What gets yer heat up faster

A radiation heater hot enough would do a good job too, without the risk of ending with a pvc coated iron. I'm inclined to say that a row of resistances arranged close to the piece in an enclosure sounds better to me. Is it a continuous process? Whats the size of the flat piece? Is it in an automated line? Any size, position, carrier or environmental constraints?

As usual, not enough information to give an informed answer.

Air stream and hot plate at same temp, hot plate wins.

Too many variables.

My advice, put it in the microwave. In the trade they are known as RF pre-heaters but any old microwave will do.

The temperature of the hot plate has to be regulated or you will scorch the surface of the PVC. Same with blowing a heat gun on it. What is the purpose of heating?

A regulated oven would be better if you are trying to heat the piece completely thru.

You're right Lyn, to little info! I'll be as specific as I can.

.040" thick 4" diameter circle of pvc gel. on a teflon coated aluminum plate

the purpose is to cure it

curing temp 325F. as shown in original ?

I am trying to force cure as fast as possible w/o, as Ozzy mentioned scorching the surface. is the scorching point based only on high temperature?

are there other ways of curing than described?

Gary

Sorry, I have no idea how you "cure" PVC which is a thermoplastic.

Do you mean it just has to hit 325F or remain there for a time (not familiar with "gel" vs. resin)? Is out-gassing a problem?

How much cash do ye wanna blow?

options: vacuum, infra-red, or both