Custom Roller Hearth Oven for Electric Motor Manufacturing

NUTEC Bickley will soon install and commission a large natural gas-fired roller hearth oven for a global leader in electromechanical and electronic drive systems, as well as industrial alternators.

Throughout the project, NUTEC Bickley worked closely with the customer to develop a fully customized oven design, resulting in a solution engineered to meet the specific performance, throughput, and process requirements of this demanding application.

Precision Curing for Motor Coil Manufacturing

The roller hearth oven is designed to cure a high-performance epoxy resin varnish applied during motor coil manufacturing.

This curing process is a critical step in electric motor production. During curing, moisture and solvents are removed while the insulating varnish transforms from a liquid into a durable, solid protective coating. Its thixotropic characteristics provide excellent retention on the coil, helping ensure stable electrical connections, long-term reliability, and safe motor operation.

Oven Size, Capacity, and Production Performance

The oven features an internal working area measuring 6.8 m (22.3 ft) wide (baffle to baffle), 21.3 m (69.9 ft) long (door to door), and 2.5 m (8.2 ft) high (top of rolls to roof).

The system is designed to preheat to its normal operating temperature of 160°C (320°F) in less than 30 minutes before product is introduced. Maximum operating temperature is approximately 205°C (401°F).

A specially engineered motorized conveying system incorporates two independent internal conveyor lines, each with 12 product positions. Operating at full capacity, the oven processes loads of up to 4,000 kg (8,820 lb).

Depending on part geometry, curing cycles range from eight to ten hours, while two fully cured parts exit the line approximately every 40 to 50 minutes. Each component receives approximately 15 liters of epoxy resin varnish during the manufacturing process.

Airflow Design and Combustion System

Consistent curing performance is achieved through a fan-driven horizontal recirculation airflow system, ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the load.

The oven utilizes premium medium-velocity nozzle-mix burners with automatic ignition and integrated safety controls. Each combustion chamber includes its own dedicated temperature control zone to maintain stable operating conditions.

The installed heating capacity is provided through two combustion chambers, with burners mounted above the sidewalls and firing horizontally to maximize heat transfer efficiency.

Integrated Roller Hearth Conveyor System

NUTEC Bickley designed and supplied the complete material handling system for this project.

The indexed conveyor system operates using three roller hearth conveyor positions on each production line, driven by six independently controlled motors. Motorized loading and unloading tables support continuous product flow while allowing each conveyor track to operate independently.

The system automatically transfers components from the loading station directly into the oven, improving process efficiency while reducing manual handling.

Designed to Meet NFPA 86 Standards

The roller hearth oven was engineered and manufactured in accordance with the latest edition of NFPA 86, ensuring compliance with recognized U.S. safety standards for industrial ovens and furnaces.

‍

Engineering Collaboration and Long-Term Customer Partnership

Arturo Arechavaleta, VP of Metal Furnaces at NUTEC Bickley, commented:

"Our design and engineering teams have worked in close collaboration with this prestigious customer throughout every stage of the project. This highly respected manufacturer is recognized for its commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, and it has been a privilege to contribute to one of its latest manufacturing initiatives.

This contract follows the successful construction and commissioning of two large dual-tunnel drying ovens for another leading company in the electric industry, further demonstrating how NUTEC Bickley's custom drying and curing equipment continues to support advanced manufacturing across this sector."

This custom roller hearth oven demonstrates NUTEC Bickley's expertise in designing advanced thermal processing equipment for electric motor manufacturing and other high-performance industrial applications. By combining precision temperature control, engineered airflow, automated material handling, and NFPA 86 compliance, the system is designed to deliver consistent curing results, maximize production efficiency, and support long-term product reliability.

Whether developing curing ovens, drying systems, or fully customized thermal processing solutions, NUTEC Bickley partners closely with manufacturers to engineer equipment that meets the unique demands of their production processes.

Contact Information

Arturo Arechavaleta – VP Metal Furnaces, NUTEC Bickley

‍