Jeff Kent is vice president of operations for Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, WI, a designer, engineer and manufacturer of industrial ovens and other heating equipment.
Many different features and designs influence curing uniformity, including the thermal insulation, accuracy of the temperature controller and thermocouple, thermocouple placement, location of exhaust outlets and fresh air inlets, through-metal heat transfer, and chamber pressure. Although each parameter affects the ability of the equipment to achieve a given temperature tolerance, factors such as the air volume, distribution of the air through the work chamber, and shell losses play a key role in keeping the heat uniform within the work chamber, ensuring that each area within the oven receives the same air temperature regardless of its location.