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IR Dryers for Coating & LaminationDry faster, less space, less energy

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TD-IR IR Dryers for Coating & Lamination Ansicht 1

TD-IR IR Dryers for Coating & Lamination Ansicht 2

TD-IR IR Dryers for Coating & Lamination Ansicht 3

On coating, impregnating and laminating lines, the drying section determines quality and throughput. SOPARA IR dryers deliver targeted radiant heat for coating drying, solvent evaporation, resin film drying and B-stage control — non-contact and zone-controllable. The high power density enables short drying sections at high web speeds. Compared to conventional hot air dryers, SOPARA IR dryers are significantly more compact — typically >15% less length for the same drying performance. SOPARA IR dryers use proprietary "Fast Response" technology with thermal inertias of 1–10 seconds. Combined with the cooling-free system design, SOPARA dryers are often 20–30% more energy efficient than conventional systems.

Technical Documentation

Brochure

Manual

STEP / Drawing

Technical Data

Max. Working Width4,000 mm

Max. Speed150 m/min

IR TechnologyShort-wave and/or medium-wave

Response Time1 – 10 seconds ("Fast Response")

Heating ZonesMultiple independent zones along web direction

IrradiationSingle-sided or double-sided

ControlPLC with pyrometer or thermocouple

ExtractionIntegrated for solvent vapors and moisture

Product GuidanceFree web, conveyor belt or guide rollers

DimensionsCustomer-specific

Voltage230V / 400V

Total PowerCustomer-specific

CoolingNo active reflector cooling required

Benefits

More compact than convection dryers — Typically >15% less length for the same drying performance. IR radiation heats the product directly.

Energy efficiency — SOPARA IR dryers operate without active reflector cooling. Often 20–30% higher energy efficiency compared to conventional systems.

Instant readiness — No preheating. "Fast Response" technology: IR emitters reach full power in 1–10 seconds.

Precise temperature control — Multi-zone profile along web direction. Closed control loop with pyrometer for reproducible results.

Gentle drying — Non-contact heating. Precise temperature control prevents overheating of sensitive substrates.

Easy Clean Design — Reflectors and protective glasses separately accessible, cleanable and replaceable.

Reference Projects

Multiple reference projects in converting at leading flooring manufacturers worldwide. Existing gas and oil burner drying sections were replaced with SOPARA IR technology — the switch from fossil fuel heating to electric infrared radiation significantly reduces the CO₂ footprint, while delivering higher energy efficiency and more precise temperature control.

Available Options

Single or double-sided irradiation — above and/or below the web

Combination of different wavelengths — e.g. short-wave for preheating and medium-wave for drying

Integrated extraction — for solvent vapors directly from the process zone

ATEX version — for solvent-based processes

Web speed synchronization with line control

More options on request

Applications

Drying water-based and solvent-based coatings on films, flooring and artificial leather products, textiles, paper and nonwovens.

Pre-drying and post-drying in laminating lines

Resin film drying and B-stage control on prepreg and impregnating lines

Solvent evaporation for adhesive coatings on packaging films and composites

Ink drying in printing and finishing machines

For machine builders: SOPARA delivers the complete IR dryer as a ready-to-install module

For plant operators: A SOPARA IR dryer increases throughput with reduced energy consumption

Why SOPARA

84 years of infrared expertise — Founded 1942 in France. As one of the oldest specialty brands for industrial infrared technology, SOPARA brings over eight decades of development and manufacturing expertise to every plant.

References with European industry leaders — SOPARA IR systems are running at market leaders in automotive, composites, flooring and nuclear — powering the most demanding thermal processes at French and European top companies.

Test laboratory in Pusignan near Lyon — Your material is validated in the SOPARA infrared lab on actual substrates: wavelength, power density and process parameters. Concrete results before the investment decision — no theory, no assumptions.

System expertise — from component to turnkey plant — Not just IR lamps. SOPARA delivers complete thermal process solutions: lamps, reflectors, protective glass, IR fields, power control, switchgear and process control. One contact for the entire thermal process. Made in France, ISO 9001:2015 certified, 5 % of sales invested in R&D.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IR dryer for coating and lamination? — A turnkey infrared drying oven specifically designed for coating and lamination lines. SOPARA delivers the complete unit — IR lamps, reflectors, housing, control and switchgear.

Which coatings is the TD-IR suitable for? — Water-based and solvent-based coatings, adhesives, lacquers and primers on films, paper, nonwovens and technical textiles.

How is the TD-IR integrated into the line? — SOPARA dimensions the dryer to the measurements and requirements of the existing or new line. IR technology allows more compact designs than conventional convection dryers.

Can the TD-IR also be used as an upgrade for existing dryers? — Yes — SOPARA designs IR dryers also as retrofit solutions to modernize existing drying lines or increase their capacity.