• Rapid heat transfer is one of the properties of aluminum block.Heat image by Dave from Fotolia.com
  
  Aluminum block ovens are designed for long-term, high-temperature testing, taking advantage of the positive qualities of aluminum blocks, such as cleanliness, safety and their strong heat transfer properties. The tests include determination of aging, or deterioration, for synthetic and natural rubber and silicones. These tests must be conducted under strict guidelines to determine the ability of the aluminum block ovens to satisfy set requirements.
  
  

Speed

• One of the heat transfer properties cited by Benz, a maker of block ovens that uses aluminum blocks, is the rapid transfer of the heat. Heat is transferred by heat convection when a heated object raises the temperature of the surrounding air. How fast the heat is transferred is important in testing, with Benz promoting the quick transfer by aluminum blocks.
  
  

Radiation

• It is critical for testing to have a uniform temperature, that is, the temperature that radiates outward and that is constant. According to Elastek, a maker of solid-cast aluminum block aging ovens, uniformity is achieved by placing the aluminum block in insulation and then encasing the aluminum block in a stainless steel jacket. The heat transfer property of radiation to achieve uniform temperature is also cited by Biotage as a benefit of its sold aluminum blocks.
  
  

Conduction

• Heat is transferred from one object to another, according to HyperPhysics, by agitation of the molecules in the material, in this instance aluminum block, without the material moving, which is the case in an oven. Temperatures move from higher to lower degrees to equalize, and aluminum is a good source to accomplish heat conduction, with its relatively high thermal conductivity, which is the quantity of heat transmitted.