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NGK’s proprietary Wavelength Control System uses a new drying technology based on infrared light. By irradiating materials with infrared radiation of specific wavelengths, this system performs drying at low temperatures difficult to achieve with conventional systems. Providing effective drying for the coating and drying process with minimal resulting damage to the base material, this innovative system has drawn significant interest from industrial circles. It’s also ideal for drying aqueous solvents, a challenging application for conventional hot air drying methods, making it easier for facilities to switch from organic to aqueous solvents and thereby promoting carbon neutrality.
The conventional hot air drying method in the coating and drying process has the following issues:
Heat damage caused by drying
Hot air drying results in significant heat damage to films and applied materials. The method cannot be used with materials that are susceptible to the effects of heat.
Cost of drying product interiors
A vacuum system is used to remove moisture from within the product, a step with adverse effects on productivity and cost.
Problems drying thick films
Hot air drying generates webbing and foaming on the surface of materials applied in thick layers, making uniform drying difficult to achieve.
Time required to dry aqueous solvents
Aqueous solvents are less likely to volatilize than organic solvents and take longer to dry.
Can dry solvents while reducing heat damage to the components or resin base material.
Can dry the remaining moisture inside the products.
Prevents webbing of the surface and promotes drying on the inside of thick films, a location that cannot be dried by hot air.
Compared to hot air and heaters, drying with infrared rays of specific wavelengths halves drying times.
Example: Wet 500 μm, dry 100 μm aqueous paste dries in 200 seconds.
NGK has a lineup of wavelength-control heaters that selectively emit infrared rays in two different wavelength bands. For example, infrared rays with a wavelength of less than 3.5μm are suitable for drying aqueous solvents because they have a high water absorption rate.
The NGK Wavelength Control System achieves faster drying at lower temperatures than hot air drying. It cuts costs by allowing use of base materials that are sensitive to heat and previously could not be considered. Lastly, it cuts CO2 emissions by allowing use of aqueous solvents.
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