Wisconsin Oven Corporation, East Troy, WI, announced the shipment of a two-zone belt conveyor oven designed for tempering steel parts following induction hardening. The system is engineered for precise temperature control and enhanced energy efficiency, meeting industry specifications for uniform heating.
The oven has the capacity to heat 2,400 pounds of steel per hour from 70°F to 350°F, with a maximum temperature rating of 500°F. It features a top-down airflow recirculation system with a 32,000 CFM blower, evenly distributed between the two heating zones. Temperature control is managed by a Watlow F4T digital recorder/controller, which includes Ethernet communication capabilities and adaptive PID temperature control. A temperature uniformity survey verified uniformity within ±10°F at 350°F, ensuring compliance with AIAG specification CQI-9.
The conveyor system utilizes a continuous belt with a variable frequency drive for speed adjustments, and the work zone measures 4’0” W x 21’0” L x 14” H. To improve energy efficiency, the oven is equipped with the E-Pack™ Energy Efficiency Package, which includes additional insulation and variable frequency drives on the recirculation blowers. These features reduce energy consumption and operational costs, potentially providing substantial annual savings depending on utility rates and operating conditions.
The system’s design optimizes heat-up efficiency and uniformity, making it well-suited for high-volume steel tempering applications. The oven incorporates programmable temperature controls with auto-tuning functionality, ensuring consistent and repeatable performance for industrial heat treatment processes.
