On a PET line, the heating tunnel sets the pace. When a Krones heater lamp burns out, you bleed time on every restart—waiting for thermal stability, chasing rejects, and paying overtime. We run long-life Krones heater lamps built for the realities of stretch blow molding, so the tunnel stays consistent and the line keeps moving.
What matters, technically
These infrared emitters are direct-fit replacements for Krones blow molders, matching OEM parameters: voltage, wattage, and quartz tube geometry. The R7s connector and mounting footprint drop in without modification. We use high-stability halogen filaments and quartz envelopes to keep output steady across the heating zone, so preform surface temperature stays in the tight window needed for even stretch and consistent bottle quality.
Why it holds up on the line
Longer lamp life means fewer changeouts and less unplanned downtime. We’ve seen lamps run 5,000+ hours with less than 5% output drop, which keeps the heating curve flat and cuts scrap from overheat or underheat. Energy use drops because the emitter hits set temperature fast and holds it, trimming wasted heat from constant cool-down/reheat cycles. That adds up to fewer stoppages, more bottles per shift, and a lower cost per unit.
A few shop-floor reminders
Installation is straightforward, but the heating tunnel is a harsh environment. Keep reflectors clean and aligned, and verify voltage at the lamp terminals matches the rating—overvoltage will shorten life, even on a solid lamp. Pair the lamp with the correct thermocouple calibration to avoid temperature drift and false alarms. Treat the lamp as part of the system, and it will deliver the uptime you need.