convection ovens and separate preheat stages. One thing to keep in mind: concentrated heat is powerful, so the cooling and exhaust routes on your machine need planning up front. Do that, and you avoid hot spots and parts running too hot.
The Materials That Make It Work
We chose shortwave halogen infrared elements inside quartz envelopes. They heat up almost instantly and deliver intense, focused radiant energy. A reflective coating on the lamp and the internal reflectors keep that energy pointed right at the glass—so you’re not wasting heat. For the connectors, we went with the R7s because it’s practical for real-world use. It’s secure, rated for high temps, installs quickly, and holds alignment—fewer wiring mistakes on the floor. For control wiring, we use industrial plugs like SK15-type interfaces. They make replacement plug-and-play, which keeps maintenance fast and simple.
How It Feels on the Line
On a glass screen-printing line, the hold-up is usually drying and curing—not the printing itself. Our integrated infrared unit swaps long oven stretches for a tight, focused drying zone. The payoff? Faster line speeds, less energy per part, and a cleaner layout that’s easier to work around. Installation is a straight drop-in. Mount it, wire it, set the temperature profile, and you’re running. The unit comes pre-commissioned as one drying station, so you spend less time piecing things together—and more time getting finished glass out the door.