IR Lamps

Infrared Lamps

Infrared (IR) lamps are specially designed lamps that emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared wavelength range, between about 0.7 and 1,000 micrometers. Due to their ability to transfer heat energy quickly and efficiently, IR lamps are essential in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Infrared light heating operates on slower wavelengths, and the heat penetrates short distances.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between three main types of infrared heat lamps: short-wave, medium-wave, and long-wave. Learn about these different types of IR lamps, their applications, and their benefits.

Types of IR Lamp Designs

Infrared light has a range of properties that make specific wavelength ranges suitable for particular applications. The exact wavelength can be controlled by selecting different lamps. Here is an overview of the main features of each type of IR lamp.

Short-Wave IR Lamps
  • Emits infrared radiation between about 0.78 and 2.5 μm
  • Used most often for industrial drying and heating
  • Also called near-infrared, short-wave IR light safely penetrates the skin for medical applications, such as heat therapy for muscle pain.
Medium-Wave IR Lamps
  • Emits infrared radiation between 1.3 and 3 μm
  • Provides more precise heating than short-wave IR, for applications such as automotive and aircraft parts manufacturing
  • Also called mid-infrared, medium-wave IR is used in medical applications where deeper penetration into the body is necessary to generate greater muscle relaxation and increase blood flow.
Long-Wave IR Lamps
  • Emits infrared radiation between 30 and 100 μm
  • Facilitates faster crop growth and natural pest control in the agriculture and horticulture industries
  • Makes thermal imaging devices possible, such as military night vision goggles
  • Also called far-infrared, long-wave IR is suitable for large-scale industrial heating and drying processes.

Applications & Benefits of Using IR Lamps

The infrared wavelength range makes a number of unique technologies possible. IR lamps speed heating and drying processes, boost plant growth, deter pests, and make non-invasive medical therapies possible. Industrial manufacturing processes rely on IR lamps because infrared heat sources require less energy to heat and dry objects. This makes faster drying times possible—a major advantage in mass production with quick turnarounds.

IR lamps are also frequently applied in physical therapy as a non-invasive technique to treat muscle pain. They can be used in thermal imaging technologies for enhanced visibility under a variety of conditions.

Industries That Use IR Lamps

Due to their range of benefits, IR lamps are critical components in numerous industries, including:

  • Lithographic printing
  • Military and law enforcement
  • Agriculture and horticulture
  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Aerospace manufacturing
  • Food and beverage processing
  • Precision industrial heating and drying
  • Medical and healthcare
  • Thermal imaging

We’ve got you covered on systems manufactured by AAA-Xeric

  • AAA, Air Motions (AMS), Airtech, Amba, American Ultraviolet (AUV), Amjo, Aradiant
  • Baldwin
  • Cefla, Cogent, Colordry, Comco,
  • DeVries, Dr. Fischer, Dr. Honle,
  • Electech, Eltosch, EMI, ESS
  • Fuchs
  • Gallus, GE, GEW, Grafix
  • Heidelberg, Heraeus, Herbert, Honle
  • IST, IVT
  • Jac Devries, JB Machinery
  • Krones
  • Lamp Express
  • Mark Andy, M&R, Miltec, MMT
  • Nilpeter, Nordson
  • Osram, OxyDry
  • Philips, Pierry, Primarc
  • Quartz Infrared
  • Research, Inc
  • Sidel, Soneko, SPDI, Spectral, Sylvania
  • TEC Lighting, Toshiba
  • Ushio, UV Light, UV Research, UV Technik
  • Victory
  • Wallace Knight, Webtron, Western Quartz
  • Xeric, XDS

Infrared Lamps From Southern Lamps

Determining which infrared wavelength range will be most effective depends on the user’s intended application. To accommodate a wide range of applications, IR lamps are available in an assortment of short-, medium-, and long-wave types. Common applications include industrial heating, pest control, thermal imaging, non-invasive medical therapies, and much more.

Southern Lamps specializes in supplying a wide range of high-quality IR lamps and spare parts for industrial and commercial use. With over 70 years of combined experience in the IR and UV lamp manufacturing industries, UV/IR drying equipment installation, and related field services, we are a trusted leader in UV and IR technologies.

For help determining which IR lamps and accessories match your exact needs, contact us today.

Infrared Lamps

Infrared Lamp Clip

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