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Infrared vs. Convection for Powder Coating Oven?
Q. We currently have a 10 year old powder coating system in use which applies epoxy powder. Our cure oven is a forced air gas fired system. What are the pros and cons of and infrared cure to a convection cure? What would be a good source of information on this topic.
Scott B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Bradford, Pennsylvania
1998
A. Hi, Scott. I recommend "Powder Coating" by Roger Talbert -- a 141-page softcover published by Chemical Coaters Association International, Cincinnati (ccaiweb.com). It has a 10-page chapter about curing ovens, with sketches, as well as info about dry-off ovens, and it clearly explains the features that should be included in each type of oven and why.
I don't have it in front of me, but I think it suggested as one good possibility using infrared heaters at the entrance door even with convection heating. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
January 12, 2009
A. Hi Scott to keep it short, infrared is typically more energy efficient. It can sometimes cure a bit faster as well depending on a lot of variables. Its downsides include that the infrared waves need to be able to contact all the surface that need curing, which makes it a less ideal application for products with a lot of recesses and deep angular faces. There are also sometimes challenges with certain coatings or substrates due to the coatings being reflective or substrates being absorptive. If you want a bit more information here are a couple of good articles:
www.pittsburghsprayequip.com/2016/04/12/infrared-vs-convection-paint-curing/
or another good article
www.pcimag.com/articles/94197-convection-vs-infrared
Hope this helps!
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
April 13, 2016
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