Stacked Element Placement

[Doogles]

I'm building a 2'W x 2'W x 4'H oven for PC and Ceramic Coating so I need temps in the 650F range.

Most oven designs seem to have the elements spaced across from each other or up one side. Is this to encourage equal temps throughout the oven?

Due to the upright design and 2' confines of my cabinet I 'm thinking of stacking 2 or 3 3100W elelments in the bottom of the cabinet. I am wondering whether anyone had any input regarding whether this design, localizing heat and IR buildup, will encourage degradation of the elements?

The thought is to shield the elements from each other so there would be no direct IR degradation. A 1 to 1-1/2" space would be provided between each stacked element. A low CFM fan blowing across the elements would encourage a convection flow hopefully minimizing hotspots.

A grate over the top will protect the elements from physical damage.

Should I carry on with this stacked design or cut the sides out of my cabinet?

T.I.A. for any input

[CarWiz]

Interesting proposal but I think you'd get better heat distribution by spreading the elements out. Maybe one on each fixed wall at the bottom or one at the bottom and one at the top. The column style will make it hard to maintain an even temperature throughout the oven. Have you thought about laying the oven over? Two elements at the bottom of a 2' high oven would heat pretty fast and you'd get a better heat balance. Just a thought.