Vulkatherm quartz infrared heaters can save thermoformers up to 20 percent in energy costs, according to the manufacturer. The heaters are typically used in machinery that thermoforms technical parts. An energy monitor confirms that when fitted to a Geiss single-station vacuum forming machine requiring material pre-heat to 160°C, the heaters consumed 25 percent less electricity than the originals in comparable operating conditions. Depending on the intensity of machine operation, payback period can be as short as three to five months. Two sizes are available, with surface areas of 123 mm by 62 mm or 248 mm by 62 mm. Vulcan Refractories Ltd., Brookhouses Industrial Estate, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST101PN, England www.vulcanrefractories.com.
