How do Heat Guns Work?

Heat guns, though seemingly simple in appearance, are powerful tools with a wide range of applications. From paint removal to soldering, plastic welding to shrink-wrapping, they play a crucial role in various industries and DIY projects. Have you ever wondered how these versatile devices produce intense heat without an open flame or visible heating element? In this blog post, we'll unravel the science behind heat guns and explore the fascinating mechanics that make them work.

Basic Knowledge

Different heat guns do not work exactly the same way. The basic working principle is: the use of a miniature blower as a wind source, with an electric heating wire heating air flow, and make the heat of the airflow reach a high temperature of 200 ℃ ~ 480 ℃, that is, you can melt the temperature of the solder. Then, the air nozzle is directed to heat the parts to be soldered and the work area to be worked on.

In addition, in order to adapt to different working environments, to achieve the current general circuit to achieve the purpose of measuring and controlling the stable temperature, some are also installed in the heat gun handle inside the direction of the sensor to confirm the working position of the handle to determine the heat gun is in a different working state: work, standby, shutdown. Here is how it works.

Working Principle

• Switching on the power supply: After plugging the electric air gun into a power outlet, connect the power supply to the control circuit via the switch on the handle. At this point, the power switch of the electric air gun closes and the power supply starts.
• Heating the heat-conducting wire: The control circuit transfers electrical energy to the heat-conducting wire in the heater. The nickel-chromium alloy wire of the heat-conducting wire has high electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity, and when the current passes through the heat-conducting wire, the heat-conducting wire will heat up. The heating temperature of the heat-conducting wire depends on the size of the current and voltage. Usually, the control circuit will adjust the current and voltage according to the set temperature value to control the heating temperature of the heat-conducting wire.

• Blowing out hot air: After the heat-conducting wire is heated, the air around the heater is heated and forms hot air. The hot air is discharged through the air outlet, and the air velocity of the hot air can be controlled by the airflow regulator on the handle.
• Temperature control: The control circuit will monitor the temperature of the heat-conducting wire according to the set temperature value, and control the voltage and current through the driving circuit, so as to control the heating temperature of the heat-conducting wire. When the temperature of the heat-conducting wire exceeds the set temperature value, the control circuit will automatically reduce the voltage and current to lower the heating temperature of the heat-conducting wire; when the temperature of the heat-conducting wire is lower than the set temperature value, the control circuit will automatically increase the voltage and current to raise the heating temperature of the heat-conducting wire. In this way, the control circuit can realize precise control of the temperature of the hot air.
• Safety protection: An electric heat gun is usually also equipped with an overheating protection device and an overload protection device. When the temperature of the heat-conducting wire exceeds the safe range or the current is overloaded, the protection device will automatically cut off the power supply to protect the electric heat gun and the user's safety.

In conclusion, heat guns work by using a heating element to generate intense heat, which is then directed and distributed by a fan. Their adjustable settings and versatility make them indispensable tools for a wide range of applications. Understanding how heat guns work can help you use them effectively and safely in your projects. Shop for high-quality heat guns at ATO Store to enhance the efficiency of your work.