Thermal curing oven and thermal curing process

摘要

An apparatus and a method for curing coatings on ophthalmic lenses is disclosed. The apparatus includes an oven that is continuously supplied with lenses. A vertically oriented conveyor having multiple carrier bars for supporting the lenses is positioned within the oven. The conveyor moves the lenses through a series of positions within the oven where the lenses are subjected to heat. Ambient air is filtered and forced into the oven by an intake blower which keeps the air pressure within the oven above the ambient air pressure. Air is recirculated and filtered within the oven by recirculation blowers. Air is exhausted from the oven by an exhaust blower which effects air exchange with the ambient.