Dürr Launches Qflex System for Multi-Fuel Automotive Ovens

What happened: Dürr released Qflex technology that decouples automotive paint ovens from specific heat sources. The system uses centralized heating modules compatible with natural gas, electricity or hydrogen without requiring structural oven changes. Dürr will offer two models: EcoInCure transverse ovens and EcoSmartCure longitudinal units. EcoSmartCure employs stop-and-go heating where bodies move through defined stationary phases.

Why it matters: Manufacturers can switch between energy types when supply disruptions occur or cost differentials shift. The approach enables hybrid operations that automatically select the cheapest available fuel. Future additions like solar installations or electric thermal storage integrate without oven reconfiguration. Both models use single-level layouts suitable for existing facility constraints.

Industry context: Paint shop ovens previously locked facilities into single fuel types for their operational lifespan. Energy supply volatility and carbon targets have made fuel flexibility a planning requirement. Brownfield retrofits face space limitations that favour compact designs over multi-level installations requiring structural modifications.
Our take: EcoSmartCure remains in industrial validation -the stop-and-go heating approach addresses thermal management challenges specific to thicker electric vehicle components.