Using Industrial Ovens
Industrial ovens are in the same family as autoclaves and are most likely found in a manufactures product list next to autoclaves. These types of ovens are constructed to certain specifications and need to meet inflexible requirements. Industrial ovens can be used for coating, curing, heating, pre-heating, component testing, and drying among other things. For smaller batch sizes, cabinet and bench ovens are used to meet production requirements and walk-in ovens are used to meet the larger batch requirements. For a higher production volume and a lower staging and handling cost, conveyor ovens are used. One drawback to using the conveyor system can be that the product going through has to be within a certain size and shape. Industrial conveyor ovens also come with manual modes or automatic modes.
Walk-in ovens can vary in size from about 5 feet high, 5 feet wide, and 5 deep to about 25 feet high, 30 feet wide, and 150 feet long. This range usually covers most ovens. However, some manufacturers will custom make industrial ovens to meet special specifications. These ovens can also be made with one or two doors depending on preference. They can be doors that swing or lift vertically, controlled by a motor drive or pneumatic cylinder. The ovens can be made with a man-door for quicker access. The ovens have a duct design to ensure the optimal heating of parts. They are designed to have good air flow and to maintain a stable and consistent heat throughout. Temperatures can reach 1500 Fahrenheit and use balanced blowers for even baking.
The loss of heat through the exhaust system is a determining factor in the oven’s efficiency. Heat lost by product absorption, conveyor absorption and carry out heat are also factors. Heat also escapes through the openings, roof and walls of the oven. Electric and gas heat sources are the two primary methods of heating the ovens. SCR, or silicon controlled rectifiers, system is used with the electric heating units with backup safety contractors foe high heat limit disconnect. Gas heated ovens us an FM approved system. The FM approval is backed by scientific testing and research. It’s a way to show the product meets the high standards and specifications set by Factory Mutual Research Corporation.
For absolute data-acquisition and automation a CPC (Common Principal Component) computer control system is used in many industrial ovens. CPC controls electric or gas-fired ovens. The system can also control and monitor vacuum lines on curing and bonding industrial ovens. CPC is the leading software in the world for bonding and composite curing in presses, autoclaves, ovens, and more equipment. For more than 13 years, CPC systems have been operating throughout the world, and have an extensive field record in the very demanding applications. CPC systems control walk-in and batch ovens that can be used in the aerospace, coating, and composites industries. Even small bench ovens can benefit from CPC because of its multi-equipment capability.
ASC Process Systems has a complete line of industrial walk-in ovens for your composite curing, coating, and paint drying requirements. ASC also manufactures the world’s most popular composites curing autoclave. The Econoclave is the highest quality and most capable autoclave you can buy, and due to ASC’s unique design and fabrication approach, it is also the most affordable to purchase and operate. Unlike other oven manufacturers, ASC is uniquely qualified to address the composite process and recommend the appropriate hardware for your application.
Looking for an industrial oven or an industrial autoclave? Just go to ASC’s website at http://www.aschome.com. and check out the selection.