Concrete contract for infrared specialists

Hameln, Germany – Infrared specialist and manufacturer Ceramicx and German heating expert Friedr Freek have jointly supplied BM Anlagenbau with advanced process technologies for the production of a range of coated concrete and stone products.

Hameln-based BM Anlagenbau supplies the building and construction sectors with film and paint-protected concrete and stone products. The treated products resist wear and tear; hold their aesthetic through the product lifetime, as well as being graffiti and vandal proof.

In production, most of the BM Anlagenbau product range is typically treated with polymer paints and then needs to dry before being packaged and shipped. Infrared heating has a key role to play; firstly in preparing the concrete and stone surfaces before the polymer paints are applied.

The infrared pre-heating improves the surface readiness and also the penetration of the coating material into the concrete. This makes for better adhesion and for better long-term protection of the concrete product.

Pre- and post-spray infrared heating also eliminates the tendency for a developing film surface to ’bubble’ and crack the surface of the coating. With two heat applications the material firstly evaporates from the substrate and then from the top.

The overall effect of the plastic film on concrete is a silk-like finish to the concrete and stone. This is often referred to as the ’wet-effect’ and increases the depth of colour in the case of concrete - making the product much more visually appealing.

This - combined with the modular system - allows for easy up- and down-grading. The “oversized” integral fans also allow for compact ovens without extra blowers.

According to its founder and MD Frank Wilson, Ceramicx has learned a great deal from being part of this project - in designing the right array of elements and infrared emissions to suit - as well as engineering the infrared reflectors to provide exactly the right kind of heating for the concrete and give the whole system the right price/performance ratio.

In this case, Wilson said, “the high speed infrared heating also allows the client to adjust the overall heating systems in a modular manner – minimising space; helping changeovers, reducing production costs and improving competitiveness.”