Upgrading Our Powder Coat Oven for Efficiency, Size, and Visibility

We recently upgraded our shop with a powder coat oven, purchased on Facebook for $2,200. Measuring 5 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep, it’s the perfect size for our projects. The oven came equipped with a fan to circulate air evenly, ensuring consistent curing. However, we knew a few upgrades would take it to the next level.

The biggest improvement was adding an Auber Instruments WiFi PID Controller. This upgrade allows us to precisely regulate temperature, set ramp and soak times, and even control and monitor the oven remotely from a smartphone. The app provides real-time data logging, making it easy to track temperature history and ensure accuracy for every job. Honestly, this controller offers more functionality than we’ll ever need, but having the extra features is a huge plus.

To improve visibility, we installed a glass window on the front door. After cutting a hole in the aluminum door (which is 3 inches thick and insulated), we added galvanized sheet metal for flashing around the opening. A fabricated metal frame made of L-bar secures the glass on the exterior and interior side of the door, while the oven glass itself is wrapped in aluminum Z-bar for a tight seal. This combination creates a durable and professional finish.

We also added two oven lights in the back top corners, allowing us to see the parts as they flash. Another handy feature is an end-of-cycle buzzer, which is pretty loud! It’s paired with a red flashing light, ensuring we never miss a completed cycle.

With these modifications, our oven is now more efficient, functional, and user-friendly. The ability to monitor the process remotely, combined with better visibility and alerts, has made a huge difference in our workflow. If you’re considering upgrading your setup, we highly recommend these additions to streamline your process and ensure perfectly cured parts every time.

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