Frequently asked questions: What does "4th generation infrared emitter" mean?
Infrared saunas, and therefore infrared heating elements, have been around for more than 15 years. At the time of the first infrared saunas, there were of course no dedicated emitters for infrared saunas, so elements from other fields were used instead. However, the principle was the same even then, namely that electric current is converted into infrared and heat radiation.
As in many other fields, there are ongoing developments and improvements in infrared saunas and particularly in infrared emitters. The fundamentally optimal radiation spectrum, which effectively penetrates the skin while also being gentle, has long been researched, yet new findings are always emerging. Accordingly, the infrared emitters must also be manufactured according to the latest state of the art.
Material improvements in recent years have contributed to the latest infrared emitters not only having a more homogeneous radiation pattern but also being significantly more reliable and durable than similar emitters of previous generations. Meanwhile, the 4th generation SOLIS infrared emitters are already being installed in ATROPA infrared saunas. Of course, many ATROPA infrared saunas with emitters from the first to the third generation are still in use, and they also perform very well, especially since the magnesium oxide emitter, the quality of the infrared radiation has massively improved.
Emitter generations at a glance:
1st Generation: Incoloy emitters
+ Shatterproof, corrosion-resistant
+ Inexpensive production, as already available (e.g., washing machine)
- Radiation spectrum shifts over the course of its lifespan
- Uneven radiation, therefore often a curved design
2nd Generation: Magnesium oxide emitters
+ Relatively uniform radiation from the entire emitter rod
+ Constant spectral distribution over almost the entire lifespan
- Not shatterproof, therefore must be transported with care
3rd Generation: Ceramic emitters
+ Inexpensive production, as technology is already available
- Low efficiency, high energy losses
- Relatively uncontrolled heat development
4th Generation: Magnesium oxide-ceramic emitters with sand filling
+ Very homogeneous radiation from the entire emitter rod
+ Efficient conversion of the supplied energy (very high efficiency)
+ Constant spectral distribution over the entire lifespan
+ Long lifespan
+ Low electricity costs
- Not shatterproof, therefore must be transported with care
- Complex construction, higher manufacturing costs
