As reported by AviationPros in their article, “What Do You Need to Know About Industrial Ovens,” industrial ovens are crucial for manufacturing and refurbishing aerospace parts. These ovens play key roles in processes such as annealing metal to strengthen parts, curing composites, and de-embrittlement of components. Choosing the right oven technology and asking the right questions is essential for efficient, low-cost operation.
For nearly 100 years, gas-powered ovens have been the standard in industrial heating. These ovens operate by circulating heated air throughout the oven using blowers. However, this method is often inefficient, as energy is wasted heating the entire oven and powering fans. Additionally, the all-on or all-off nature of gas heating can lead to inefficiencies, especially when only small parts are being processed.
On the other hand, electric infrared ovens provide a more energy-efficient alternative. Unlike gas ovens, infrared energy does not require heating the entire oven. Instead, it directly heats the product through electromagnetic waves absorbed by the material, making it more efficient, especially for continuous operations like belt or monorail conveyors.
According to Jesse Stricker, president of Intek Corp., a Union, MO-based industrial oven manufacturer, electric infrared technology is particularly useful in applications like drying paint and curing composites, as well as inline heat processing systems. Its ability to deliver targeted heat allows for zoned heating, ensuring only necessary areas of the oven are heated. This level of precision provides better control over temperature and energy use, which is crucial in aerospace manufacturing where tight tolerances are required.
Intek’s electric infrared heaters are modular, allowing for flexibility in design and installation. These heaters can be ceiling hung, wall-mounted, or integrated into conveyor systems to provide consistent, hands-free heating. The technology also enables nearly unlimited heating zones that can be adjusted based on the product’s needs, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and performance.
Intek Corp. continues to innovate with its energy-efficient industrial ovens and heating solutions, helping aerospace manufacturers meet their operational goals while reducing energy costs.
Click here to learn more about Intek Corp’s products.
Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of aviationpros.com