GCF1400 Controlled Atmosphere Muffle Furnace

The GCF1400 series muffle furnaces are designed for high-precision temperature control in controlled atmospheres, capable of reaching temperatures up to 1400°C. These furnaces are ideal for applications requiring exact atmospheric conditions, such as sintering, materials testing, or chemical processes, offering precise temperature control with minimal error.

Key Features:

• High-Quality Construction:

  • The furnace uses Mitsubishi (Japan) high-quality 1600-grade polycrystalline alumina fiber for the chamber insulation, ensuring high thermal efficiency and durability.
  • Silicon Carbide (SiC) heating elements provide excellent performance at high temperatures, ensuring even heat distribution.

• Controlled Atmosphere:

  • The furnace features multiple gas inlets and outlets with stainless steel ball valves and a flow meter to control the inbound and outbound gas flows.
  • Gas mixtures (e.g., Nitrogen, Argon, Hydrogen up to 5%, CO2) can be carefully controlled within the furnace for specialized applications like binder burnout, sintering, or material treatment.
  • The furnace chamber is welded and oil leak-tested to ensure airtight sealing, with a high-temperature silicon gasket around the door for a secure seal.
  • Alicat mass flow controllers are available as options for precise gas flow management (sold separately).

• Advanced Temperature Control:

  • Eurotherm 3204 (UK) or Shimaden FP93 (Japan) multi-segment digital controllers provide precise, programmable temperature control.
  • Self-tuning PID control for optimum thermal process management and minimal temperature overshoot.
  • Temperature accuracy: ±1°C (±1.8°F).
  • The furnace is equipped with a long-life type S thermocouple for accurate temperature readings at high temperatures.

• Vacuum and Pressure Control:

  • The furnace supports rough vacuum down to 1000 Pa (hose barb connection), though it is primarily designed to be used with controlled atmospheric gases, not as a vacuum furnace.
  • The furnace also features positive pressure control, with a maximum pressure of 0.02 MPa (150 torr).

• Safety Features:

  • Overheat protection automatically shuts down the furnace if the temperature exceeds the safe limit or if the thermocouple fails.
  • Power failure protection ensures that the furnace will resume operation once power is restored, preserving the integrity of the process.
  • Built-in ammeter and dual voltmeters for monitoring and troubleshooting the electrical system.

• Temperature Profiles:

  • Supports up to 50-segment programming with options for multiple atmosphere processes in a single cycle, such as binder burnout in air and sintering in inert gas or vacuum.

• Cooling System:

  • Built-in stainless steel water-cooling panel helps protect the furnace door’s sealing gasket during prolonged use or high-heat operations.

Specifications:

• Chamber Dimensions:

  • Available in multiple sizes:
    • 6x6x6 inches (0.13 cu ft)
    • 12x8x8 inches (0.44 cu ft)
    • 16x12x12 inches (1.33 cu ft)
    • 20x16x16 inches (2.96 cu ft)
    • 20x20x20 inches (4.63 cu ft)

• Maximum Working Temperatures:

  • Air, Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar): 1400°C
  • Nitrogen (N2): 1270°C
  • Hydrocarbon gases: 1250°C
  • Hydrogen (H2) up to 5%: 1200°C
  • Rough vacuum: 1200°C

• Heating Elements:
  Silicon Carbide (SiC) heating elements are installed, providing efficient heating with a maximum output of:

  • 3 kW for smaller models (6x6x6, 12x8x8)
  • 7 kW for medium models (16x12x12)
  • 13 kW for larger models (20x16x16, 20x20x20)

• Electrical Requirements:

  • 208-240V, 50/60Hz, single-phase for smaller models.
  • 480V, 50/60Hz, 3-phase for larger models.

• Temperature Control System:

  • Eurotherm 3204 Controller (8 segments) or Shimaden FP93 (up to 40 segments) with precise ramp and dwell programming.

• Certification:

  • ETL tested to UL and CSA standards (optional).
  • CE certified (standard).

Size Comparison and Weight:

• Smaller Models (6x6x6, 12x8x8, 16x12x12):

  • Unit Dimensions: 23x28x35 inches to 31x33x44 inches
  • Shipping Dimensions: 28x33x45 inches to 43x46x81 inches
  • Unit/Shipping Weight: 290/400 lb to 590/720 lb

• Larger Models (20x16x16, 20x20x20):

  • Unit Dimensions: 36x40x73 inches to 40x44x77 inches
  • Shipping Dimensions: 43x46x81 inches to 48x51x68 inches
  • Unit/Shipping Weight: 1100/1452 lb to 1320/1672 lb

Applications:

• Laboratory Use:
  Ideal for applications requiring precise control over both temperature and atmosphere, such as sintering, ceramic firing, heat treatment of metals, or research processes.

• Industrial and Manufacturing:
  Used in industries where controlled atmospheres are essential, such as in the production of high-performance materials, metal alloys, and advanced ceramics.

Warranty:

• 1-year warranty, covering parts and labor (excluding heating elements).