Choosing the right oven for powder coating can make a big difference in your productivity and finish quality.
Mike ChapmanGas catalytic infrared ovens offer significant advantages over convection ovens. They offer efficient energy use and quick curing times.
Here are the top 5 tips to keep in mind when selecting the best oven for your powder coating needs:
- Prioritize Energy Efficiency Gas Catalytic: Infrared ovens are highly energy-efficient, as they heat the object directly instead of the air. This leads to faster curing times (up to 66% quicker) and lower energy consumption, helping you save up to 50% energy cost over convection ovens.
- Ensure Even Heat Distribution Consistent: Even heat is crucial for a smooth, professional powder-coated finish. Gas catalytic Infrared ovens provide excellent heat coverage, ensuring uniform curing across your workpieces and minimizing defects.
- Look for Quick Heat-Up Time: Time is critical in powder coating. Gas catalytic infrared ovens heat up rapidly (15 minutes from cold), allowing you to start coating quickly and increase throughput. Faster heat-up times mean less waiting and more productivity.
- Choose Adjustable and Programmable Temperature Control: Different coatings and materials require varying temperatures for optimal curing. Select an oven with precise, adjustable temperature controls to handle a wide range of coatings and ensure the best results every time. With rapid program changeover, the ability to create and store many programs for many parts should be possible.
- Consider Long-Term Cost Savings: While gas catalytic infrared ovens may have a higher initial cost, they are cost-effective over time. The energy savings, reduced curing times, and lower maintenance costs make them a solid investment in the long run. Don’t forget that improved quality means less rework, which means more production.
Bonus Tip: Gas catalytic infrared ovens can be used as a pre-gel oven in front of a convection oven.
By focusing on these tips, you can make a smart decision when selecting a gas catalytic infrared oven over a convection oven. It boosts efficiency and quality and reduces the running cost of your powder coating operations.
Mike Chapman is the Chief Technical and Strategy Officer at WolfRayet. Visit www.wolfrayet.com
