Ask the Expert Archive: Infrared (IR) and Environmental Testing

Choose a question below to view answers provided by ETAC's experts. If you have a question about IR or the Environmental Testing, submit your question to the expert, then visit our "Ask the Expert" page next Monday for your answer.

Is Infrared (IR) radiant energy absorbed by the air?
Why is the absence of absorption in air important to my manufacturing process?
Can IR heating be used with materials that are temperature sensitive?

Archive of Questions and Answers

Is Infrared (IR) radiant energy absorbed by the air?
Not appreciably. The majority of air is Nitrogen (N₂) and Oxygen (O₂). Both of these diatomic molecules are transparent to infrared radiant energy. There are small concentrations of other compounds in are that do absorb IR, such as water and carbon dioxide.

Why is the absence of absorption in air important to my manufacturing process?
Heating, curing and drying materials can be done more efficiently using IR. The lack of absorption in air means I don't waste energy heating the air. More of the energy reaches the part to be heated.

Can IR heating be used with materials that are temperature sensitive?
Yes, IR radiant energy can be tailored to specific wavelength by varying emitter temperature. For temperature sensitive materials, a broad band, low intensity black body source can provide uniform for the application.