Nabertherm LT5/11/B180 Lift-Door Laboratory Muffle Furnace
| Brand | Nabertherm |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | LT5/11/B180 |
| Max Temperature | 1100 °C |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 200 × 170 × 130 mm |
| Chamber Volume | 5 L |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 440 × 470 × 740 mm (incl. 220 mm base height) |
| Power Supply | 2.4 kW, Single-phase |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Heating Time to Max Temp | ≤60 min |
| Controller Type | B180 Programmable Digital Controller with Color Graphic Display, 1 Program / 2 Segments, Skip Function, Start Delay, Runtime Counter, Self-Optimization, 1 °C / 1 min Programming Resolution, Manual MV Control, kWh Meter, Real-Time Clock, Software Interface Option |
Overview
The Nabertherm LT5/11/B180 is a precision-engineered laboratory muffle furnace designed for routine thermal processing in research, quality control, and academic settings. It operates on resistive heating principles, utilizing high-purity ceramic fiber insulation and nickel-chromium alloy heating elements to achieve stable, uniform temperature distribution across its 5-liter chamber. With a maximum operating temperature of 1100 °C and rapid heat-up capability (≤60 minutes), the furnace delivers reproducible thermal profiles essential for ashing, calcination, sintering, heat treatment, and pre-conditioning of samples in accordance with ASTM E1110, ISO 5659-2, and DIN 51074 standards. Its lift-door configuration enables vertical access—ideal for handling crucibles, ceramic boats, or standardized sample holders without lateral obstruction—while maintaining consistent thermal integrity during loading/unloading cycles.
Key Features
- Lift-type door mechanism with balanced counterweight system for smooth, low-effort operation and minimal heat loss during access
- High-density ceramic fiber insulation (≥1200 °C rated) ensuring low surface temperatures (<55 °C at 1100 °C operation) and energy efficiency
- Nabertherm B180 digital controller featuring a 3.5-inch color graphic display, intuitive menu navigation, and real-time status visualization (e.g., setpoint, actual temperature, segment progress, error codes)
- Programmable thermal profile support: 1 stored program with up to 2 segments; adjustable ramp rates, soak times, and end actions (hold, shut down, or repeat)
- Advanced control logic including self-optimizing PID algorithm, manual output (MV) override, and start-delay function for off-peak energy utilization
- Integrated runtime counter, kWh consumption meter, and real-time clock for GLP-compliant process documentation
- Robust stainless-steel exterior housing with reinforced door seal and integrated ventilation slots for controlled ambient cooling
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LT5/11/B180 accommodates standard laboratory ware including alumina, silica, and platinum crucibles (up to Ø90 mm × 60 mm height), ceramic boats (max. 180 mm length), and refractory sample trays. Its chamber geometry supports uniform heating of heterogeneous particulate samples (e.g., soil, catalysts, pharmaceutical excipients) and small-volume solid-state reactions. The furnace meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. For regulated environments, its controller supports audit-ready data logging when paired with optional Nabertherm LabSoft software (compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures when configured with user authentication and event logging).
Software & Data Management
While the B180 controller operates autonomously, it provides an RS485 interface (optional adapter required) for integration into centralized lab management systems. Nabertherm’s LabSoft PC software enables remote monitoring, multi-furnace scheduling, and export of time-stamped temperature logs in CSV format. All controller events—including power failures, overtemperature alarms, program interruptions, and manual interventions—are timestamped and retained in non-volatile memory. The kWh meter and runtime counter support energy usage benchmarking and preventive maintenance planning per ISO 55001 asset management guidelines.
Applications
- Residue determination and ash content analysis per AOAC 942.05, USP , and EN 15403
- Thermal decomposition studies of polymers, composites, and battery cathode materials
- Pre-sintering of ceramic green bodies and metal oxide precursors
- Calibration of thermocouples and reference materials (e.g., Zn, Al, Ag fixed points)
- Moisture and volatile loss testing in cement, coal, and mineral ores (ASTM C114, ISO 5982)
- Heat treatment of metallurgical samples for microstructure stabilization prior to SEM/EDS analysis
FAQ
What is the heating element material used in the LT5/11/B180?
The furnace employs high-temperature NiCr (nickel-chromium) resistance wire wound on ceramic supports, optimized for longevity and stability at 1100 °C.
Is the B180 controller compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The controller itself is not Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, but when used with LabSoft software, full audit trail, electronic signature, and secure user roles can be implemented to meet Part 11 requirements.
Can the furnace be integrated into a building management system (BMS)?
Yes—via optional RS485 Modbus RTU interface, enabling status polling, setpoint adjustment, and alarm reporting within industrial automation frameworks.
What safety certifications does this model hold?
It carries CE marking, complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (emission), and conforms to UL 61010-1 third-party recognized component standards for laboratory electrical equipment.
Does the lift-door design affect temperature uniformity?
No—the vertical door sealing mechanism and optimized airflow path ensure radial and axial temperature uniformity of ±5 °C at 1100 °C (measured per DIN EN 60068-2-11), validated during factory calibration.
