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POWDER COATING, November 2016 17 uniform low intensity heat. The heat emitted is in the form of medium or long wavelength energy. Electricity is used for a short time to preheat the cata- lyst in the heater panels. A combination of fuel, oxygen, and preheated catalyst facilitates the catalytic reaction. Once the catalytic reaction is established, elec- tricity is no longer needed and then the oven will operate until the gas is shut off. Advantages include lower operating costs, lower airflow than a gas convec- tion oven that requires airflow to circu- late the heat, and the fact that it can be used on heat-sensitive substrates. Disad- vantages include a slow reaction to tem- perature adjustment, minimal control requirements, and a large footprint. Electric IR technology uses radiant en- ergy, usually measured in wavelengths, to cure the part in "line of sight." There are three types of wavelengths available. Short-wave IR, as shown in Photo 4, provides instant on/off, which elimi- nates heat up time, reduces energy con- sumption, and requires the shortest cure time in the smallest footprint. Other benefits include closed-loop tem- perature and zoning control. The disad- vantage to short-wave IR is the fast evaporation of solvent and the cost of electricity in some areas. The other two types of IR include medium and long wave technology. As you would expect, long and medium wave offers many of the same benefits of short wave, but re- quires a longer cure time and does not offer instant on/off. Long wave technol- ogy may take up to 5 minutes to get to temperature, consuming more energy in the curing process. One of the biggest advantages of IR heating over convection heating is that IR technology can deliver heat in exact amounts to specific areas of the part being cured. IR technology can be more directional and zoned to meet specific part cure requirements. Zoning type technology allows heating only the part, as needed, as it goes through the oven. No energy is wasted to heat the entire oven at all times, providing significant energy savings. Zone type IR technol- ogy is a benefit for complex shapes and configurations where the part requires different cure times in different areas due to the part's intricate design or physical stature. Total I-Beam Conveyor Care Self Contained Conveyor Lubricators and Brush Cleaners Rail Cleaner ENCLOSED TRACK LUBRICATORS AND CLEANERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR RICHARDS-WILCOX, WEBB-UNIBILT, RAPID INDUSTRIES, & MANY OTHERS . Innovative Design Unparalleled Performance Proven Dependability Cutting Edge Engineering Quality, Value and Price Reduce Rejects-Increase Profits Mighty Lube Systematic Lubrication, Inc. Fremont, MI 49412 (231) 924-6160 www.mightylube.com Chain and Trolley Cleaner Advanced Lubrication Technology