On the SFR line, the heating tunnel is where you stop chasing scrap and start making money. If infrared output starts drifting, preforms heat unevenly. Walls thin out, and the machine slows down just to keep things from going sideways. The SIPA SFR 12 infrared radiator is built to drop in as the original emitter, without having to re-tune the whole oven. You get stable heat back, repeatable timing, and consistent bottle quality. What matters, technically The SFR 12 is a short-wave infrared radiator made for the SIPA SFR blow molder. Quartz tube, halogen filament—fast response and tight control in the heating tunnel. The mounting, wiring, and spacing match the OEM, so the reflector geometry and focal line stay where they should. In practice, that means the intended heat profile across the preform neck and body, without hot spots or cold bands. Why it works on the SFR Put the SFR 12 in, and warm-up is quicker, you tweak parameters less, and uptime goes up. Plants on the SFR often see the heating section’s energy use drop 12–18%, because the emitter hits setpoint fast and holds it without a lot of overshoot. After a jam clear, cycle recovery is faster. Scrap from uneven stretch drops, because the preform lands in the right temperature window every time. Lamp life typically lands around 5,000 hours, so you change them less often and keep maintenance predictable. The practical details This is a direct-fit replacement, but double-check voltage, connector type, and clamp orientation against your machine spec before ordering. The quartz tube doesn’t like rough handling—clean with a lint-free cloth, never touch the glass with bare fingers, and confirm reflector alignment after installation. Keep the power clean, too. Voltage sag and spikes shorten emitter life, so a stable supply is worth a quick check.