Davron Designs Indexing Conveyor Oven for Automotive Safety Components

Davron Technologies, Inc. designed and manufactured the DTI-1251, an electrically heated indexing conveyor oven used to test safety components for a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Parts are loaded into the indexing conveyor oven’s custom product trays, which are connected to oven-class chain, and then indexed through the heated chamber. The index distance and timing are based on testing parameters that simulate conditions present during normal vehicle operation.

The DTI-1251 indexing conveyor oven features one heated zone in the oven chamber and a subsequent cooling zone, where product is cooled to a temperature safe for handling.  After the cooling cycle is complete, the parts are indexed out of the oven. The DTI-1251’s conveying system extends beyond the heated chamber on both the entrance and exit ends to allow product to be loaded and unloaded.

The maximum operating temperature for the indexing conveyor oven’s heated chamber is 300⁰F. The DTI-1251 features PLC control and all motion functions are controlled by servo for accuracy and speed. The airflow in the heated chamber and the cooling zone follows a vertical top-down pattern that ensures each product is exposed to accurate and consistent temperature during the cycle.

The useable dimensions of the DTI-1251 are 1’4” wide x 2” high x 14’8” long. The interior of the oven is made out of 16-gauge aluminized steel backed by six inches of eight-pound density mineral wool insulation. The exterior is constructed of 16-gauge carbon steel backed by a structural steel frame and finished with high temperature paint. Heavy gauge steel plate runs along the sides and top of the entire length of the conveying system. The indexing conveyor oven features three access doors to provide access to the heated chamber for maintenance and cleaning.

Davron designed the DTI-1251 indexing conveyor oven based on three criteria provided by the customer: the production rate, the product size, and the temperature profile required for the process. Once the indexing conveyor oven was manufactured, Davron did acceptance testing and training with the customer at Davron headquarters in Chattanooga, Tenn., prior to shipment.