Lab-Scale Infrared Drying System for Molded Pulp Coating – Compact Experimental Oven
System Overview
This bench-top or floor-standing experimental infrared dryer is specifically designed for R&D of coatings on molded pulp products (e.g., disposable tableware, food containers, industrial packaging). It simulates industrial drying conditions while allowing precise adjustment of IR intensity, belt speed, and drying zone length - ideal for optimizing coating formulations (water-based, UV-curable, or gloss/matte topcoats) before scaling up to production lines.
Production Line Composition
- Infrared heating module (medium-wave / short-wave swappable)
- Adjust-height conveyor belt (stainless steel or PTFE mesh)
- Temperature & air velocity controller
- Sample tray with positioning guide
- Fume exhaust hood (optional)
- Touchscreen HMI with data logging
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value / Range |
| IR lamp type |
Medium-wave (2-2.5µm) / Short-wave (0.8-1.2µm) - selectable |
| Max. heating power |
3 kW (customizable up to 6 kW) |
| Temperature range |
Ambient - 200°C (±2°C) |
| Effective drying width |
300 mm (customizable: 200-600 mm) |
| Belt speed |
0 - 3 m/min (infinitely adjustable) |
| Drying zone length |
1 m (modular, expandable) |
| Sample thickness max |
50 mm |
| Power supply |
220V / 50Hz (or 110V) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) |
1500 × 600 × 1200 mm (customizable) |
Applications
- Drying water-based primers & topcoats on molded pulp plates/bowls
- Curing UV-excimer skin-feel coatings (small batch testing)
- Heat-setting of anti-moisture & anti-static coatings
- Academic research on pulp coating drying kinetics
- Quality lab for disposable packaging manufacturers
Key Features
- Instant on/off response - no preheating delay
- Uniform radiation field ±5% across belt width
- Low thermal inertia - safe for heat-sensitive pulp substrates
- Real-time temperature feedback & over-temperature protection
- Compact size fits on a lab bench or mobile cart
Customization Options
Fully customizable configuration: choose IR lamp wavelength (short, medium, or carbon), add an extra heating zone, change belt material (PTFE, metal mesh, or solid), or integrate a cooling section. We also offer customizable software for programmable drying profiles (ramp-soak cycles). The system can be built as a glovebox-compatible unit for solvent-sensitive coatings.
Support & Services
- Remote installation video & commissioning guide
- Free coating drying consultation (your formulation)
- 12-month warranty, extendable customizable plan
- Spare IR lamp kit included
- 24/7 email & chat support
Packing & Shipping
- Foam-lined plywood case with antistatic bag
- Shipped by air or sea (FOB preferred)
- Lead time: 15-25 working days
- Shipping documents: CE declaration, manual, calibration certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this dryer handle both flat and 3D molded pulp products?
A: Yes, the belt height is customizable and we provide sample jigs for curved bowls.
Q: Does it work for UV coatings?
A: For UV curing we can add a UV LED module - fully customizable hybrid IR+UV system.
Q: What is the minimum test sample size?
A: 50 × 50 mm; no upper limit except belt width.