Oxford YASA Motors, a spin-out company from Oxford University, is using a WF200 oven from Lenton Furnaces and Ovens to cure an adhesive used in the construction of its electric car motor.
The oven is also used to treat a vital epoxy resin that is vacuum-impregnated within the motor windings to improve their strength and resistance to vibration.
Oxford YASA Motors produces a range of motors and generators for electric and hybrid vehicles (EV and HEV), including the new Westfield Iracer whose construction is claimed to offer high specific torque, high efficiency and low manufacturing costs.
Recognising that many of Lenton's ovens and furnaces are in regular use around Oxford University, Oxford YASA Motors selected Lenton to supply a medium-sized oven to improve its manufacturing capabilities and reduce motor production costs.
Installation of the new oven removed the need for the motor manufacturer to send work out to external contractors.
The decision to invest in its own in-house oven has reduced costs and the Lenton WF200 oven runs up to 300C and features an internal fan to effect faster heat up times and improved temperature uniformity within the oven.
The WF200, which is the largest oven in Lenton's standard range, has an internal volume of 200 litres and is available with or without the fan.
The oven's interior is constructed from polished stainless steel.
Insulation around the chamber uses low thermal mass fibre to ensure rapid heat up cont/ and economical operation.
To enable Oxford YASA Motors to process multiple motors in one operation, Lenton strengthened the oven's floor to support loads up to 75kg.
Lenton offers a wide range of standard and custom built industrial ovens and furnaces.
This includes ovens to 600C, furnaces to 1,800C and capacities up to 10,000 litres.
