Furnaces – Guide Image
Laboratory Furnace Buying Guide
1. Determine the Required Temperature
- 1200°C: Suitable for most general applications (ashing, sintering, annealing).
- 1400°C: For advanced ceramics, glass, and high‑temperature alloys.
- 1700°C: For ultra‑high‑temperature materials, such as advanced ceramics and semiconductors.
2. Choose the Furnace Type
- Chamber Muffle Furnace: General purpose, easy to load, available in various sizes.
- Tube Furnace: For experiments requiring controlled atmospheres or vacuum. Available in single, dual, or three‑zone configurations.
- Bottom Loading Furnace: Ideal for heavy or delicate samples, especially for ceramic sintering.
- Vacuum / Atmosphere Furnace: For processing under inert gases or vacuum.
3. Heating Element Selection
- HRE wire: Up to 1200°C, cost‑effective, good for routine use.
- SiC rods: Up to 1400°C, excellent for high‑temperature oxidising atmospheres.
- MoSi₂ rods: Up to 1700°C, for extreme temperatures.
4. Chamber Size and Capacity
Choose a furnace that accommodates your sample size and batch volume. Consider both the internal dimensions and the maximum load weight.
5. Temperature Uniformity
For precise experiments, look for furnaces with temperature uniformity of ±1°C across the working zone. Multi‑zone heating can improve uniformity.
6. Atmosphere Control
If you need to process under inert gases (argon, nitrogen) or vacuum, choose a furnace with gas inlet/outlet and vacuum capability.
7. Safety Features
Ensure the furnace has over‑temperature protection, thermocouple break alarms, and safe power cut‑off mechanisms.
Need help choosing a laboratory furnace? Krivalis offers a comprehensive range of furnaces from 1200°C to 1700°C. Contact us for a personalised recommendation.
