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Industrial Ovens: Uses, Types and Functionality

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Introduction

Below is everything you need to know about industrial ovens.

You will learn:

  • What is an industrial oven?
  • The types of industrial ovens
  • How industrial ovens work
  • What industrial ovens are used for
  • Industrial oven construction
  • And much more...
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Chapter One – What is an industrial oven?

Industrial ovens are specialized equipment engineered to attain high temperatures necessary for processes like heat treatment, metal conditioning, and curing of coatings. They primarily fall into two main categories: batch ovens and continuous ovens. Batch ovens handle multiple components simultaneously, whereas continuous ovens are typically employed in high-output manufacturing settings and frequently incorporate both heating and cooling systems.

Depending on their application, industrial ovens can be powered by diverse energy sources, including gas, electricity, steam, hot water, microwaves, or fuel oil. Whether they are batch or conveyor-style ovens, these power sources are applicable to both formats.

An industrial oven's efficiency greatly relies on effective product loading and proper airflow distribution. The configuration of the airflow, influenced by the load and product type, can take one of six possible forms. Heat distribution is achieved through forced convection, as demonstrated in the diagram below.

Forced Convection Oven

Industrial ovens are categorized into three distinct varieties, each offering unique construction qualities, product handling capabilities, and customization options. These categories are as follows:

Laboratory ovens

Laboratory ovens are used for sample testing during product development processes, as well as for the light-duty manufacturing of small-scale components.

Industrial batch ovens

Industrial batch ovens are built to accommodate significant product volumes, coming in sizes that range from just a few cubic meters to several cubic feet.

Conveyor ovens

Conveyor ovens are designed for automated production processes and can be adapted to integrate seamlessly with specific manufacturing operations.

Chapter Two – What are the Main Types of Industrial Ovens?

Industrial ovens are essential heating equipment for a wide range of manufacturing processes, featuring designs and capabilities that vary significantly based on their intended use. The function and characteristics of an industrial oven—also called a process oven or industrial heating oven—are determined by its application. For example, curing ovens facilitate complex chemical reactions between powder coatings and metal surfaces, while drying ovens are engineered to thoroughly eliminate moisture from a wide array of raw materials and finished parts. Additionally, specialized industrial ovens are used for heat treating metals for further processing, melting alloys, annealing, tempering, sterilizing equipment, or removing unwanted impurities and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Types of Industrial Ovens

Listing every type of industrial oven is challenging due to the constant innovation and development of new models in the industrial oven market. Manufacturers design custom industrial ovens for unique thermal processing needs in industries ranging from automotive, aerospace, and metalworking to food processing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Below is a comprehensive summary of some of the most common types of industrial ovens, highlighting their features, typical applications, and benefits for manufacturers and production managers seeking reliable thermal processing solutions.

Baking Ovens

Baking ovens are engineered to release moisture, volatile compounds, or trapped gases from a wide range of substrates, including parts with surface coatings or finishes. In industrial powder coating, baking ovens heat the powder to its melting point to ensure even, durable adhesion to metal surfaces. The terms "baking" and "curing" ovens are sometimes used interchangeably in manufacturing environments, especially when referring to ovens designed for both processes.

Baking ovens function as versatile thermal processing units, efficiently integrating curing and drying functions. They accelerate the drying of painted parts and coatings by removing moisture from the air, which results in a smooth, flawless surface finish—a critical requirement for industries demanding high-quality coated metal products.

In the food and packaged food industries, batch baking ovens and conveyor baking ovens are employed to enhance the efficiency, speed, and consistency of food production. Their use ensures uniform baking, reproducibility, and compliance with food safety standards.

Bake and Dry Oven

Batch Ovens

Batch ovens, also known as cabinet ovens or walk-in ovens, are designed to provide uniform, controlled heat to large volumes of products in a single cycle. Operators can select from various custom sizes and configurations, including bench-top, reach-in, or walk-in models, depending on parts size and throughput needs. Batch ovens are typically heated by electrical elements or direct/indirect gas burners, offering precise temperature control and advanced safety features. They play a critical role in applications like drying, curing, aging, annealing, heat treating, and stress relieving parts and materials.

Batch ovens are valued for their versatility and flexibility—they can process multiple parts simultaneously or perform small-scale production runs. These ovens also expel trapped gases and moisture from products to avoid material deterioration, warping, or contamination, helping manufacturers maintain stringent quality control in their thermal processing operations.

Powder Curing Batch Oven

Conveyor Ovens

Conveyor ovens, sometimes called continuous ovens or tunnel ovens, are designed for high-volume industrial production and are optimized for automated, in-line processing. These ovens feature adjustable belt speeds, integrated cooling zones, multi-zone heating chambers, and powerful exhaust hoods for optimal ventilation. Conveyor oven systems are commonly used for drying, curing, annealing, stress relieving, bonding, tempering, preheating, and forming—a suite of industrial heat treatments tailored for continuous manufacturing.

Their robust conveyor belt system integrates seamlessly into production or assembly lines, providing high production capacity, automation of batch processes, and exceptional flexibility. Conveyor ovens meet the needs of manufacturers in sectors such as electronics, food processing, and automotive, who demand precise temperature profiles and efficient handling of large quantities of parts or products.

Conveyor Oven

Curing Ovens

Curing industrial ovens are specially designed to bond powders, paints, adhesives, and coatings to metal surfaces. They are vital for industries involved in coating, composite materials, and polymer processing. These ovens also harden products made from rubber, plastics, and metals, reliably producing finished goods with enhanced durability and resistance to environmental factors.

Curing ovens are constructed with specialized insulated steel panels and frames, and are available in a broad range of sizes, heating technologies, and configurations. Industrial curing ovens can be powered by electric, UV light, hot oil, steam, or natural gas energy sources, permitting temperature ranges that commonly reach up to 800°F (426°C). Choosing the right curing oven is critical for manufacturers aiming to maximize product quality, throughput, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Curing Oven

Direct Gas Ovens

Direct-fired or gas industrial ovens utilize either natural gas or propane as fuel and are often selected for their efficiency in reaching and maintaining high temperatures. Although they generally have a higher initial construction cost than electric ovens, their operating costs are typically lower due to favorable gas prices. Direct gas ovens heat up more quickly and offer more efficient heat transfer, maintaining temperature stability for continuous or batch processes.

Common applications for direct gas-fired ovens include curing coatings on steel parts, heat-treating metals, firing ceramics, or aiding in the production of automotive components such as brake pads, linings, and engine parts. These ovens are favored by manufacturers seeking robust performance for demanding industrial heat treatment applications.

Gas Fired Oven

Drying Ovens

Industrial drying ovens are engineered to remove moisture from raw materials, finished parts, or process intermediates, making them indispensable for manufacturing environments that require precise control of material water content. Typical applications include heat treating for metal extrusion, drying of labware, glassware, paints, or plastics, and sterilizing medical instruments. Drying ovens deploy either natural or forced air convection, and some models serve as vacuum ovens for drying powders, granular substances, pharmaceuticals, and delicate electronic components.

When drying for moisture removal, oven settings are customized according to the measured moisture content of the product, preventing product degradation, corrosion, or contamination. High-performance industrial drying ovens help manufacturers achieve optimal process control, energy efficiency, and consistent output quality.

Drying Oven

Industrial Electric Ovens

Electrically heated industrial ovens offer rapid, uniform heat-up times, precise temperature control, and relatively low operational costs. These ovens excel in environments with stringent cleanroom requirements or for processing combustible materials, sensitive coatings, or metals such as aluminum that might discolor under gas-fired conditions. The growing demand for electric industrial ovens is driven by advancements in energy efficiency, digital temperature control, and compliance with modern environmental and safety standards.

Industrial Electric Oven

Infrared Ovens

Infrared ovens use high-intensity infrared radiation to deliver rapid, energy-efficient heating for diverse industrial processes. Industrial IR ovens reach full power instantly, enabling targeted, precision heating for applications like coating, adhesive curing, drying, sintering, and processing materials where uniform temperature distribution and speed are paramount. Their main drawbacks relate to their higher up-front cost, but they are widely adopted by manufacturers for their energy efficiency, consistent heating, and reliability.

Infrared Oven

Microwave Ovens

Industrial microwave ovens utilize electromagnetic microwave energy to heat and process materials quickly and efficiently. While these ovens are best known for household use, industrial microwave ovens are increasingly leveraged for rapid heat-treating of parts and materials in manufacturing, electronics, and chemical production. Microwave ovens stand out for their ability to heat components directly—significantly reducing heating, processing, and cooling times compared to conventional ovens.

The microwave process results in substantial cost and energy savings, often cutting processing times by up to 50% and energy use by as much as 70%. High-frequency heating is highly effective for non-metallic, non-conductive, or composite materials that are difficult to treat using standard convection or radiant ovens, enabling enhanced process flexibility in specialized manufacturing sectors.

Microwave Heating and Drying Chamber

Tunnel Ovens

Tunnel ovens feature open-ended heated chambers linked by a metal conveyor belt and are engineered for high-capacity, uninterrupted production lines. Products are either baked directly on the oven hearth or placed on pans, facilitating efficient movement through baking or curing processes. Tunnel ovens are available as direct gas-fired or indirect gas-fired designs, supporting a variety of industrial and commercial baking and processing needs.

Direct gas-fired tunnel ovens use controlled air turbulence and zone-specific thermocouple sensors for precise temperature management and uniform heating, with flames situated above and below the chamber for even results. Tunnel ovens are ideal for food processing, automotive, and parts manufacturing sectors requiring continuous operation with minimal downtime between batches and strict process consistency.

Tunnel Oven

Vacuum Ovens

Vacuum ovens are specialized for process control and contamination prevention. By actively regulating atmospheric pressure in the heating chamber, vacuum ovens eliminate oxygen, prevent oxidation, and enable low-temperature drying of sensitive or heat-labile materials. This makes them ideal for industries dealing with electronics manufacturing, aerospace components, laboratory sample preparation, and pharmaceutical processing. Vacuum ovens permit gentle drying and heat-treating, preserving the integrity of delicate products and minimizing thermal degradation.

Vacuum Oven

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

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    How to Choose the Right Industrial Oven for Your Application

    When selecting an industrial oven, consider key factors such as oven type, heat source (electric, gas, infrared, or microwave), temperature range, airflow design, chamber size, control systems, and application-specific requirements. Evaluate energy efficiency, operational costs, compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and compatibility with your production volume. Leading industrial oven manufacturers often provide custom engineering and support to help you select or design the ideal heating system for your process. By matching oven specifications to your needs—whether curing, drying, baking, or heat treating—you can optimize product quality, maximize throughput, and reduce operating expenses.

    Industrial Oven Applications and Industries Served

    Industrial ovens support a diverse set of industrial and commercial uses, including automotive parts assembly, aerospace components manufacturing, metal fabrication, powder coating, plastics processing, electronics production, and food baking. They are also critical for laboratory research, medical instrument sterilization, and composite materials production. Choosing a reputable industrial oven supplier ensures you receive durable, reliable, and compliant ovens tailored for your industry and process requirements.

    Chapter Three – How does an industrial oven work?

    To understand the operation of an industrial oven, the initial consideration is the type of fuel used for heating. This can include hot water, direct or indirect gas, ultraviolet light, steam, or electricity.

    The next critical factor to consider is the airflow pattern of industrial ovens, which can include:

    • Horizontal – for products loaded on shelves or hung
    • Horizontal/Vertical – Air is returned through ceiling ducts
    • Vertical/Horizontal – The air supply comes from the ceiling and exits through return ducts on the walls.
    • Vertical/Top Down or Bottom Up – Parts are hung or on perforated shelves. Air flows from the ducts to the return supply.

    For consistent oven temperature, airflow must travel with minimal obstructions and at a steady rate.

    The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) categorizes industrial ovens into Class A and Class B. Class B ovens are not used for volatile materials or solvents, whereas Class A ovens are designed for such substances. Manufacturers must adhere to the NFPA guidelines specified in the NFPA 86 Code Book.

    Industrial Oven Power

    The type of fuel used in an industrial oven dictates its operational characteristics. Below is an overview of the most commonly used fuels.

    Gas Ovens – Direct and Indirect

    Gas ovens fall under Class A and can transfer heat either directly or indirectly.

    In a direct gas oven, a fan circulates heat from a gas burner, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 1000°F. Typically, these ovens operate between 180°F and 500°F. They use convection to distribute heat quickly, fueled by propane or natural gas. Although they have a higher initial cost compared to electric ovens, their operating costs are lower. Below is an image of a tunnel oven with direct gas heating.

    Tunnel Direct Gas Industrial Oven

    Indirect gas ovens use a stainless steel heat exchanger heated by gas or propane. Air is circulated through the heat exchanger to radiation tubes that heat the product, as can be seen in the diagram below.

    Indirect Gas Industrial Oven

    In the diagram, the gas burner is positioned to the right of the oven, with the circulating fan located further to the right. The fan directs air through the burner to the radiant tubes. Indirect gas industrial ovens keep the combustion process separate from the work area.

    Steam Ovens

    Steam ovens heat water to its boiling point to generate steam, which is then used to warm the oven. They are typically used in situations where speed and time are less critical. The temperature range of these ovens is limited to 212°F, which is the boiling point of water.

    Industrial Spiral Steam Oven

    Hot Water Ovens

    Hot water ovens function similarly to steam ovens but at a lower temperature range, typically 160°F or below. Heat is transferred through radiator coils via circulating hot water, warming the air that is then directed to the work area. Like steam ovens, hot water ovens operate slowly and are time-consuming.

    How Water Drum Heating Oven

    Ultraviolet Ovens

    Ultraviolet (UV) ovens utilize UV light to rapidly cure substances applied to various substrates. They employ mercury vapor, fluorescent, and LED lamps for this process. UV ovens are commonly used to cure coatings on automobiles, boats, aircraft, missiles, and skis. Below is an image of a UV industrial oven used for curing resins.

    UV Industrial Oven

    Electric ovens

    Electrical industrial ovens use Incoloy-sheathed heating elements and are classified as Class B. Temperature control is managed by regulating the flow of electrical current. These ovens are cost-effective, produce no pollutants or emissions, and heat up quickly. They have a long lifespan and radiate heat directly, eliminating the need for fans, blowers, or other moving components.

    Industrial Electric Oven

    Microwaves

    In a microwave system, microwaves penetrate directly into the material to heat it. This method does not need extra pressure and utilizes inertia-less heating, meaning the oven itself does not heat up significantly. Microwave heating offers a high rate of heating with minimal energy consumption.

    The effectiveness of microwave heating depends on achieving uniformity, where microwaves are evenly distributed across the product being processed.

    Microwave Hardening System

    Chapter Four – What are industrial ovens used for?

    Industrial ovens serve a range of applications, from applying coatings to small electronic components to curing finish coatings on parts for airplanes and trucks. In cleanroom environments, they help remove moisture to control and contain contaminants.

    Uses for Industrial Ovens

    Industrial ovens have a wide range of applications and are crucial in nearly every manufacturing process to enhance product performance and reliability. Below are some of the more common uses of these versatile machines.

    Sterilization

    Industrial ovens are employed to sterilize medical devices and instruments, as illustrated by the dry heat sterilizer shown below. The medical industry demands equipment with exact temperature control to effectively eliminate bacteria, microbes, and viruses. The precise temperature regulation provided by industrial ovens meets these stringent requirements.

    Drying Oven Sterilizer

    Pharmaceuticals

    Industrial ovens are utilized to bake coatings onto pills and to function as oxidizers for eliminating excess chemicals and waste from these coatings.

    Pharmaceutical Oven

    Burn-In Testing

    Industrial ovens are used for static and dynamic burn-in testing of integrated circuits and electronic devices, including laser diodes. They create extreme conditions to identify potential issues in products, particularly in electrical circuits. Below is an image of a burn-in testing industrial oven and a burn-in board.

    Burn-In System

    Burn-In Board

    Sintering

    Industrial ovens compact and bond materials below their melting point, a process that is used in injection molding and metallurgy. The sintering process increases a material's strength and density. Pictured below is a sintering oven for a heat treatment of Teflon coated pipes and pipe fittings.

    Sintering Batch Oven

    Heating Treating

    Heat treating processes, such as tempering, aging, stress relief, and annealing, involve heating metals to specific temperatures. Tempering reduces brittleness, while stress relief alleviates structural, residual, and thermal stresses. Aging accelerates the effects of usage, and annealing enhances ductility. Below is an image of a heat treatment oven from Wisconsin Oven.

    Heat Treat Oven

    Chapter Five – What should be considered when buying an industrial oven?

    While industrial ovens are highly productive and valuable, several factors must be considered when deciding to use or purchase one. Key considerations include:

    • Cost
    • Maintenance
    • Safety
    • Volatility
    • Compliance with NFPA Standards

    Each of these factors is detailed further below.

    Things You Need to Know

    Cost

    Regardless of whether an industrial oven uses gas or electricity, it needs energy to operate. Electric ovens heat up rapidly and produce no emissions, but they have a lower initial cost compared to gas ovens. However, their operational costs can be higher due to energy consumption.

    Gas industrial ovens typically have a higher initial cost compared to electric ones, but they are more cost-effective to operate due to lower gas prices. As Class A ovens, gas models require explosion relief mechanisms due to their direct or indirect firing methods. This requirement increases both the installation time and costs.

    Another important consideration for gas ovens is accessibility, as gas service may not be available in all locations, unlike electricity. When opting for an electric industrial oven, it's crucial to assess the facility's power capacity, as not all buildings can support the necessary amp draw. Upgrading the power supply may incur additional costs.

    Maintenance

    Industrial oven manufacturers provide a list of recommended daily maintenance tasks to ensure the equipment operates correctly. This includes checking safety systems, controls, and gauges, and carefully following the prescribed startup procedures.

    The heat generated by industrial ovens can lead to the accumulation of dirt and grime on their components. It is essential to regularly inspect fans, heating elements, and ducts for debris. For gas industrial ovens, it is also important to check the burners for proper flame length and even gas distribution.

    The NFPA offers inspection teams that can be scheduled to perform regular maintenance checks on ovens.

    Safety Precautions

    To ensure the safe operation of an industrial oven, adherence to NFPA 86 standards is essential. Proper training, routine maintenance, and correct usage are key to preventing serious injuries and accidents.

    Manufacturers provide detailed guides outlining required protective clothing, product transport methods, and cleaning procedures. Different materials, especially those that are flammable, combustible, or volatile, have specific safety requirements. Legal regulations govern the handling of each material type.

    Safety requirements may encompass:

    Explosion Relief Area

    Pressure relief is crucial to handle potential explosions in an oven. The relief area should be one-fifteenth of the oven’s interior volume, achieving a venting area ratio of 15 to 1.

    Positive Force Ventilation

    An exhaust fan must be distinct from the recirculation fan.

    Airflow Safety Switch

    The oven will not function unless the exhaust fan motor is activated and airflow is established.

    Purge Timer

    Flammable vapors and gases must be cleared out before the heating element is turned on.

    Safety Form

    Most industrial ovens have a safety label attached that specifies the types of materials being heated, along with details such as quantities, operating temperatures, and exhaust rates.

    Hi-Limit Control

    These settings are set above the oven’s maximum temperature. If the heat exceeds the limit, a switch will trip to automatically shut down the oven.

    Contactors

    Contactors serve as an additional fail-safe but can become fouled over time. Backup systems are in place to ensure the oven shuts down in case of overheating.

    Volatility

    Explosion-proof ovens are more costly than Class A or Class B ovens. They are subject to detailed guidelines outlined in NFPA 70.

    For an oven to be rated as explosion-proof, its enclosure must contain any explosion and prevent the ignition of vapors, gases, dust, or fibers. According to NEC, ANSI, and NFPA standards, "explosion-proof" means the enclosure can contain a blast and minimize damage.

    Operating temperatures must adhere to the specified guidelines for the oven and must not exceed the combustion temperature of any gases or dust present inside the oven.

    National Fire Protection Association

    All industrial ovens must comply with the guidelines set by the NFPA, which provides a comprehensive list of stipulations, requirements, and regulations for both industrial and commercial equipment.

    Chapter Six – What are the applications of conveyor, batch, and laboratory ovens?

    Typically, manufacturers opt for batch or conveyor ovens due to their high capacity and durability. While laboratory ovens also meet the standards of industrial ovens, they are generally designed for smaller-scale testing or treatment of parts.

    Despite the differences among the three types of industrial ovens, it's important to understand each type, particularly when choosing the best oven to meet your production requirements.

    When considering a heating solution for production, it is crucial to understand the distinction between an industrial oven and an industrial furnace, as they are often confused with one another.

    Comparing the Categories of Industrial Ovens

    Laboratory Ovens

    Laboratory ovens are designed for applications requiring forced air convection to ensure even temperatures. They are used for processes such as annealing, die-bond curing, drying, Polyimide baking, and sterilization. These ovens typically range from one to 32 cubic feet in size and can achieve temperatures exceeding 350°C.

    Laboratory ovens are built for various thermal treatments, including drying, heating, thermal testing, and aging. Their versatility makes them common in testing labs, academic institutions, and industrial material testing facilities.

    In contrast to industrial batch ovens, laboratory ovens feature latched doors, pressure release panels, stainless steel interiors, solid-state controllers and contactors, as well as chemical-resistant exterior coatings.

    Laboratory Heating and Drying Industrial Oven

    Industrial Batch Ovens

    Batch ovens operate at temperatures exceeding 1250°F (676°C). They come in walk-in or cabinet styles, with capacities ranging from a few to several cubic feet. These ovens typically feature an aluminized steel interior, adjustable ductwork, a painted exterior, and a digital controller with a control panel. As illustrated in the image below, batch ovens are designed to process large single batches at high temperatures, offering significantly greater capacity and size compared to laboratory ovens.

    Batch Oven

    Conveyor Ovens

    Conveyor ovens come in various configurations, such as flat conveyor belts, chain systems, Ferris wheels, carousels, overhead trolleys, serpentine setups, spindles, and slat designs. Unlike batch ovens, conveyor ovens eliminate the need for manual loading and unloading as well as separate heating and cooling phases, leading to reduced labor and energy costs. These ovens are commonly used for processes including tempering, annealing, curing, preheating, drying, heat-shrinking, and heat-forming.

    Conveyor ovens offer less flexibility compared to batch ovens, as they are integrated into specific production processes. Despite having similar temperature capabilities to batch ovens, conveyor ovens are designed for continuous or indexed feeding through heat zones. They are automated to handle large volumes of small to medium-sized products. The image below shows a chain-driven conveyor oven.

    Chain Conveyor Industrial Oven

    Industrial ovens compared to an industrial furnaces

    Many times people get confused regarding the difference between industrial ovens and industrial furnaces and tend to use the terms interchangeably. In essence, both devices are methods of creating extremely high temperatures in fireproof enclosures for heat treatment purposes. There are key differences, which are outlined below.

    Temperature

    The most significant difference between ovens and furnaces is their operating temperatures. The industrial oven shown below is used for aerospace curing and aluminum aging, functioning at temperatures ranging from 450°F to 850°F. In contrast, the industrial furnace depicted operates at much higher temperatures, between 2000°F and 2250°F.

    Industrial Walk-In Oven

    High Temperature Tooling Furnace

    Heat Distribution

    In an industrial oven, the air is heated in a separate chamber from the product and then circulated. As illustrated in the diagram, high air circulation is essential for effectively heating the product.

    Vertical Airflow

    In a furnace, heat comes into direct contact with the product being processed. The heat source can be arranged in various configurations to ensure even heating, as demonstrated in the image of the box furnace below.

    Box Type Heat Treatment Furnace

    Atmosphere

    Industrial furnaces and ovens function in either an air or inert gas atmosphere. Unlike ovens, furnaces can also operate in combustible environments, such as those containing hydrogen or endo- and exothermic gases.

    Applications

    Air circulation and precise temperature control enable industrial ovens to carry out processes like cooking, baking, curing, and other low-temperature tasks. In contrast, the high temperatures of industrial furnaces allow them to handle more intensive operations such as tempering, annealing, and carburizing.

    Chapter Seven – What are the key components of industrial oven construction?

    Engineers designing industrial ovens must consider several key factors. Foremost among these is the choice of construction materials, including both interior and exterior metals, insulation, and the strategic placement of ductwork to ensure optimal airflow.

    Like all contemporary production equipment, industrial ovens require specific technical setups for electronic settings, monitoring, and computerized control. These computerized systems ensure precise temperature regulation and consistent heating levels.

    The following discussion explores various factors involved in the construction of industrial ovens.

    Industrial Oven Exterior and Interior

    When selecting metals for industrial ovens, temperature tolerance and corrosion resistance are primary considerations. Coated aluminized steel, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1100°F, is often preferred due to its high resistance to moisture and heat-related corrosion, and it requires no maintenance for flaking or peeling. For processes involving acids or other corrosive materials, stainless steel interiors are commonly used.

    Aluminized Steel Coil

    Oven Ductwork

    Ductwork in industrial ovens is often louvered or slotted to ensure unobstructed airflow and consistent temperature distribution. For impinging ovens, which heat parts with grooves or crevices, specialized ductwork is necessary to increase airflow rates. The image below illustrates the ductwork used in a walk-in industrial oven.

    Industrial Oven Ductwork

    Oven Insulation & Wall-Panel Construction

    Insulation in industrial ovens is crucial for achieving and maintaining the desired temperature. Despite operating at temperatures up to 1250°F, the exterior of the oven should remain cool to the touch. High-quality insulation, with the right density and properly compressed into the oven panels, minimizes heat leakage and ensures the outer surface stays cool.

    The durability of an industrial oven relies on its wall panels and frame, which help to minimize heat transfer to the exterior. The side view of the industrial oven panel shown below demonstrates how insulation is installed between the aluminized metal sheets.

    Industrial Oven Panel

    Oven Control Panel

    Temperature control is crucial for the operation of an industrial oven and is available in several types, including analog, microprocessor, and programmable proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers. Analog controllers, the simplest form, are suited for basic heating tasks that don't need precise temperature regulation. The image below illustrates an analog industrial oven controller.

    Analog Industrial Controller

    Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers offer a more advanced approach to managing industrial oven temperatures. These controllers precisely adjust the heat output based on the specific needs of each process and automatically adjust for changes in the system.

    PID Controller

    Airflow Design

    Successful airflow design in industrial ovens depends on three key factors: uniformity, airflow pattern, and nozzle or impingement design. Typically, industrial ovens maintain an air temperature tolerance of ±10°F, but this can be improved to ±1°F with enhanced air volume and better uniformity.

    The choice of airflow pattern for an industrial oven depends on its design, whether it features shelves, hanging products, or carts. Airflow patterns can be vertical, horizontal, or a mix of both, as illustrated in the diagram below.

    Impingement enhances air volume and accelerates heating by using slotted nozzles, cones, or louvers. The choice of nozzle depends on the product's texture, shape, and material. For items with grooves, folds, or ridges, nozzles with increased impingement are necessary.

    Airflow Circulation Patterns

    Chapter Eight – What certifications are important for industrial ovens?

    Industrial ovens must meet certification standards set by numerous national and international bodies. Key organizations involved include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

    While each certifying body has its own set of standards, there is often significant overlap in their requirements. Reputable manufacturers ensure compliance with the regulations of all relevant agencies to guarantee the safety of their products and customers.

    Here is a brief overview of the requirements set forth by the most prominent regulatory agencies.

    The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

    ISO/TC 244 specifies the criteria for industrial furnaces and related processing equipment. These standards cover safety measures, energy efficiency, design, construction, operation, processes, and quality control. The ISO/TC 244 regulations apply to all types of heated enclosures, including furnaces, ovens, kilns, lehrs, dryers, and other related devices. The various sections of these ISO standards are detailed below.

    • ISO/TC 244/WG 1 General safety requirements
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 2 Safety requirements for combustion and fuel handling systems
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 3 Method of energy balance and efficiency
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 4 Vocabulary
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 5 Protective system
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 6 Safety requirements for generation and use of protective and reactive gases
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 7 Safety Requirements for Steelmaking Equipment
    • ISO/TC 244/WG 8 Heat treatment -- Control of quality

    Occupational Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA)

    OSHA Code 3567: This regulation addresses industrial process furnaces and ovens, including those that utilize induction and dielectric heating devices, as well as related equipment. Additionally, large ovens used in bakeries fall under OSHA Code 3556.

    National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

    NFPA 86-2019: The Standards for Ovens and Furnaces are designed to reduce fire and explosion risks associated with ovens and furnaces used in commercial and industrial material processing. This standard addresses Classes A, B, C, and D for dryers, furnaces, and thermal oxidizers. It outlines safety protocols for equipment operation and establishes criteria to mitigate hazardous conditions that could endanger individuals, machinery, or structures.

    Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

    Underwriters Laboratories certify the electronic components, circuits, and controllers used in industrial ovens as specified in UL 508A. This standard details the design, control, and application of industrial control panels for general industrial purposes. According to UL 508A, control panels can be installed either within an enclosed cabinet or mounted on an open panel, as defined by the standard.

    Conclusion

    • Industrial ovens operate at extremely high temperatures to heat treat parts, metals, and manufacturing components.
    • Common functions of an industrial oven are drying, curing, testing, and coating.
    • Industrial ovens are heated by direct and indirect gas, electricity, ultraviolet rays, or steam.
    • The most important factor in industrial oven design is its airflow, which must be unobstructed for complete heatsaturation.
    • The three basic types of industrial ovens are laboratory, batch, and conveyor.
    • Batch and conveyor industrial ovens are used in large volume manufacturing processes.

    Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

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      Table of Contents

      What is an industrial oven?

      Types of Industrial Ovens

      How does an industrial oven work?

      What are industrial ovens used for?

      Buying Considerations

      Conveyor, Batch and Laboratory Ovens & Their Applications

      Industrial Oven Construction

      Industrial Oven Certification

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      Infrared Ovens

      Infrared Ovens

      An infrared oven is an oven that heats objects or cooks food using infrared radiation instead of conventional conduction or convection heating. People can use infrared ovens in commercial kitchens, homes, or...

      Types of Industrial Ovens

      Types of Industrial Ovens

      Industrial ovens are thermal processing machines used as heating chambers for drying, curing, and baking of foods, parts, and components. The main industries that use industrial ovens are chemical and food processing and electronics manufacturing...

      Furnaces

      Furnaces

      A furnace is a direct fired device used to provide heat for industrial processes that require heat in excess of 400° C (752° F). Any industrial application that relies on heat to create a reaction or heat materials for production uses an industrial furnace...

      Types of Industrial Furnaces

      Types of Industrial Furnaces

      A normal function of an industrial furnace is to heat treat metals for annealing, tempering, or carburizing and pre-treat materials for forging. Though metal is a common material to be treated using an industrial furnace, other materials are also...

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