Microwave drying for water-based coatings

Water-based coatings require a drying treatment. The application of microwave furnaces for this purpose gives operational advantages over the use of ambient or heated air drying. Microwaves of 2450 MHz frequency are used, and have the following properties  

Microwave drying also brings pol mierisation reactions to a further completion. This reduces the gaseous emissions in the proceeding stages of the foundry process (i.e. pouring, cooling, shakeout). 

Furnace type Foundry A Foundry B Foundry B Foundry C 

The data show that the drying time is considerably reduced from 1 - 2 h to less than 10 minutes. Additionally, the energy consumption is reduced by a factor of 4-5, and the throughput is increased. 

This technique is applicable for the drying of all water-based coatings. Furthermore, it allows the greater applicability of water-based coatings to more complex core shapes and smaller series. 

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