Choosing the right heat processing equipment mainly depends on the specific type of your application as well as on the needs of the products to be manufactured. Deciding on whether batch conveyor ovens or continuous ovens work best for your thermal application requires understanding how each equipment operates.
Batch Ovens
Batch conveyor ovens are the largest classification of equipment used to manufacture various products. They can be classified either as a truck-loaded type or a cabinet-style type. The size of the units varies from small benchtop models to huge industrial units measuring up to thousands of cubic feet. For laboratory use, small cabinet type or bench-mounted type ovens are utilised for curing, drying, and sterilizing purposes. These units are applicable for lighter uses while production-type batch conveyor ovens are used extensively for industrial applications like baking, finishing, and annealing processes.
Continuous Ovens
This type of oven includes all units which are operated on continuous order. Though they work differently, continuous ovens have similar construction properties to batch ovens. Each unit differs from one another when it comes to product loading methods, the means of conveyance, and the air distribution techniques. The conveyorized units are usually integrated into a larger material handling system which is fully controlled by computers. In many cases, these models are equipped with automation system for loading and unloading which help minimise labour and manual handling costs involved during production.
As for the kind of conveyor used for a continuous application, it is based mostly on the specific type of products being handles and the configuration needed during the process. Usually, the monorail conveyor is the preferred option since it can be adapted to a number of various workpieces. It allows individual parts to be positioned on racks which are suspended from the monorail, providing more flexibility and ease of use.