Heater technology improves costs and product quality.

Yesterday's technology was just not good enough. Engineers at Jacuzzi recognized the many limitations of their thermoforming equipment, and knew that there was a better manufacturing process. "We had two thermo-formers using bare ni-chrome elements stretched on a frame,” explains Noel Maddox, Industrial Engineer with Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath in Santa Ana. "As they oxidized the resistance would change, resulting in a change in the efficiency of the heaters". " Since the method of control was percentage timers, we were out there every few months with heat sensitive tape on the plastic sheet tweaking the timers to compensate for the oxidation. This wasted several sheets and took a lot of time. When ASA told us about quartz heaters from AOV/ Watlow, we were very interested. In addition to the quartz elements, ASA recommended 14 zones, each individually controlled by an infra red sensor, 3 mode temperature control and solid state relays.

The program brought into play many experts. For radiant panels, ASA solicited the talents of Chad Murphy, Watlow St Louis. For IR sensors, Steve Sikkink in Decorah, IA. For 3 mode temperature control, Jason Beyer in Winona, Minnesota. But the real key to the solution was right in our own back yard. ASA and Noel worked closely with Scott Stillman at Watlow/ AOV. The exact IR frequency that was ideal for the specific plastic sheets that Jacuzzi was using had to be determined. ASA relates, "Noel and Steve worked side by side, even through the weekends". "Noel has a lot of experience in thermoforming, and coupled with his engineering logic, each test brought us closer to the solution". "We have been very impressed with the service and engineering support from ASA”

Noel credits ASA with a job well done. He reports, "We have been very impressed with the service and engineering support from ASA". ASA is quick to share the success. "Just listen to what Noel says, and you can tell how much it was his program". Noel has stated that of the program "., the results have been well worth the effort". "Scrap has been reduced significantly'. "We have doubled the thickness of the material in the footwell of our spas". Noel's tweaking of the percentage timers is a thing of the past. "The single reason for these benefits" explains Noel enthusiastically "is that now we are heating the core of the material, not just the top surface. "And one more plus... the operator can change the heat profile in a matter of seconds to accommodate difficult molds". Thank you Noel for your dedication to excellence. We are proud to be there to assist you.
The proof in customer satisfaction is a recommendation to others. After Noel's success in Santa Ana, Jacuzzi recommended and is retrofitting two machines in Irvine.