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Convection
Ovens
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Infrared work on objects that are not flat?
- Is Infrared difficult to control?
- Is Infrared equipment inherently more expensive to
operate?
- Is it true that only one wavelength or Infrared Heater
type will work for any specific application?
- I have products that are stacked, and some of the
thicker members of the product will not be in direct view of the heaters.
Is this a problem?
- I only need a temperature
of 385°F to cure my
coating. How can this be accomplished if the face temperature of
the heater is so much hotter?
- What safety devices are implemented
to make sure we don’t have a problem when the line inadvertently
stops?
- I don’t have time to have
my part tested. Can I get a firm price for an IR oven?
- What happens to my investment
in time and energy if Infrared testing shows IR doesn’t work
for my application?
- Does Wisconsin Infrared Systems charge for testing?
- Can Infrared work on objects that are not flat?
Infrared can definitely
work on objects that have complex shapes or textures, although
attention needs to be given to the selection and location of
the heaters. This is especially true when convection is used in
combination with infrared. We highly recommend testing to ensure
there are no
problems and to confirm which infrared heater is the best choice.
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- Is Infrared difficult
to control?
Using the correct technology, including the proper control
system design, thermocouple placement and non-contact thermocouples,
infrared is very
controllable and will provide a consistent result.
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- Is Infrared equipment
inherently more expensive to operate?
Although the primary advantage
of infrared is floor space savings, it can be competitive with
appropriate selection and application of heaters.
It depends on your production rates, the products being processed,
where the equipment is installed, and other factors. Wisconsin
Infrared Systems
will be glad to help you estimate your operating costs to make
sure
the best heating method is used.
 or 
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- Is it true that only one wavelength or Infrared
Heater type will work for any specific application?
Each type of Infrared
heater has a range of acceptable performance, but there is usually
one type of heater that is the best choice. We highly
recommend you have testing performed before the oven design is
finalized. Since we offer a wide-range of heaters, we will be able
to offer the
best solution.
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- I have products that are stacked, and some of the thicker
members of the product will not be in direct view of the heaters.
Is this a problem?
Due to line-of-site issues, Infrared alone will generally
not work well with stacked, racked, or tiered product. Convection
type heating, or a combination of IR and convection, is typically a
better choice.
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- I only
need a temperature of 385°F to cure my coating. How can this
be accomplished if the face temperature of the heater is so much
hotter?
In order to provide
rapid radiant heat transfer, the heater face must be much hotter
than the product. The face temperature of the heater itself
is only one of the variables used to determine your part’s
final curing temperature. There are others, such as: are you
considering a
batch or conveyor oven, the type of coating, time to cure,
your production rates, and many others. A reputable and experienced
infrared company
will be able to provide a detailed explanation, based on your process.
or
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- What safety devices are implemented to make
sure we don’t have
a problem when the line inadvertently stops?
This is handled by using
low-mass infrared heaters, combined with proper control circuitry.
This issue is addressed before designing the equipment
to ensure all precautions are taken.
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- I don’t have time to have my
part tested. Can I get a firm price for an IR oven?
If an IR company has
recent experience with your application and the products being
processed, they should be able to provide a firm price.
Unfortunately, in the real world, running across two applications
that are identical is rare. The time invested to test your product
now,
may save considerable resources in the long run.
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- What happens to my investment
in time and energy if Infrared testing shows IR doesn’t work
for my application?
You are in luck!! Wisconsin Infrared Systems is a Wisconsin
Oven Corporation company. If convection is a better choice
than IR, we can help. We will
seamlessly transfer the project to an application engineer
who is an expert with convection. You don’t lose anything.
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- Does Wisconsin
Infrared Systems charge for testing?
This is evaluated on a case-by-case
basis, but in most cases, we do not charge. Most IR testing takes
between 2-4 hours, and we consider
this
type of testing a cost of doing business. If more extensive
testing is required, or additional equipment or man-power is required,
then we do
charge.
or
Have a quick question? Need a quote? We will be glad to help.
Or you may contact Wisconsin Infrared Systems by phone at 262-642-4200.
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