A export manager at Swedish material testing instrument maker Elastocon has spoken out after seeing widespread errors for purchasers of ageing ovens.
Anna Anderzén, Export Marketing Manager at Elastocon, has experienced confusion from customers over oven types with different names, such as Ageing Oven, Laboratory Oven, Drying Oven, Heating Oven/Cabinet and Geer Type Oven.
She said: “Unfortunately some of these descriptions are sometimes used a little carelessly. There are differences between different type of ovens, and they should never be mistaken for another type of oven…
“Each type of oven has advantages for its respective usage, but will not be suitable for other uses. It is very important that customers know the differences and can specify actual needs, when you choose the correct oven for your testing. If not you might end up with an oven that is not suitable for your usage area.”
EB 26 with carousel for standard ISO 188-B2 andISO 4577 technically equivalent standards
She continued: “The ‘Geer Type (Ageing) Oven’ is a description term often used by different manufacturers. The problem with this is that there is no international standardisation of the expression Geer Type Oven. Which means that each manufacturer can call their oven for Geer Type Oven and you end up comparing different types of ovens with sometimes big variations in the specifications, with the best suitable application for the oven. The products can be similar but not the same… ‘Heating cabinet, heating oven, drying oven and laboratory ovens’ are a big area of choice in ovens. These are often a primary choice due to lower costs, but it is important to remember to check for where they will work the best. These types of ovens will most often not be a good choice as an ageing oven for polymeric material.”
“Polymer heat ageing tests give poor reproducibility if the wrong type of oven is used. And from studies made through several years the international standardisation committee could develop the requirements for suitable ageing ovens for polymeric materials that certifies the reliability, reproducibility and repeatability for ageing tests.
“When you need a new oven you should start with considering what its usage will be, which standards you are going to use, and then look at the correct type of oven for your specified needs.”