Durr Launches Qflex Flexible Oven Technology for Future Automotive Drying Systems

Durr introduced its new Qflex technology on May 19, presenting a flexible oven concept designed for automotive drying operations. The system separates the oven structure from its heat source, giving vehicle manufacturers greater operational flexibility as energy markets continue to fluctuate. The technology is intended to help automotive companies adapt to future energy transitions without requiring major reconstruction work inside paint shop facilities. By enabling a change in heating sources without structural modifications, the system addresses long-term concerns surrounding energy costs, supply uncertainty, and evolving sustainability requirements within automotive production environments.

The Qflex system operates through a centralized heating module that generates thermal energy for drying vehicle bodies and distributes heat across multiple oven zones. According to Durr, the heating module can function using either gas or electricity, while also allowing manufacturers to transition between these energy sources later based on operational or market conditions. The design additionally supports emerging technologies such as electric high-temperature energy storage systems, enabling plants to store energy and deploy it later during production processes. This flexibility is expected to support manufacturers seeking more resilient and energy-efficient factory operations in the future.

Key Features of Durr Qflex Technology

The newly introduced system focuses on improving adaptability and simplifying long-term plant modernization strategies for automotive manufacturers. Its modular approach allows companies to prepare production lines for future energy shifts while maintaining stable drying performance across different operating conditions.

Durr also highlighted the capabilities of its EcoInCure oven system, which is designed to deliver stable operational performance while improving paint quality during the vehicle drying process. Alongside this solution, the company introduced the EcoSmartCure oven, featuring a stop-and-go heating mechanism intended to improve temperature regulation and minimize thermal stress on electric vehicle body components. This approach is particularly important for EV production, where heat-sensitive materials and battery-related structures require controlled manufacturing conditions to maintain quality and durability standards.

Both the EcoInCure and EcoSmartCure ovens feature compact system architectures that can be integrated into either newly constructed factories or existing automotive plants undergoing modernization. The compact design helps manufacturers optimize available floor space while reducing installation complexity during upgrades. With growing pressure on automakers to improve production efficiency and energy management, technologies such as Qflex are expected to support more adaptable and future-ready manufacturing environments. The flexibility to transition between different heating methods may also help manufacturers respond faster to changes in regional energy policies and industrial sustainability targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Durr Qflex technology used for?
Durr Qflex technology is used for automotive drying processes in vehicle manufacturing plants. The system separates the oven from its heat source, allowing manufacturers to switch between gas and electric heating without making structural changes to the oven itself. This flexible approach helps automotive companies adapt to changing energy costs, supply conditions, and sustainability requirements more efficiently. The technology also supports future energy storage solutions, making it suitable for long-term factory modernization and energy management strategies in automotive production facilities.

How does the EcoSmartCure oven benefit EV manufacturing?
The EcoSmartCure oven improves temperature control during automotive drying by using a stop-and-go heating system. This method reduces heat stress on electric vehicle body components, which is important because EV structures often include heat-sensitive materials and battery-related assemblies. Better temperature management can help maintain paint quality and protect critical vehicle parts during production. The compact oven design also allows easier integration into existing factories, supporting manufacturers that are upgrading facilities for electric vehicle production and modernization projects.