On the blow molding line, the heating tunnel is where the clock really starts ticking. Preforms have to hit the right temperature profile—quick, even, and repeatable—before they ever see the stretch blow station. When the quartz heating tube starts drifting, you don’t just lose a part. You lose time, you lose consistency, and you end up chasing temperature swings that never show up on the quality sheet. We built our 230V quartz heating tube as a direct-fit swap for the emitters on the mainstream stretch blow molding platforms: Sidel, Krones, SIPA, Husky, SACMI, and Nissei ASB. The idea is straightforward: match the OEM thermal and electrical behavior so the machine runs the way it did on day one, without having to re-tune the entire heating section.
What matters, technically
With infrared preform conditioning, the numbers aren’t just for show. They decide whether the preform skin heats fast enough, whether the core catches up, and whether the profile stays stable from the first bottle to the ten-thousandth. Our 230V quartz heating tube is built around a short-wave infrared filament inside a high-purity quartz envelope. That combination gives you rapid response and tight control in a compact form—exactly what the heating tunnel on a blow molder needs. Key specs are set to line up with common OEM configurations:
- Voltage: 230V ±5%, so it drops straight into standard heating power circuits.
- Power density: sized to match typical emitter wattage across Sidel, Krones, SIPA, Husky, SACMI, and Nissei ASB heating zones, delivering predictable heat flux without overdriving the zone.
- Physical envelope: outer diameter and active length match the original footprint, so mounting brackets, reflectors, and clearances stay unchanged.
- Termination: standard R7s connector interface, so you can plug it in without modifying ceramic holders or wiring harnesses.
- Spectral output: short-wave infrared, optimized for fast surface heating with efficient energy transfer into the preform wall. It isn’t about “more power.” It’s about the right power, delivered where the preform needs it, when it needs it.
Why it works in the real world
Blow molding runs on repeatability. Your preform heating profile has to stay stable across shifts, across ambient conditions, and across changeovers. If the heating tube can’t hold output, preform temperature drifts. Then you start seeing rejects—stretch marks, stress whitening, inconsistent wall thickness—and you spend more time adjusting than producing. This 230V quartz heating tube is built to keep the heating tunnel honest. It comes up to temperature quickly, so startup scrap drops and the line hits spec sooner. Once it settles in, output stays steady, which helps the temperature profile across the tunnel stay consistent. That consistency matters because it cuts down on the need to chase setpoints during production and reduces the little tuning moves that slow the line. Compatibility is the other half. We’re not asking you to re-engineer the machine. We match the OEM parameters so the tube drops into the existing mounts and wiring. That means less downtime on replacement and fewer surprises after the swap. In practice, you get:
- Predictable preform conditioning that supports consistent stretch ratios and fill performance.
- Less scrap from temperature-related defects.
- Faster recovery after changeovers because the heating section returns to setpoint quickly.
- A replacement path that doesn’t force you to buy a new heating module or redesign the tunnel.
The details that keep it running
Even with a direct-fit tube, the basics still have to be right. Installation is straightforward, but a little attention up front prevents most field headaches.
- Handle it with clean gloves or a lint-free cloth. Fingerprints and contamination on the quartz envelope create hot spots and cut life short.
- Confirm voltage at the terminal. A supply outside the 230V tolerance changes output and can shorten filament life.
- Check the reflector condition and alignment. Even a good tube underperforms if the reflector is oxidized or out of position.
- Inspect ceramic holders and connectors for wear. Loose contacts cause arcing and uneven heating. One practical trade-off: quartz infrared emitters are fast and efficient, but they’re sensitive to mechanical shock and need proper mounting support. Vibration from conveyors and actuators can fatigue supports over time. Use the original anti-vibration hardware and verify mounting tension when you replace the tube. If you run multiple machine brands—Sidel, Krones, SIPA, Husky, SACMI, Nissei ASB—stocking a common 230V quartz heating tube that meets the OEM parameter envelope simplifies maintenance planning. One spec to manage, one replacement procedure, and one less variable in the heating tunnel.