Gas Catalytic IR 'Pre Gel' Ovens

Not only do WolfRayet manufacture ovens for powder coating MDF, but we can also build gas catalytic pre gel ovens for powder coating metal substrates.

A gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven is a type of oven that is positioned in front of a conventional convection oven.

Its primary function is to facilitate the gelling process of newly applied powder coatings by applying heat that initiates the chemical change within the coating. Unlike the convection oven, the pre-gel oven is not designed to fully cure the powder, as this process is completed in the subsequent convection oven. Its purpose is to prepare the powder for curing and improve the quality of the final product.

A gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven can be a crucial component in the powder coating process, providing numerous benefits to manufacturers. Here are some of the advantages of a gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven in powder coating:

  • Improved Powder Flow and Adhesion

A gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven helps to initiate the flow and adhesion of the powder coating material to the surface of the substrate. The heat from the oven softens the powder, allowing it to flow and adhere better to the surface, resulting in a more even and uniform coating. As there is less airflow in the pre gel oven, the powder is not blown off. This enables shorter gaps in production when doing color changes.

  • Improved Curing Process

A gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven ensures that the powder coating is cured evenly, resulting in a better quality finish. The pre-gel oven initiates the curing process, which prepares the powder for the final cure in the main curing oven.

  • Reduced Production Time

The use of a gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven can significantly reduce production time, allowing manufacturers to produce more parts in less time. The pre-gel oven helps to initiate the flow and adhesion of the powder, reducing the time required for the curing process.

  • Cost Savings

The use of a gas catalytic infrared pre-gel oven can result in cost savings for manufacturers. The improved powder flow and adhesion means that less powder is required to achieve a high-quality finish.  Also, as the cure time is reduced, this can give significant savings on energy costs.

  • Improved Quality

The use of a pre-gel oven can improve the quality of the final product. The improved flow and adhesion of the powder coating material result in a more even and uniform finish, with no powder cross contamination between parts.

In conclusion, the use of a pre-gel oven in the powder coating process provides numerous advantages to manufacturers, including improved powder flow and adhesion, improved curing process, reduced production time, cost savings, and improved quality. Its use is essential for achieving high-quality, durable, and long-lasting powder coatings.

Contact us now to discuss how we can improve your powder coating process.

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