Oven Calibration – Why it’s important.

Whether you own an electric or gas oven, it’s imperative to ensure it’s calibrated. Attempting to cure coated parts with an oven that has not been properly calibrated can be detrimental to the curing process. Cerakote is cured based on part metal temperature, and if coated parts do not reach the required cure temperature, poor performance, or premature coating failure can occur.

Calibration Equipment

A thermometer is required for calibrating the unit temperature displayed on your oven. /p>

There are two primary thermometers used for calibrating ovens:

Digital Thermometer with Wire Thermocouple probe

The digital thermometer and wire thermocouple probe should meet the following standards:

• Accurate to at least 0.1°F/C ±
• Thermally rated for operating/calibration temperatures.

Thermocouples are more accurate than standard thermometers but are generally more expensive. For consistent readings, it’s recommended that this type of device be regularly calibrated, preferably by the manufacturer.

Use a wire thermocouple probe that can be introduced into the oven through the door space. Don’t open the oven doors when calibrating to avoid disrupting the internal temperature. Calibrate the oven chamber as often as required by your regulatory compliance schedule or manufacturer recommendations.

Internal Oven Thermometer

The oven thermometer should meet the following standards:

• Thermally rated for operating/calibration temperatures.

When an Internal Oven Thermometer is being used as a reference, door openings are required to check readings – this will ultimately lead to a longer calibration process but still provide accurate results as a more cost-effective option.

Use an oven thermometer that reaches temperatures higher than what’s being calibrated. Allow enough time for the oven to stabilize (~1hr) before opening the oven door to check the internal thermometer. Calibrate the oven chamber as often as required by your regulatory compliance schedule or manufacturer recommendations.

Remember!

Consistent and accurate oven temperatures are crucial for Quality Control. Stable oven temperatures will provide consistency in coating durability, color, and gloss.

Without a stable oven temperature, you will inevitably run into quality control issues, so be sure to check your oven's temperatures regularly.

Please refer to your oven manufacturer for detailed information on specific calibration procedures.