Modification and Refurbishment of Cimdor 10.5 kW Microwave System

Initial Problem

This Cimdor microwave system, originally manufactured in Spain in 1980, was completely non-operational. All major components were European-made and long discontinued, making maintenance or repair virtually impossible. However, the microwave cavity and external frame remained structurally sound, presenting a viable foundation for a full system rebuild rather than complete replacement.

Objective

Restore the system to full operational condition using modern, U.S.-sourced components.
Eliminate all obsolete and unsupported electrical and mechanical elements.
Improve performance, reliability, and serviceability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Deliver a turnkey system with warranty support.

MES Solution

Removed all internal components and wiring, preserving only the original inner cavity and structural frame.
Deep-cleaned the microwave cavity and external frame, removing decades of residue and corrosion.
Installed (8) new MES-manufactured microwave power supplies, boosting the system’s capacity from 10.5 kW to 12 kW total.
Added new 12 kW electrical heating elements, a new air blower assembly, and a variable frequency drive to allow full control of convection heating.
Rebuilt the conveyor system, including all new circuitry, controls, metering, and a Teflon-coated fiberglass belt for smooth product transport.
Implemented all-new interlock and protection circuitry to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.
Tested the system thoroughly, verifying both operational integrity and acceptable microwave leakage levels.
Included a 1-year warranty covering parts and labor.

Results

Effectively delivered a like-new microwave processing system at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new unit.
Leveraged modern, readily available U.S.-made components to simplify future maintenance and reduce lead times.
Extended the useful life of a legacy oven frame and cavity without compromising performance or safety.
Provided a cost-effective solution for customers who need high-performance equipment without the capital outlay of full replacement.

Before

After