A gradient oven tester is a testing instrument which simulates the conditions of a production oven in the lab.
It is used to test the baking and drying properties of liquid/powder coatings, resins, plastics, etc.
and can determine how these materials will react when placed under extreme stress from heat, but more importantly can determine the temperature needed for drying as well as how long it will take for these materials to dry and harden once applied.
Gradient ovens can also be used to artificially simulate natural weathering processes in the laboratory.
[3] Gradient ovens are also used in thermochromatography, which is a form of gas-liquid chromatography.