Project Overview

HEATSTRIP® Max is an ultra-high heat, low-glow infrared heater range designed for indoor and outdoor use. Stylish in design, energy efficient operation and unique product features HEATSTRIP Max is ideal for residential and commercial installations. The product meets and exceeds a balance of economical, aesthetic and functionality criteria.

Organisation

Thermofilm Australia

Team

Robert Reynolds - Managing Director
Ben Murphy - Operations Manager
Greg Trezise - National Sales and Marketing Manager

Project Brief

Thermofilm Australia’s HEATSTRIP® heater range provide comfort heating for alfresco dining, outdoor entertaining areas such as patios, courtyards and balconies, factories, warehouses and showrooms.

When looking for a new product to complement and enhance the existing HEATSTRIP range, Thermofilm Australia wanted to design and engineer an ultra-high intensity heater that had unique operational and functionality features.

The need for an ultra-high temperature heater started with discussions between end-user customers who had a requirement for a heater in hard to heat areas such as high ceilings, minimal or no overhead cover or wind protection, and very cold areas.

The project team decided on a new technology of infra-red heating elements called Incolloy. Incolloy infra-red elements emit a high temperature of around 650 degrees Celsius yet do not have a bright glow which can be obtrusive and difficult to look at.

Project Need

Thermofilm Australia determined that the outdoor electric heating category lacked a high temperature heater that incorporated innovative technology and appealing design features.

The design needed to be robust, strong, aesthetically appealing, durable and most importantly, have superior functionality. The product also had to meet the climate needs and regulatory requirements of both the Australian and International markets in North America, Europe, Japan and New Zealand.

Design Challenge

Innovation, quality and service are key drivers for Thermofilm Australia and all products are designed and developed by an engineering team with extensive experience in research, testing, validation and product approvals.

HEATSTRIP Max needed to meet local and international standards, including AS/NZ, ROHS, SAA, CE, ROHS, UL, CSA and PSE.

The efficiency of converting energy from electricity to heat was an integral component of the design criteria. The use of the Incolloy technology has been instrumental in converting a higher percentage of electricity into heat without any unwanted side effects like noise, light or vibration. This element is a leader in the market place for the low glow effect.

In addition to efficient energy conversion, the heat needs to be directed in the right direction. For this design and testing reinforced the ultimate reflector shape, finish and position. The reflector with its bright finish is instrumental to its effective operation.

One of the main design criteria was making a product that would endure the tough Australian outdoor conditions. Be it on the coast with corrosive sea air or in cold, wet conditions.

Sustainability

Thermofilm Australia products are designed and supplied with an emphasis on environmental impact, whether it be maximising recyclability of product components and packaging, or implementing new designs and technologies to improve efficiency and reduce running costs.

The use of recyclable materials in the design of HEATSTRIP Max was not only critical for ROHS compliance, but socially responsible. Inclusive of its’ packaging, HEATSTRIP Max is made primarily from materials that can be recycled. The product contains no materials that are biological or chemically dangerous to the environment.

Using innovative assembly techniques, the need for additional processes was eliminated and ensured that product is assembled quickly and easily and within the capabilities of Thermofilm’s factory. The constant iteration process of improvement for construction reduced the number of parts required and this not only improved the quality and fitment of the unit, it also reduced the assembly cost.