Custom-made Preheating Devices
KEPKA designs and manufactures custom preheating systems engineered to prepare materials for subsequent industrial processes. These devices are used to deliver controlled, repeatable and energy-efficient heating before forming, coating or further thermal treatment stages.
Our preheating solutions are most commonly applied in automotive production, where plastic tubes and components are preheated before being transferred into forming tools. The material is brought to the precise temperature window required for shaping, and then transferred into molds or further into tunnel furnaces for thermoforming, ensuring dimensional accuracy and stable material behavior.
Convection and Infrared
Preheating Technologies
KEPKA preheating devices are available in both convection-based systems and infrared heating solutions, depending on the material type and process requirements.
Convection systems utilize KEPKA’s proprietary ThermoTurbulence airflow technology, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and precise heat transfer throughout the entire product volume.
Infrared systems enable rapid surface heating and are particularly effective in high-speed production environments.
For demanding applications, infrared heating can be operated in pulse mode, where heating cycles alternate between T-on and T-off phases. This controlled pulsing improves thermal penetration while minimizing the risk of overheating, surface degradation or material damage.
Multiple Configurations
for Industrial Flexibility
KEPKA preheating devices are engineered in a variety of configurations to match different production layouts and operator requirements:
- Drawer-type systems with 2, 3 or 4 sliding chambers, extending towards the operator for easy access,
- Top-opening units supported by gas springs or automated lifting systems,
- Weight-balanced or assisted opening mechanisms for ergonomic handling,
- Infrared tunnel or chamber preheaters for continuous or semi-continuous processes.
Each solution is designed to ensure precise temperature control, repeatable cycles and maximum operator safety.
Compact Design
and Operator Safety
Preheating systems are designed as compact, space-efficient units, easily integrated into existing production lines or workstations.
They support operation by one or two operators, depending on configuration, and include automated loading and unloading movements to reduce manual handling.
All devices are built with a strong focus on:
- safe operation in industrial environments,
- intuitive handling,
- consistent process repeatability.
Applications Across Multiple Industries
In addition to automotive thermoforming, KEPKA preheating devices are used in a wide range of industries, including:
- battery and energy systems,
- composites and polymer processing,
- medical and technical materials,
- aerospace components,
- coating and lamination processes,
- metal and hybrid material preparation.
Wherever controlled preheating is required before a critical process step, KEPKA delivers tailored solutions adapted to specific production needs.
Summary
KEPKA preheating devices provide precise thermal preparation of materials before forming and processing, combining convection and infrared technologies, modular construction and high process stability.
From drawer-based systems to advanced IR solutions with pulse heating, these devices are designed to ensure consistent, efficient and safe operation in modern industrial environments.
