Centorr Vacuum Industries, Nashua, N.H., has shipped a new lab-sized Series 45 top loading furnace for research and development work that can reach temperatures up to 3200°C (5790°F) in an inert gas atmosphere. The hot zone size of 6 inches diameter by 9 inches high is ideal for heat treatment of ceramics, graphite, and carbon composites, and is suitable for process development and lab studies. The hot zone is contained within a robust double-walled, water-jacketed, all stainless steel chamber.
This furnace combines the proven designs of Centorr’s popular LF 22-3000 Lab Furnace and the rugged Series 45 furnaces. Centorr’s Series 45 graphite furnace design includes solid graphite panel elements designed for long service life within a cylindrical hot zone of rigid graphite insulation to provide long-term service even in the presence of process off-gassing.
The vacuum pumping system is capable of attaining 5 x 10-2 Torr prior to backfilling with process gas up to 2 PSIG. Operation is at 2400°C (4350°F) in 1 Torr of vacuum, with full 3200°C (5790°F) capability in 2 PSIG of process gas. Furnace control is via PLC/Programmable Controllers with Centorr’s custom-designed HMI visualization interface available as an option.
