On a Sidel SBO 20 Series 2 running full tilt, uneven preform heating shows up immediately—inconsistent wall thickness, blown bottles, and a heating tunnel that never seems to settle on the setpoint. Once the original lamps age out, temperature stability goes south, and the blow molder pays for it in rework and restarts. What we built, technically We built the replacement lamp for the SBO 20 Series 2 as a direct-fit infrared emitter, matched to the machine’s power and geometry. It runs at the specified voltage, uses the same R7s connector interface, and keeps the same overall length, so it drops straight into the existing holders and reflectors. The quartz envelope is selected for high transmission in the short-wave band, which gives you fast response and tight temperature control across the heating zones. Why it works in practice When the lamp is matched to OEM parameters, the heating tunnel settles faster after startup and holds a tighter band during long runs. That means less scrap and a more consistent stretch blow molding cycle. Energy use comes down because the emitter reaches and holds temperature efficiently, and longer service life translates into fewer changeovers. Plants typically see annual lamp spend cut by 25–35%, while unplanned heating-related stoppages drop by roughly 20%. The install details that matter Installation is straightforward, but the lamp will punish you for surface contact. Wear clean gloves, get the R7s ends aligned properly, and check reflector condition before you power up. If the holder shows oxidation or arcing, replace it at the same time—otherwise even a good lamp will underperform.