Modification and Refurbishment of Cober 6 kW Microwave System
Initial Problem
This microwave system, originally manufactured by Cober Electronics in 1984, had fallen into disrepair. Several key components—including the microwave generator—had been removed entirely, and the main control cabinet was limited to basic functions such as air heat, blower control, and fire alarm monitoring. As a result, the system was non-functional and underpowered by today’s production standards.
Objective
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Fully refurbish the Cober system to restore it to like-new operational condition.
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Double the microwave power output from 6 kW to 12 kW.
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Retrofit the system with modern, serviceable components and upgraded controls for reliability and ease of operation.
MES Solution
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Removed all obsolete components, including the original waveguide, conveyor motor drive, and outdated wiring.
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Thoroughly cleaned the internal microwave cavity and external frame to remove residue and prepare for reassembly.
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Installed (2) refurbished 6 kW microwave generators, increasing total system capacity to 12 kW.
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Routed new waveguide runs from each generator to the oven cavity, ensuring safe and efficient energy transfer.
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Upgraded the main control cabinet to include:
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Controls and metering for the new microwave generators
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Temperature monitoring for hot air
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Conveyor speed controls and feedback
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Installed new interlock and protection circuitry to bring the system up to modern safety standards.
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Tested the system thoroughly, verifying performance and ensuring microwave leakage remained within safe limits.
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Included a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Results
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The refurbished system performs like a new, production-ready microwave oven, delivering 12 kW of power with modernized controls.
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Components are readily available, reducing future downtime and simplifying maintenance.
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Provides an economical alternative to full replacement, with performance and reliability suitable for demanding production environments.
Before
After
