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This four-part series from EPS President Ken Klein, “Oven Selection and Specifications,” shares tips and tools for customers looking for large industrial oven applications.

In this first post, Ken talks about three customer categories for large industrial oven purchases:

One of my college professors started each day’s lecture with the words “today we’re going to talk about…” So, everyone, today we are going to talk about selecting and specifying an oven, a subject near and dear to every oven builder’s heart.

This is a challenging industry, especially where large industrial ovens are concerned. If we’re talking small lab units or other small standard catalog ovens, the process is easy–unless the customer’s requirements are misinterpreted. For larger units that must be designed for the application I tend to group customers in three general categories. That’s not to say some don’t slop over from one category to another, but in general they fit into distinct categories:

Category #1: The primary contact is inquiring on the behalf of others and has very little information on the application. He or she can try to get more information for you, but they may or may not repeat the requirements accurately and additional questions may or may not yield helpful answers.

Category #2: Primary contact is inquiring on behalf of others and is passing on a spec that makes it sound like they are constructing the next great missile system. Every detail is spelled out in exact terms. There are paragraphs and sub-paragraphs, ranging from those that are straightforward to those that ask for features either extremely complex or plain impractical.

Category #3: Primary contact is the end user and can tell you anything you want to know.

Of these three the second is received with mixed reactions by most builders. Certainly you have an apparently unyielding spec which should make it easy for the customer to evaluate all bids on an apples-to-apples basis, but most often the requirements are seen to be over the top or unrealistic, meaning many builders will need to take exception to a number of the requirements. That’s where things get murky. The builder wonders if he has a chance at getting the order. He may feel that if he quotes exactly to the spec the unit is going to be so expensive that the customer is likely to buy from another bidder who had the sense to take exception to the requirements he feels pile on the costs unnecessarily. In addition, the customer has a lot of technical exceptions to wade through. He may or may not have the expertise to evaluate the exceptions properly and may end up tossing the quotes that are too difficult to wade through.

So – let’s guess at which one is my favorite. The third of course. Easiest to understand and respond to. This article is addressed to those of you who need an oven and want to get a good comprehensive bid on your requirements. We are going to concentrate on forced convection ovens. Here’s what you should be thinking about when you talk to prospective bidders.

Next up: Ken Klein talks about the characteristics that matter when choosing an oven.

EPS and Cress Furnaces have been working together for over 20 years. In recognition of this impressive liaison, EPS is offering free shipping for all laboratory and tool room furnaces.

While the competitive pricing Cress offers helps, it has always been the quality, durability, and service of Cress forging the basis of this long time business relationship. This partnership prospers as EPS, a seller, is extremely familiar , knowledgeable and confident when it comes to the Cress product line, and Cress has the experience and name that sells itself.

Cress Furnaces have built their reputation over years by building some of the most durable Heat Treat Furnaces available, ensuring long, consistent and precise use. Cress engineers  have identified the most efficient chamber sizes, temperature ranges, and the highest demanded accessories. In addition to their longstanding name and experience, the Cress service mantra is one of speedy, timely, and reliable support where the goal is to “achieve an excellent product to satisfy the needs and requirements of our customers.”

A large part of their customer support is their overall lead time. An experienced company like Cress has the manufacturing process down to a science, which means a 3-4 week lead time for products. An extremely short period in the furnace world. EPS stands behind their ability to customize their furnaces by extending capabilities or features beyond their base build for specific needs. They also can provide custom or personal sizes. In terms of ongoing support for replacement parts, such as a heating element, they have lead-times as short as one day.

EPS is also highly confident with Cress Furnaces when it comes to AMS Requirements. Cress’ experience ensures they always have their thumb on the pulse of the closely governed Aerospace specifications.

Engineered Product Sales represents the complete line of Cress Furnaces. The Cress Heat Treat Furnace line includes lab furnaces, medium and large production furnaces, and drop bottom quench furnaces.