Sidel SBO 20 Series Infrared Lamp: The Drop-In Heating Solution for Matrix Upgrades
If you’re running a Sidel line, you know the feeling. You need to upgrade, but the thought of shutting everything down for weeks to rewire and reprogram? That’s a headache nobody wants. Well, here’s the good news. The SBO 20 Series infrared lamp was built to solve that exact problem. It’s a straight-up, plug-and-play replacement that bridges the gap between older SBO systems and the modern Matrix platform. No rewiring. No reprogramming. Just pull the old one out, pop the new one in, and you’re back up and running.
Power, Voltage, and Size: Built for the Real World
We packed serious power into a small package. This lamp runs at 400V, which is high-voltage by design. The payoff? Lower current draw. That means you can use smaller internal wiring and put less strain on the power supply. It’s rated at 2500W, focused over a 300mm active length. That concentrated heat is exactly what you need to get preforms hot fast, without turning the rest of the machine into a sauna. And the fit? It’s a dead ringer for the original. It drops right into the existing reflector, keeping the focal point perfect for even, consistent heating.
The Secret Sauce: Materials and Design
The heart of this lamp is its quartz envelope. Why quartz? Because it handles extreme heat like a champ, staying stable when everything around it is melting. Inside, the halogen cycle does the heavy lifting, keeping the filament clean and giving the lamp a long, reliable life. On the outside, a special shortwave infrared coating focuses the energy into the 1-3 micron spectrum. That’s the sweet spot for PET, so you’re not wasting a single watt of energy. And for the connection, we went with the R7s standard. It’s built to handle the high current and gives you a secure, two-point contact that won’t shake loose.
On the Floor: Fast, Simple, and Effective
When you’re blowing PET, speed is everything. The preform needs to hit 110°C to 120°C, and it needs to get there fast. This lamp delivers, keeping your cycle times short and your production moving. The real beauty is the simplicity. You can upgrade an entire line without the massive disruption. It’s a straight swap. Pull the old, plug in the new, and go. Now, here’s the one thing to keep in mind. With 2500W of power, you’re dealing with serious heat. Your machine’s cooling system has to be up to the task. If the cooling is undersized, the lamp and the electronics around it will run hotter than they should, which can shorten their lifespan. It’s just a simple balance between power and thermal management—one you’re already familiar with on the floor.