A simple rule of thumb to follow is that any engineered heating equipment that generates temperatures over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit is a furnace, and that which generates temperatures less than that is an industrial oven. But there are several other differences as well:
Approach to Heating
In an industrial oven, the heat source heats the air and then “pushes” it into the oven. The air is recirculated in the heating chamber to heat the object placed within the oven that requires the heat treatment.
In an industrial furnace, the object to be heated is placed right on, or very, very close to the direct heat source. A good example of this is when a bar of iron gets superheated when placed on top of coals in a coal-fired forge and turns red-hot.
It is easier to heat objects in an industrial oven evenly than it is in an industrial furnace. In industrial furnaces you need to be careful how you place the objects within the heating chamber to assure that they are heated evenly.
What Do You Use an Industrial Oven for?
Because industrial ovens work at a much lower temperature than an industrial furnace, they are used for curing paints, powders, polymers and composites. They also are often used for removing excess moisture for pre-treating and painting, as well as for pharmaceuticals. But the most common use for industrial ovens is preparing food for consumption.
What Do You Use an Industrial Furnace for?
Industrial furnaces are used more often for the heat treatment of metals for processes such as annealing, tempering and carburizing. Industrial furnaces are also used in the pre-treatment of materials prior to the forging process. Industrial furnaces are also involved in processing glass and various types of ceramics.
It Doesn’t Matter if You are Looking for an Industrial Oven or an Industrial Furnace
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