The time has come—it’s time to replace an old oven or purchase a new one. However, what do you need to look for? What will you decide on? Should you batch your efforts or use a conveyor oven to get the job done?
In anticipation for our upcoming guide on the steps you need to take when purchasing and installing an oven, we would today like to discuss with you some of the top considerations on which one works best for you. The CMM Group has been in the process heat business for nearly two decades and has built custom ovens for the unique needs of our clients, and the best way to know exactly what you’re getting is to discuss your needs with the experts. We welcome you to consider this blog a starting point, and hope you get in contact with us to learn more.
Related: The Many Applications of Ovens and Dryers
Space
When you look at an oven, the first thing you will need to think about is the amount of space you have available. Often, batch ovens have a smaller footprint, and can be built into corners, walls, or the like. However, batch ovens also require the use of carts, shelves, and attachments—all of which take up space.
Conveyer ovens, on the other hand, will often have a larger footprint, but will reduce or even remove the need for carts and shelves.
Alternative Consideration: Product Flow
In addition to determinations made on the amount of space you have, the alternative is the path the product takes as it moves from material to finished product. While conveyorized ovens take up more space, they make up for this by fitting into your processes. This removes the need for carts and shelving needed to transfer a product from one machine to another, as well as the storage for both. The CMM Group can customize your oven based on your product flow and space needs.
Related: Six Things You Should Look for in an Industrial Oven
Cycle Time
Since ovens vary in purpose and scope, your next decision on whether you want a batch or conveyer oven should be based on your process. For hours-long heating processes, the prospect of a batch oven may be more appealing, primarily due to the size needed for a conveyer oven to be effective. If you need to heat a product for hours, your conveyer oven will need to be massive.
Related: Understanding Airflow in Ovens and Dryers
However, this needs to balance with heat-up and cool-down times. If the product needs to change temperature throughout the process, the use of temperature zones in a conveyer oven could be more appealing. In addition to this, if cycle times are short and production needs high, the conveyer oven makes more sense.
Product Size and Shape
As larger products need more individual control than smaller ones, and often need more heating and process time, the batch oven is often more palatable for this process. Alternatively, small products with short process times and high production levels are better suited for a conveyorized oven.
Repeatability
Building on the last point, conveyor ovens are best when they serve one purpose. This makes them perfect for large-scale production needs, when the process can be standardized as much as possible.
Related: The Cheese Melter: An Unsung Hero in Pizza Manufacturing
Costs and Scalability
The final decision should be made on cost—more importantly, when you would like to spend the money.
Initial Costs
Say that your company is low on cash, or needs to be up and running quickly. For this, a batch oven will provide you what you need at low initial implementation costs.
Ongoing Costs
However, while a batch oven will get you up and running, a conveyor oven will ultimately save you on time and effort. Conveyer ovens fit into the flow and require no effort to load and unload.
Are you in need of something immediate? Are you testing a new application or product? Then it’s likely that batching is the way to go. However, if you have a proven process, and you just need to “do more,” then it’s likely that a conveyor oven will save you labor costs in the long run.
New Guide from The CMM Group: Steps to Selecting an Industrial Oven
Whether you’ve done it before or this is your first purchase of major machinery at your facility, having a plan in place and understanding the processes can help you f ind an oven or dryer that can benefit your company for years or decades to come with minimal downtime.At Th e CMM Group, we’re here to help and are proud to announce a new guide on the oven and dryer selection and implementation process, detailing every step from recognizing your needs to the consultation process to installing and operating your new industrial oven or dryer.We invite you to download the entire Five Steps to Selecting an Industrial Oven or Dryer for Your Manufacturing Facility guide here or preview it via SlideShare below:
Learn More
We’ve been in the business of process heat for a while now, and have helped companies just like yours to find the perfect custom industrial oven for their needs. There are so many more things that go into the design of an oven, and we’d love to hear from you. Ready to talk with an expert? Contact us today!
