A new BigRed 4D-54 infrared conveyor tunnel oven from Vastex Industrial boosts temperatures to over 150°C within the first several centimetres of conveyor travel, and maintains at-cure temperatures of up to 482°C, satisfying high capacity curing, drying and baking requirements.

It is equipped with a 137cm wide conveyor belt, dual heating zones and four height-adjustable infrared heaters capable of heating film, sheet, parts and metal products uniformly from edge to edge, at high rates. An air flow mapping system draws 'make-up' air into the chamber's double-walled shell through filtered inlets along opposite exterior sides serving to cool the outer shell for safety, while preheating incoming air. An exhaust fan located below the centre of the conveyor belt draws the preheated air downward at rates up to 19.8 CMM over and through the belt, removing heat, moisture, fumes and contaminants from the chamber.

The 15.3cm diameter exhaust fan outlet can rotate 360 degrees for easy connection to ductwork, and the control box can be located on the right (standard) or left side of the chamber. Exhaust filters located on both sides of the conveyor prevent dust, lint or other contaminants from entering the blower or exhaust stack. Cleaning all filters before or after each shift can be accomplished in one minute according to the company, safeguarding the product, equipment, and shop environment.

Exhaust flow sensors with warning lights alert operators to a clogged exhaust line, clogged filter or blower failure. Other safety features include a light tower to monitor oven status, and a ‘cool down mode’ for powering down.

With a total of 22,800 watts, it is wired for 240V as standard, and available in 3-phase, 208, 380 and 480 voltages. The heaters feature closely spaced coils that provide high-density, medium-wavelength infrared heat for maximum IR efficiency without cold spots. Dual digital PID temperature controls maintain accuracy to +/-0.5°C.  

A Teflon-coated fibreglass belt with alignment tracking system is standard. Optional stainless steel mesh belts for high-heat applications are available.

Capacity (belt speed) can be doubled as new or retrofit by adding one additional heating chamber (total 45,600 watts), or tripled by adding two additional chambers (total 68,400 watts), and extending the conveyor belt.