Infrared systems speed up production line

Infrared systems from Heraeus Noblelight are being used at a vinyl flooring production line at the Maidstone factory of Tarkett.

The basic flooring production line process consists of building up thicknesses of PVC paste on a PVC backing layer, which features a fibre glass internal matting. The flooring is imbued with non-slip properties by introducing silicon carbide and aluminium oxide into the top surface layer.

Heat is then applied by use of carbon infrared (CIR) and medium wave emitters.

The backing layer is heated as it exits from an accumulator by means of two, CIR edge-heating modules, each containing 24, 1kW emitters, and a 27.5kW module to heat the width of the web. This heating removes the moisture from the carrier material to allow good bonding for the application of PVC paste and to prevent bubbling.

A bank of IR emitters is then located immediately after the first paste application station and this provides surface drying before volumetric heat is applied by an oil-heated roller. The PVC web then passes to a second paste application station, after which it is heated by a third IR system before passing to a hot air oven and a UV system for final cure.