IR Curing Lamps

[MoeMistry]

Hi Gents...

So I thought I'd start this thread regarding what IR curing lamps to get for our curing of coatings.

There seems to be a consensus on Medium Wave lamps being the right ones for us:

http://infratech-usa.com/automotive/faqs/

I'm in the process of figuring out what to get and at what price point...

So please share your thoughts and comments if you already have a unit, or want one.

My thought is, we'll eventually find 1-3 units we all want, put together a list, and go to a manufacturer or distributor and do a group buy.

[Dr_Pain]

I am definitely in the market and would love to be part of the group buy!!! The sooner the better. (I was actually going to buy one this week)

Being a weekend detailer I need something that will be economically viable for the number of coatings/year I do. I have a budget in the $300 for a good set up, which is going to allow me to "bake" the coating in a TIMELY fashion. I would hate to be "cheap" and end up with a unit that would take so long to bake the coating that I would pass the OPTIMAL baking period. I think I would like 1 unit but am subscribing to see real world experiences and to benefit from the wisedom of others that have units. Who knows, I may be swayed to 2 units if it speeds up the process even more.

[MoeMistry]

OK guys...here's what I got so far and some pricing:

S-9000 series for those wanting max performance and coverage...you can cure more surface area in less time

http://infratech-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/infratech_s-9000-p_product_rev.pdf

Our cost would be $1615 shipped

Another unit, S2002 series is nice and manuverable, but doesn't cover as much area:

http://infratech-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/infratech_s-2002_s-2002-ir_product_rev.pdf

S2002 - $1502.11 S-2002IR - $1712.94

Lastly, their best-selling unit with small footprint is SRU-1615HT

http://infratech-usa.com/automotive/products/medium-wave-systems/model-sru-1615-ht/

$233.30

These are based on a group buy, so let me know what you think and how many you'd want.

[Dr_Pain]

I'm in for the 1615-HT @$233.30.... is that SHIPPED??

How many do we need in the Group?? and will the group be separate per lamp or as an order spanning all lights quoted above?

[CH.Detailing]

I really like the S2002 but don't want the sensor on it. I believe the cheapest option listed can be found for around $160 elsewhere. I'll try and find the link.

[RaskyR1]

I've had the MODEL SRU-1615 for about 2 years now. I paid $158.86 for it through Amazon....can't recall if it was a Prime item or not.

My old man is a painter and body man so I'll see which ones he's using for smaller jobs and see if he has any suggestions/recommendations.

[RaskyR1]

We should probably note which are 120v and which are 240v too, as some may not have 240v service.

[MoeMistry]

I'm in for the 1615-HT @$233.30.... is that SHIPPED??

How many do we need in the Group?? and will the group be separate per lamp or as an order spanning all lights quoted above?

Yes...that's shipped.

Each unit is drop shipped to each person.

We basically need about a dozen between all the lamps.

[MoeMistry]

We should probably note which are 120v and which are 240v too, as some may not have 240v service.

The spec sheets will have that info. The 1615 is 120 I believe and the big ones are 208 or 240 only

[MoeMistry]

I can start a tally here:

1. MoeMistry S9000-P3 x1

[RaskyR1]

The spec sheets will have that info. The 1615 is 120 I believe and the big ones are 208 or 240 only

I know, just thought it may be a good idea to list in case someone forgot to look at that.

[RaskyR1]

My issue with the one I have is getting the whole hood or roof. Do any of these units extend far enough to reach the center of the roof? The description makes me think not...."Adjustable shock arm provides easy reach for curing hoods and roof lines"

[rexrock]

I really like the S2002 but don't want the sensor on it. I believe the cheapest option listed can be found for around $160 elsewhere. I'll try and find the link.

I believe the $160 model is 1500watts, the link for the model Moe posted is 2000watts. (1615 model)

[Corey]

Moe, thanks for the time and getting this rolling and thanks to each of you for your time and efforts in working together as always!

[CH.Detailing]

My issue with the one I have is getting the whole hood or roof. Do any of these units extend far enough to reach the center of the roof? The description makes me think not...."Adjustable shock arm provides easy reach for curing hoods and roof lines"

Chad, would you be able to mount a second lamp on that post? I'm thinking I might get three of those lamps to put two of them on the supplied post and then somehow modify a boom swing arm off the top with a heavier base. Should still take 120V and be cheaper than the 2002 even with paying somehow to fabricate a stand.

[Dr_Pain]

My issue with the one I have is getting the whole hood or roof. Do any of these units extend far enough to reach the center of the roof? The description makes me think not...."Adjustable shock arm provides easy reach for curing hoods and roof lines"

I wonder what the weight of the unit is!?! It would be interesting to see if we could set it up on a boom light stand!?

Boom light stand (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XWSF26/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I have this light stand setup with 2 LEDs. According to the manufacturer it has a 12 lbs load max though.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/IMG_3096.JPG

[Dr_Pain]

How about setting the IR lamp on a trust lighting system like this?

http://images.sc1.netdna-cdn.com/D/Mounting-Hardware-Cases-Bags-Stands-ASC-L001-detailed-image-1.jpg

This one is the most affordable ones I could find (in a hurry). It is a hair above $125 shipped. 10 foot wide, adjustable from 6-10 foot with max weight capacity of 250#

[CH.Detailing]

How are you thinking of arranging them on that, Claude? Just a wider setup for a quicker cure? Still would have the issue of getting the centers of roofs and hoods, no?

[Dr_Pain]

How are you thinking of arranging them on that, Claude? Just a wider setup for a quicker cure? Still would have the issue of getting the centers of roofs and hoods, no?

These stand extend from 6 feet to 10 feet so if you were to rig the curing lamp on the trust pointing vertically down you could easily get the hood and reposition (and extend) to get the roof and back down to the the trunk!?! Just trying to think about a cheaper alternative than to have a $2k machine. If you buy one for vertical and one for horizontal then you could hit all surface and even buying a trust setup you would be looking at $600ish? At 10 feet wide you might even be able to keep it in place and just inch the car forward. Just thinking out loud ;)

[Mike lambert]

Would this be of benefit to me,as I keep the cars overnight?

[RaskyR1]

Chad, would you be able to mount a second lamp on that post? I'm thinking I might get three of those lamps to put two of them on the supplied post and then somehow modify a boom swing arm off the top with a heavier base. Should still take 120V and be cheaper than the 2002 even with paying somehow to fabricate a stand.

They actually list a model that has two lamps mounted to the same setup as the 1615.
http://infratech-usa.com/automotive/products/medium-wave-systems/model-sru-3215/

It would be pretty top heavy with a boom extending out so I'd want it to be over engineered if anything. My other issue right now is that the legs on the lamp hit my lift when I try to get it close in for to cure the roof and hood.

If I have some free time next week I can model up a few different designs in CAD. I was playing around the other day for something else I'd like to make and I can use a lot of the same parts to go off of. ;)


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/rack.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/rack.jpg.html)

[Dr_Pain]

Would this be of benefit to me,as I keep the cars overnight?

From the conversation we had with Corey, it seems that if you "speed cure" the coating with a IR lamp in the first 3-4 hrs after coating that it actually cures HARDER!!, so my answer to you would be yes! You can accomplish the same by putting the car in the sun but I've had the hardest time with this crazy weather to do that. I will still keep the car overnight and will release after final inspection the next day. I just want a BAKED-ON coating for my clients (another marketing plus)

[Mike lambert]

Thanks!that is a good idea!

[Mike lambert]

Since I am not at all familiar with this process,where can I find info on the process?

[CH.Detailing]

These stand extend from 6 feet to 10 feet so if you were to rig the curing lamp on the trust pointing vertically down you could easily get the hood and reposition (and extend) to get the roof and back down to the the trunk!?! Just trying to think about a cheaper alternative than to have a $2k machine. If you buy one for vertical and one for horizontal then you could hit all surface and even buying a trust setup you would be looking at $600ish? At 10 feet wide you might even be able to keep it in place and just inch the car forward. Just thinking out loud ;)

Ah, I understand now! I didn't realize that they went that high initially.

[CH.Detailing]

They actually list a model that has two lamps mounted to the same setup as the 1615.
http://infratech-usa.com/automotive/products/medium-wave-systems/model-sru-3215/

It would be pretty top heavy with a boom extending out so I'd want it to be over engineered if anything. My other issue right now is that the legs on the lamp hit my lift when I try to get it close in for to cure the roof and hood.

If I have some free time next week I can model up a few different designs in CAD. I was playing around the other day for something else I'd like to make and I can use a lot of the same parts to go off of. ;)


http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i288/Raskyr1/rack.jpg (http://s75.photobucket.com/user/Raskyr1/media/rack.jpg.html)

The gears are turning! I like it. There is a metal fab shop literally within the same building as my shop, so if you can draw it I'm sure he can weld it!

[Dr_Pain]

Since I am not at all familiar with this process,where can I find info on the process?

Each manufacturer may or may not have recommendations based on the products, solvent and catalysts they use in their product. From what I have read, CQuartz curing is the "best" if you can heat the panel to 170 degrees for about 10 minutes (within the first 3-4hrs of coating). This can be achieved by coating and exposing to the sun (on a hot day) but now that we are getting into colder temp ranges (or in my case rainy season) I think it is a good idea if you do a few coatings a year to have an IR lamp. This will assure you of the "best" results.

Don't get me wrong, it does not mean that because you don't have a heat source that you won't get good results, but to achieve "best", you need the optimal environment for curing. If you only coat one car a year or only plan on coating your car then it may not be worth the investment. It may be best to plan on coating on a perfect day or you can use a heat gun and take your time (make sure to have a IR temperature gun to reach optimal temp and not burn your paint or trim).

I was recently asked to test and review the new Gloss Coat and as such took the opportunity to ask if they had tech info on curing with IR lamp, and was told that it just speeds the curing process but they did not know anything beyond that. That is why I LOVE CarPro!!!!

[MoeMistry]

OK fellas, this is going off track...who's in and who's out for the IR lamps?

[Dr_Pain]

http://easyloungin.com/forum/topic.php?bb_attachments=38724&bbat=2585&inline

1615HT x1

[Mike lambert]

Thanks for the help!

[ChrisDA]

The $233 price is expensive specially when they should be giving us a 'deal' for buying bulk.

All group-buys must be moderated by one of the admins or moderators. If people come to a consensus on a product/s they are interested in and everyone agrees on those models then I will open an official group buy thread for this offering.

[MoeMistry]

The $233 price is expensive specially when they should be giving us a 'deal' for buying bulk.

All group-buys must be moderated by one of the admins or moderators. If people come to a consensus on a product/s they are interested in and everyone agrees on those models then I will open an official group buy thread for this offering.

Chris, send me a link of the item if you've seen it cheaper. Also, prices INCLUDE shipping anywhere in US...so factor that as well.

[Corey]

Moe, thanks so much for your efforts in organizing this and all for the info and participation!

[CH.Detailing]

1615HT for $163.99 with free shipping at checkout.

http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/infsru1615-infratech-medium-wave-paint-curing-lamp-1500-watt/?gclid=CNmv54nK8sACFZKHaQodUWoA9Q

[Dr_Pain]

1615HT for $163.99 with free shipping at checkout.

http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/infsru1615-infratech-medium-wave-paint-curing-lamp-1500-watt/?gclid=CNmv54nK8sACFZKHaQodUWoA9Q

Not the HT which is 2000watts :(

[MoeMistry]

1615HT for $163.99 with free shipping at checkout.

http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/infsru1615-infratech-medium-wave-paint-curing-lamp-1500-watt/?gclid=CNmv54nK8sACFZKHaQodUWoA9Q

That's the 1500 watt W/O timer...the one I posted is the HT model, 2000 watt, W/ timer....I haven't fount it cheaper anywhere...actual model# is 16-1000

Here's their link and it's $273.99

http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/infratech-16-1000-high-intensity-2000-watt-curing-lamp-model-sru-1615-ht/

[DARK HORSE]

Great work Moe! Thank you so much for your time and efforts, it is greatly appreciated!

[Dr_Pain]

I need one..... so we need people!! Can't beat those prices!

[MoeMistry]

Great work Moe! Thank you so much for your time and efforts, it is greatly appreciated!


Moe, thanks so much for your efforts in organizing this and all for the info and participation!

You're welcome fellas...anything I can do to add value to our group, I'm happy to do so :)

[CH.Detailing]

That's the 1500 watt W/O timer...the one I posted is the HT model, 2000 watt, W/ timer....I haven't fount it cheaper anywhere...actual model# is 16-1000

Here's their link and it's $273.99

http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/infratech-16-1000-high-intensity-2000-watt-curing-lamp-model-sru-1615-ht/

Ahh, gotcha! My mistake!

[ChrisDA]

That's the 1500 watt W/O timer...the one I posted is the HT model, 2000 watt, W/ timer....I haven't fount it cheaper anywhere...actual model# is 16-1000

Here's their link and it's $273.99

http://www.qualitytoolsforless.com/infratech-16-1000-high-intensity-2000-watt-curing-lamp-model-sru-1615-ht/

Ok Moe, tally up what people want and how many and we'll start an official thread for this group buy. Put me down for 1 of the cheapest ones.

[MoeMistry]

Ok Moe, tally up what people want and how many and we'll start an official thread for this group buy. Put me down for 1 of the cheapest ones.

It seems only a few units have been asked for....we need about 12...I believe we're at 2-3...so start the official GB and let's get this going :) I don't want to be without it come fall/winter.

[Status Auto Detailing]

I'm in for the 2000 watt HT model.

[bigmitch]

It seems only a few units have been asked for....we need about 12...I believe we're at 2-3...so start the official GB and let's get this going :) I don't want to be without it come fall/winter.
I'm a little late replying to this thread but trying to find out if a group buy was ever started and if so is it still going or has it been closed. Have been considering getting an IR lamp and a group buy would probably help twist my arm.:cool:

[bigmitch]

I wonder what the weight of the unit is!?! It would be interesting to see if we could set it up on a boom light stand!?

Boom light stand (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XWSF26/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I have this light stand setup with 2 LEDs. According to the manufacturer it has a 12 lbs load max though.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/IMG_3096.JPG
Like that light stand as that would work great for me. Question is where did you get the end setup for the LED lights as it doesn't appear to come with the light stand.

[DARK HORSE]

Hi bigmitch, I'm not sure if a group buy happened or not, but I would suggest sending a pm to Moe and Dr. Pain in case they miss your interest here.

[SameGuy]

I'm not saying I'm in, but when I started reading about FlyBy curing with IR or a heat gun I looked at the 1500 Watt 1615. I may end up doing more than just my (and my F&F's) cars. I think my threshold for justifying it would fall somewhere around three paid coated paint jobs a year, or perhaps ten windshields.

Let me know if this gets going again.

[Dr_Pain]

The group buy idea is DEAD and most that participated in the attempt ended up getting IR lamps on their own as they could not wait it out (include me in there). I actually bought 2 Infratech 1615 (1500 watts)

[Dr_Pain]

Like that light stand as that would work great for me. Question is where did you get the end setup for the LED lights as it doesn't appear to come with the light stand.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZUVX8G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (others sell it)

They do have some limitations (biggest one is that they don't support the weight of the bulb well). Check out Zach's DIY for details. http://carproforum.com/showthread.php?48-DIY-LED-Work-Light

[mobiledynamics]

Thread Bump, but what is the cure time of CQ UK with lamps as opposed to sitting in the garage for at least 24 solid hours ?

Does IR cut the cure time by half ?
Or even more - as in X hrs ?

[Corey]

Thread Bump, but what is the cure time of CQ UK with lamps as opposed to sitting in the garage for at least 24 solid hours ?

Does IR cut the cure time by half ?
Or even more - as in X hrs ?

IR makes it harder a lot faster but doesn't fully cure it in every sense. It does however cut the time in approximately half for general considerations.

Using Reload can also alleviate concern of water spots if you release sooner.

[touchless21]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but is medium wavelength the ideal type of light for curing coatings? Just verifying.